A full car detail is a top-to-bottom cleaning of both the interior and exterior of your vehicle, done by hand, with protection added at the end. At minimum it should cover a hand wash, wheels and tires, glass inside and out, a thorough vacuum, and a wipe-down of interior surfaces. Better full details go deeper into upholstery, door jambs, vents and paint decontamination.
The problem is that “full detail” means different things at different shops. One company calls a quick wash and vacuum a full detail, while another includes clay bar treatment and a ceramic sealant. This guide breaks down exactly what our packages include, what they cost in Mesa and the East Valley, and how to compare quotes so you know what you are paying for.
What “Full Detail” Should Mean
A real full detail does three things: it cleans, it restores, and it protects.
- Clean: remove dirt, dust, grime and buildup from every surface you see and touch, inside and out.
- Restore: bring back surfaces that look tired, like dull paint, dusty vents, grimy cup holders and stained floor mats.
- Protect: leave something behind that helps the car stay clean longer, such as a spray sealant on the paint.
In Arizona, the protect step matters more than most places. Intense UV, monsoon dust and hard water start working on a clean car the same day. A detail that skips protection looks great for a week and then fades fast.
ShineCo Packages, Side by Side
Here is how our three detail packages compare. Trucks and SUVs add a size surcharge because there is more surface to clean.
| Package | Starting Price (Car) | Trucks/SUVs | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Shine Detail | $125 | +$30 | 1 to 1.5 hrs |
| Deluxe Shine Detail | $250 | +$60 | 2 to 3 hrs |
| Premium Shine Detail | $425 | +$100 | 4 to 5 hrs |
Standard Shine Detail
The Standard is a solid maintenance detail for a car that is already in decent shape. It includes:
- Hand wash with premium soaps and sealers
- Spot-free water rinse
- Basic interior vacuum
- General interior cleaning
- Windows inside and out
- Tires and wheels cleaned, plus tire shine
Deluxe Shine Detail
The Deluxe is what most people picture when they say “full detail.” It includes everything in the Standard, plus:
- Upholstery detailing
- Floorboard detailing
- Deep clean of doors, jambs, dash, cup holders and vents
- Leather cleaning
- 3-month spray sealant
If your interior has been neglected for a few months, or you have kids, a long commute or a lot of desert dust coming in, the Deluxe is usually the right fit.
Premium Shine Detail
The Premium includes everything in the Deluxe, with greater attention on every surface, plus:
- Clay bar decontamination of paint and glass
- Wheel protection
- 6-month spray ceramic sealant
Clay bar treatment pulls out bonded contaminants that washing alone leaves behind, which is why the paint feels smooth as glass afterward. It is a good choice before the summer heat or after a season of sprinkler overspray and road grime.
Add-Ons That Turn a Good Detail Into the Right Detail
Every car has its own problem areas. Instead of paying for a bigger package you do not need, you can add specific services:
- Upholstery and Floor Detail ($135): deep cleaning for stained seats and carpet. Third row adds $45.
- Sanitizing Steam Cleaning ($125): heat-based cleaning for stains and high-touch areas.
- Leather Conditioning ($75): keeps leather from drying out in the heat.
- Odor Removal Treatment ($45): targets the source of lingering smells.
- Engine Bay Detailing ($115): degreases and dresses the engine compartment.
- Overspray and Tar Removal ($110): for bonded contaminants in limited areas.
- Headlight Restoration ($125): clears foggy, yellowed lenses.
You can see every service and price on our pricing page.
What a Full Detail Does Not Include
A full detail is a deep clean with light protection. It is not paint repair. Two services are separate because they take far more time and skill:
- Paint correction: machine polishing to remove swirl marks, light scratches and oxidation. This is its own service, priced from $400 for Paint Enhancement and $715 for Paint Correction on a car. Learn more on our paint correction page.
- Ceramic coating: a long-term protective coating applied after paint prep. It is a separate service with its own prep and pricing. If you are weighing it, our ceramic coating guide covers it in depth.
If a shop advertises a cheap “full detail” that claims to remove scratches, ask exactly what process they use. A wax or glaze can hide fine swirls for a few washes, but it does not remove them.
Is $300 a Lot for a Car Detail?
It depends on what is included. For a truck or SUV, $300 to $310 is right in line with a true full detail like our Deluxe, which covers upholstery, floorboards, jambs, vents, leather and a spray sealant. For a small car that only needs a wash and vacuum, $300 would be high.
The better question is what you get per dollar. A cheap detail that takes 30 minutes cannot reach the same level of clean as a two to three hour service. Look at the time estimate, not just the price.
How to Compare Detailing Quotes
When you get quotes from different detailers in Mesa, Gilbert or Chandler, ask these questions:
- Is it a hand wash? Brushes and tunnel washes can scratch paint.
- What water do you use? Arizona tap water leaves mineral spots. Spot-free water prevents that.
- Are door jambs, vents and cup holders included? These are often skipped.
- What protection is applied, and how long does it last?
- How long will the job take?
- Are there travel fees? We do not charge travel fees inside our service area.
- Are you licensed and insured?
Clear answers to these questions tell you more than any package name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a full detail the same as an interior and exterior detail?
Mostly, yes. A full detail covers both the inside and outside of the vehicle. If you only need one side, our Exterior Detail Only and Interior Detail Only services each start at $100 for a car.
Do I need a full detail every time?
No. Many drivers book a full detail once or twice a year and use a Standard detail in between to keep things maintained. Heavy use, kids, pets and outdoor parking all shorten the time between full details.
Does a full detail include the trunk?
A general cleaning of the cargo area is part of a thorough interior detail. If your trunk or cargo area has heavy stains, spills or sand, mention it when you book so we plan time for it.
ShineCo is a family-owned mobile detailing company based in Mesa. We come to you at home or work anywhere in the East Valley and bring our own water and power, so all you need is a parking spot. Ready to see what a real full detail looks like on your car? Get a fast quote or call or text (480) 448-2888, and we will come to your home or office anywhere in the East Valley.
