TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- There's nothing like the look, feel and smell of a brand new car, but it doesn't last. While it's impossible to keep your car in flawless condition, you can make it clean and shiny again. In this Angie's List report, auto detailing for every budget.
You don't have to spend big bucks to keep your ride looking fresh. Just $50 can make a huge difference.
"We would do a hand wash. We would also apply a hand wax. Clean the windows, the wheels. Also do a quick vacuum on the interior of the vehicle and give it a quick wipe down on the dash," said professional detailer Ric Vega.
For around $100, your auto detailer may spend more time focusing on the exterior, often with a clay bar treatment that removes pieces of dirt. For a little less than $200, many auto detailers offer a complete interior or exterior detail.
"So, we could either get the inside looking as good as it possibly can, which does take about a full day, or do an exterior detail. The sealant's included in that as well, but we would also be buffing and polishing. Remove all the surface scratches. Get the exterior looking as good as possible," explained Vega.
A deluxe auto detail, which includes every step of a full interior and exterior detailing, typically costs more than $250. You'll likely pay extra if you drive a large truck or SUV, or even a black vehicle, because that shows every minor imperfection.
Regardless of what you plan to spend, Angie's List says make sure your expectations are clear.
"Having your car auto detailed is actually a pretty personal service. So, you want to talk to them about all of the specifics of your car, understand their experience and be sure to point out any areas that may need a little extra attention like if the kids have left an ice cream cone in the back seat and you want to make sure that gets out," said Angie Hicks of Angie's List.
When it comes to stain removal, expect to pay about $50, depending on the severity of the stain. Auto detailing experts say it's best to just leave the stain alone and bring your car to them. Many times people try several different household products to clean the stain and end up setting it in.
Remember you can catch the latest Angie's List report every Tuesday morning on WTXL Sunrise.
