Exterior car detailing in Sacramento, wheels to glass
This is the outside half of a full detail, booked on its own: a hand wash, wheels and jambs, decontamination, a hand wax, and the glass. It's for when the outside needs the work and the inside doesn't. I do exterior car detailing in Sacramento at your home or office, starting at $200, depending on size and condition.
- 26+ years' experience
- 1-hour arrival window
- Home or office
- Hablo español
What's included in an exterior detail
- A pressure rinse, then a foam cannon to soak and loosen the dirt
- A hand wash and a final rinse
- Wheels, tires and wheel wells, plus the door jambs
- Clay, plus iron and tar remover, to decontaminate the paint
- A hand wax
- The exterior glass, cleaned with a tint-safe, ammonia-free cleaner
Available at an extra charge:
- Hard-water removal on glass, and windshield polishing
- A rain repellent on the glass
- Work on faded trim
- Machine waxing, as an optional upgrade
Not included: paint correction, which is always a separate job, and the interior, which is an interior detail.
What an exterior detail can and can't fix
An exterior detail cleans, decontaminates and protects the paint. It doesn't take out swirls or scratches. That's paint correction, quoted on its own once I've seen the paint. On the walk-around, I'll show you which marks a wash and wax will handle and which would need correction.
Glass. True mineral spots on glass can usually be removed, at an additional charge. Very deep scratches in glass can't be.
Trim. Faded black trim can be conditioned, at an extra charge. Once it's gone light gray, almost white, it usually can't go back to black, and anything I put on it is temporary.
Water spots on the paint
Most true mineral water spots can be removed. How much work they take depends on how severe the buildup is and whether the marks are actually mineral deposits or deeper chemical staining or etching. I'll inspect the finish first and tell you what I expect before I quote the work.
If you're seeing spots, point them out on the walk-around or mention them when you book. Severe buildup, like white deposits that stand out on darker paint, takes considerably more work.
How it works at your place
I pressure rinse first, then foam the vehicle to loosen the dirt before the hand wash. Wheels, tires, wells and jambs come next, then the clay and decontamination, then the hand wax (or the machine-wax upgrade, if you've asked for it).
An exterior detail takes about 1 hour 15 minutes or more, depending on the vehicle's size and condition. A bigger SUV, a dark color or heavy contamination adds time.
On a hot day I want shade, especially for a dark vehicle. Rain means a phone call from me, and usually a new date unless you have a garage I can use.
You don't need to leave a hose out. The truck carries its own water, up to 300 gallons, and a generator for power.
What an exterior detail costs
An exterior detail starts at $200. Size and condition move it from there. Glass and trim extras are quoted on top, and I'll tell you about them before I start.
Hand waxing is included. Machine waxing is available as an optional upgrade at an additional cost. Want it? Ask about it when you request your quote. The price depends on the vehicle.
If you want the inside done the same visit, a full car detail covers both.
I'll confirm after a quick look or a few photos.
Travel fees may apply depending on location and service, and will be confirmed with your quote.
What exterior customers say
Below are reviews customers have left about my work.
Exterior detailing questions
Do you do hard-water removal on glass?
Yes. I do hard-water removal on glass and windshield polishing, at an additional charge. I can also put a rain repellent on the glass afterward. Griot's Garage is what I use for that.
Is your glass cleaner safe on tinted windows?
Yes. Aftermarket tint is easy to work around with an ammonia-free cleaner, which is what I use.
Do you clean the inside of the wheels?
I clean the rims, tires and wheel wells on every exterior detail. I don't take wheels off, so the inner barrels aren't part of it. Chrome and alloy wheels clean up easily, even with heavy brake dust and tar. Polished aluminum is different: fewer cleaners work on it, so it takes a lot of polishing, and some spots can't be reached with the wheel on.
How do I keep black trim from fading?
Keep it conditioned. Black plastic trim fades over time, and conditioning is what stops it fading too far. I quote trim work on what the trim needs.
Is there a set price for water spots?
No. I don't publish one, because I have to see the spots first.
Do you work on classics, matte paint or wraps?
Yes. I've worked on collector cars, and on black, matte and wrapped paint. Matte paint gets a spray wax with a UV inhibitor instead of a regular wax, and vinyl wraps get products made for them. Each material needs its own approach.
Book an exterior detail
Send me the vehicle and your ZIP, and add any trim or glass you'd like me to look at in the notes. For photos and more detail, use the quote request form.