A full detail covers all of the above categories, plus exterior metal polishing. The job includes a complete interior cleaning to remove stains, odors, and dirt from all surfaces. The exterior is polished to remove light swirls and restore gloss before waxing. Some full-detail packages include engine cleaning, too.

In a general term, a full detail implies that all (or most) areas of the vehicle are cleaned (detailed)… exterior wash, wheels and wheel wells cleaned and dressed, door jambs cleaned, windows, interior vacuumed, interior surfaces wiped down, etc.

The auto detailing results should last four to six months. However, a number of factors come into play. There will be less need for detailing if you clean, car wash, and wax your vehicle on a regular basis. Detailing for such a neat person should be done only twice a year, which is sufficient.

So, how much do you tip a car detailer? The standard rate is 10-15% of the total cost of the detail.