What a detailing package should include inside and out

When you book a detailing package, you're paying for restoration work, not just a wash. But 'full detailing' means different things to different providers, so knowing what to expect—inside and out—matters before you hand over your keys and your money.

The confusion starts because detailing sits between a professional car wash and a full respray or interior rebuild. A detailer cleans, protects and sometimes polishes; they don't replace worn seats or fix dents. Understanding that boundary saves disappointment.

What exterior detailing actually involves

Proper exterior detailing starts with a deep clean—a two-stage wash that removes contaminants a standard rinse misses. Your detailer should hand-wash the car, not use an automated bay, because abrasive brushes swirl the paint. They'll clay the paintwork afterward, which feels like rubbing the surface with a smooth bar of soap and pulls out embedded dirt, tar and fallout that washing alone won't shift.

Once the paint is clean, most packages include a polish or compound stage. Polish removes light oxidation and swirl marks; compound is stronger and cuts deeper into damaged paint. Not every car needs both—a newer car in good condition might only need polish, while a neglected one benefits from compound first. A good detailer will assess your paint and explain what yours needs.

Protection comes next. This is where sealant or ceramic coating enters the conversation. A sealant is a liquid polymer that bonds to paint and lasts a few months; ceramic coating is harder and lasts longer (sometimes claimed as years, though real longevity depends on aftercare and climate). Some packages include one, some offer it as an upgrade. Ask what's included in the base price and what costs extra.

Trim, glass and wheels need attention too. Exterior detailing packages should cover wheel cleaning (including the inside of the rim and brake dust removal), glass polishing or coating, and dressing for rubber trim and plastic mouldings so they look darker and fresher. Headlight restoration—removing yellowing and oxidation—is sometimes separate.

What the interior package should cover

Interior detailing is deeper than vacuuming. It includes shampooing or steam-cleaning carpets and fabric seats, not just surface-level dirt removal. If your car has leather, conditioning should be part of the package; if it's cloth, stain treatment matters. Dashboards, door panels and steering wheels get cleaned with appropriate products—not harsh chemicals that crack plastic or fade leather.

A thorough interior detail includes the trunk or boot, air vents (often overlooked but dust collects there), and cup holders. Glass gets cleaned from inside. Some detailers will condition leather, treat fabric protectant, or shampoo the ceiling lining, though these are sometimes add-ons rather than standard inclusions.

What detailing doesn't include: it won't replace a torn seat, repair a stain that's set in, or fix mechanical issues. If your car smells strongly of mildew or pet, ask whether the detailer's process includes ozone treatment (an optional extra that neutralises odours) before you book.

Spotting the gaps before you commit

Packages vary wildly because there's no official 'full detailing' standard in South Africa. One provider's R1,500 package might include ceramic coating; another's might not. Before booking, ask your detailer for a detailed breakdown: what's included in the base price, what requires an upcharge, and how long the work takes. Photos of before-and-after work help you see their standard.

Also check whether they quote labour time realistically. A rushed job—trying to fully detail a car in three hours—often means corners cut. Ask how long they'll need and whether the quote covers the work or is an estimate.

When you've found someone whose package matches what your car actually needs, booking a verified detailer on Strove means you can see their customer reviews and track record before you commit, so you're not guessing whether they'll deliver what they've promised.