Professional
Exterior Detail
From wheels to wax — every step of our exterior detail process explained, so you know exactly what your vehicle is getting.
Every Step of the Exterior Detail
A proper exterior detail is far more than a wash. Here's every step — and why the order matters.
Wheels & Wheel Wells
We start with the wheels — the dirtiest part of any vehicle. Brake dust, road grime, and tar are removed using dedicated wheel cleaners. Starting here prevents contaminating the paint we'll clean later.
Alkaline Pre-Wash Foam
A high-pH alkaline pre-wash is applied to the entire exterior. This chemically breaks down road film, traffic film, and organic soiling before any physical contact with the paint — dramatically reducing the risk of inflicting wash-induced scratches.
Bug & Tar Removal
Bug splatter and tar deposits are treated with dedicated removers. These contaminants bond chemically to paint and can't be removed safely by washing alone — trying to scrub them off without treatment causes scratches.
Iron Decontamination
An iron remover is applied to dissolve ferrous (iron) particles — brake dust and industrial fallout — that embed in paint and are completely invisible to the eye. Left untreated, these particles rust beneath the surface and cause long-term paint damage. Performed as needed based on vehicle condition.
Clay Bar Treatment
A detailing clay bar is used to physically remove bonded surface contaminants that chemical decontamination leaves behind — industrial fallout, overspray, and mineral deposits. After claying, the paint feels glass-smooth to the touch. Performed as needed.
pH-Neutral Hand Wash
With contamination removed, we perform a thorough pH-neutral hand wash using the two-bucket method — one bucket for soap, one for rinsing the mitt — to minimize the risk of dragging grit across the paint surface.
Hand Dry with Microfiber
The vehicle is hand-dried with premium microfiber towels rather than air-dried or left to drip-dry. Air drying leaves water spots from mineral deposits in tap water — hand drying eliminates this entirely.
3-Month Paint Sealant
A professional paint sealant is applied to all painted surfaces for 3 months of hydrophobic protection — repelling water, reducing contamination bonding, and making future washes easier and safer on your paint.
Tires & Trim Dressed
Tires are dressed for a clean, even finish. Exterior plastic trim is treated to restore a consistent, deep appearance. Exterior glass is cleaned streak-free for maximum visibility.
Exterior Detail by Vehicle Size
Starting prices for a clean, standard vehicle. Confirmed at inspection.
| Vehicle Type | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Sedan / Coupe | $220 |
| Small SUV / Crossover | $250 |
| Large SUV / Truck | $280 |
Heavy contamination, heavy oxidation, or severe water spots may require additional time — always confirmed before work begins.
Optional Add-Ons
Headlight Restoration
Yellowed, hazy headlights restored to clear — improving nighttime visibility and your vehicle's overall appearance. One of the most visible upgrades you can make.
Undercarriage Foam Bath
High-pressure alkaline foam applied to the undercarriage to remove road salt, mud, and built-up grime — especially valuable after Iowa winters.
Want Long-Term Protection?
A sealant lasts weeks. A ceramic coating lasts years — with deeper gloss and dramatically easier maintenance. Pair it with paint correction to remove defects before locking in the finish.
Exterior Detail Questions
We include iron decon and clay bar treatment as needed based on the vehicle's condition. We assess during the pre-service inspection — if the paint is already clean and recently maintained, we may skip the clay step. If it needs it, we do it.
An exterior detail cleans, decontaminates, and protects the paint — it doesn't correct it. Removing swirls and scratches requires paint correction. If your paint has significant defects, consider our paint correction + ceramic coating packages for permanent results.
The standard sealant provides approximately 3 months of protection. The 6-month ceramic wax add-on extends that to 6 months. For long-term protection (1–3+ years), our ceramic coating packages are the right choice.
For most services, yes — a standard outdoor garden hose connection is all we need. If you don't have easy water access, let us know when booking and we'll discuss options.
Book Your Exterior Detail Today
We come to your driveway fully equipped. Get a free quote and let's restore that shine.
Get a Free Quote