Professional car detailing usually takes between 2 and 10+ hours, depending on the vehicle’s condition, service level, and protection type. When comparing express services to full professional detailing, the true question is not just how long does it take to detail a car, but what actually happens during that time.
This guide from Advanced Detailing Sofla breaks down each stage of professional car detailing, explains why certain services require more time, and helps you choose the right level of detailing based on your vehicle’s condition, especially in the South Florida climate.
Key Takeaways
- Professional car detailing takes 2–10+ hours, depending on condition and service depth.
- Interior and exterior detailing require separate preparation and restoration steps
- Paint correction takes the longest because it removes defects instead of masking them
- Ceramic coatings and PPF extend service time due to prep and curing requirements
- In South Florida, detailing helps protect against UV damage, humidity, and salt exposure
What Does Car Detailing Actually Include?
Car detailing is a systematic restoration and protection process, not a basic wash. Each step builds on the previous one to improve appearance, durability, and long-term condition.
Most professional detailing services include:
Interior Detailing
- Deep cleaning of carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces
- Leather cleaning and conditioning
- Stain and odor removal
- Protection against UV damage and material wear
Exterior Detailing
- Safe hand washing using paint-preserving methods
- Paint decontamination (chemical + mechanical)
- Polishing or correction to restore clarity
- Application of protective layers (wax, sealant, ceramic, or PPF)
Skipping preparation or protection may save time initially – but it shortens results and accelerates fading, staining, and surface wear, especially under South Florida sun exposure.
Average Time To Detail A Car (Service-Level Comparison)
The time required depends on how much correction and protection are involved:
| Service Type | Average Time | What It Includes |
| Express Detail | 1–2 hours | Light interior wipe-down and exterior wash |
| Standard Professional Detail | 3–6 hours | Full interior + exterior cleaning |
| Deluxe / Premium Detail | 6–10+ hours | Paint correction and long-term protection |
How Long Does Interior Detailing Take?
Professional interior detailing generally requires 2 to 5 hours. This time varies based on the degree of contamination, the presence of stains, and the types of materials involved. Unlike surface cleaning, professional interior detailing focuses on restoring cabin conditions, not masking dirt or smells.
Common interior processes include:
- Vacuuming seats, carpets, and trunk areas
- Shampooing fabric upholstery and floor mats
- Leather cleaning and conditioning to prevent cracking
- Odor removal for smoke, food, pets, or moisture buildup
Vehicles with neglected interiors, pet hair, sand, or heavy staining require additional time due to the extraction and drying stages.
How Long Does Exterior Detailing Take?
Exterior detailing typically requires 2 to 4 hours. This duration can vary based on the paint’s current condition and the level of contamination. The process is centered on thoroughly and safely cleaning the paint and preparing the vehicle’s surface.
Typical exterior steps include:
- Hand washing with paint-safe methods
- Clay bar decontamination to remove bonded particles
- Light polishing to restore clarity
- Wax or sealant application for short-term protection
- Wheel, tire, and trim cleaning
Proper preparation improves gloss and makes future maintenance easier.
Paint Correction: Why It Takes The Longest
Paint correction removes imperfections, unlike waxing, which merely hides them. This process typically requires 4 to 12 or more hours, with the exact duration dependent on factors such as the severity of the defects, the paint’s hardness, and the desired level of correction.
This process may involve:
- Machine compounding to reduce scratches and swirl marks
- One-step or multi-step polishing for clarity and reflection
- Controlled clear-coat leveling for long-term safety
Dark-colored vehicles and heavily neglected paint require more correction time.
Ceramic Coating Timeframes (Application + Cure)
Applying a ceramic coating takes 4–8 hours plus curing time. This duration is necessary for meticulous surface preparation and correct bonding, which are crucial for the best performance and cannot be rushed.
Key considerations:
- Paint must be fully cleaned and corrected before application
- Initial curing requires limited water exposure
- Full curing can take 24–72 hours, depending on the product
Shortcuts reduce durability, gloss retention, and hydrophobic performance.
What Factors Affect How Long Car Detailing Takes?
Detailing time varies based on:
- Vehicle size and body design
- Interior and exterior condition
- Paint defect density and severity
- Protection type (wax vs ceramic coating vs PPF)
- Previous maintenance history
In general, more time equals more correction, stronger protection, and longer-lasting results.
Professional Detailing Vs. DIY: What’s The Difference?
| Factors | DIY Car Detailing | Professional Car Detailing |
| Purpose | Light upkeep and basic maintenance | Efficiency, safety, and long-term durability |
| Time Required | 4–8+ hours or multiple sessions | 2–10+ hours, depending on service level |
| Result Quality | Inconsistent and skill-dependent | Repeatable, professional-grade results |
| Paint Safety | Higher risk of swirl marks or surface damage | Safer paint correction techniques |
| Long-Term Value | DIY mistakes can increase overall costs | Professional detailing costs are more cost-effective upfront |
While DIY detailing may appear more affordable initially, correcting mistakes often exceeds professional detailing costs, making professional detailing the more reliable long-term option.
How Often Should You Detail Your Car In South Florida?
In South Florida, most vehicles benefit from professional detailing every 2–4 months.
Environmental stressors include:
- Intense UV exposure
- High humidity levels
- Salt air near coastal areas
Regular detailing helps:
- Reduce interior fading
- Minimize corrosion risk
- Maintain smoother, easier-to-clean paint
- Extend material lifespan
Book Professional Car Detailing Near You
If you want lasting results, professional car detailing is the most effective option. Understanding how long detailing takes helps you choose the correct service level based on your vehicle’s condition and driving habits. Advanced Detailing Sofla proudly provides professional auto detailing services in Pompano Beach, Florida, including full auto detailing, ceramic coating, paint protection film, and window tinting. Schedule your appointment today and protect your vehicle with professional-grade detailing from a trusted local specialist.
FAQs
A full car detailing service typically takes 3–6 hours, depending on vehicle size and condition.
Interior detailing usually takes 2–5 hours, based on stains, odors, and material type.
A full detail includes interior and exterior cleaning, surface decontamination, and a protection layer such as wax or sealant.
Detailing takes time because professionals clean, correct, and protect. Skipping preparation causes faster deterioration.
Yes. Professional detailing improves appearance, extends paint life, and reduces long-term wear – especially in high-UV climates like South Florida.