Exterior detailing, not just a wash.
Exterior car detailing goes several steps beyond a wash: after a foam hand wash we decontaminate the paint with a clay bar, chemically remove bonded iron and tar, seal the paint by machine, and dress the tires and trim. Our Exterior Detail starts at $160 for sedans, $180 for SUVs, and $200 for trucks and vans.
The difference shows up in how the paint feels and how long it stays clean. Decontamination strips what washing cannot: rail dust, road tar, and the industrial fallout that makes paint feel gritty. The machine-applied sealant then gives the clean surface months of slickness and shine. One honest boundary: an exterior detail cleans and protects, it does not remove swirls or scratches. That is paint correction, a separate machine process we are happy to quote.
What's included
Who it's for
- Commuters on 19 and 79 out of Wexford and Cranberry, where road film, tar, and winter salt build up fast.
- Owners in Sewickley prepping a car for sale or a season of weekend drives.
- Anyone whose paint feels rough under a wash mitt: that grit is bonded contamination, and it claybar off.
Pricing
The Exterior Detail is $160 for sedans, $180 for SUVs, and $200 for trucks and vans, sealant included. Want a deeper, warmer shine on top? A carnauba hand wax is $70. For inside and out in one visit, the Signature Full Detail from $290 is the better value.
Guides from the shop
Common questions
Does an exterior detail remove scratches or swirls?
No. It removes contamination and adds protection, which makes paint dramatically cleaner and glossier, but swirls live in the clear coat and only machine correction levels them out. We will tell you which one your paint actually needs.
What does a clay bar actually do?
It shears off contamination bonded to the paint: iron particles from brakes and rail transport, tar, sap, and overspray. Washing glides over these; clay removes them. You can feel the difference immediately with the back of your hand.
How long does the sealant last?
The machine sealant included in the Exterior Detail gives you solid months of protection with normal washing. If you want protection measured in years instead, that is where a ceramic coating comes in.
How often should I get an exterior detail?
For most daily drivers around Pittsburgh, two to three times a year: after winter salt, and once or twice through the driving season. Between details, gentle hand washes preserve the sealant far better than automatic washes.
