From Tires to Trims: What does a Car Detailer Really Do?

CALL FOR QUOTE (253) 455-4922

Cars are often dirty and can contain all sorts of dirt, debris, and unpleasant odors that you don’t want to live with. You may think that a car detailer cleans the car’s exterior, but they do much more than that. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at car detailers and what they do.

Car Detailer Job Description

In addition to car detailing Gig Harbor, car detailers provide various other services. Besides car detailing, car detailers also repair car dents, paint touch-ups, fix car scratches, and clear car headlights. Car detailers must understand car mechanics and car care to do these various tasks.


The following is a list of car detailing services that car detailers provide:

Car Waxing and Polishing

One car detailing task car detailers to do is car waxing and polishing. After washing the car, car detailers use car wax to add shine and extra protection to the car’s exterior. Car wax can protect against rain, snow, ice, and the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Auto Detailing

After the car is washed, car detailers use various car cleaning products to clean all of the car’s surfaces. This includes the car’s exterior, interior, and undercarriage. Car detailers use a variety of brushes, cloths, and sponges to wipe off dirt, grime, and stains.

Car Washing

Besides car detailing Gig Harbor WA, car washing is one of the leading car detailer tasks. Car wash products used include:


  • All-purpose car soap.
  • Car shampoo.
  • Tire cleaner (for tires).
  • Wheel cleaner (for wheels).
  • Car wax (for car paint).
  • Car polish (for car chrome).

Car Aromatherapy

Car aromatherapy is a practice by which some vehicle detailers give the car a new scent. This is done with a car freshener sprayed inside the vehicle. Several different sorts of car fresheners are available, including citrus, pine, vanilla, and lavender.

Car Upholstery Cleaning

Car upholstery cleaning is another vehicle detailing job. The seats, headrests, door panels, and car dashboard are all examples of automobile upholstery. Car upholstery cleaners are used on the car’s fabric differently by various detailers.

Car Interior Vacuuming

Car detailers also clean the car’s interior by vacuuming it thoroughly during a car detailing service. This is done to remove any dirt and debris accumulated in the vehicle over time.

Car Exterior Washing, Waxing, and Polishing

Exterior detailing is cleaned thoroughly during car detailing. Besides car detailing Gig Harbor, car detailers also wax the vehicle to add shine and extra protection to the car’s exterior. Some car detailers use car paint sealant instead of car wax to protect the car’s paint job. Car polish can be used to make the car’s chrome shine.

Ceramic coating

Ceramic coating Gig Harbor is a type of car paint protection that helps protect the car from UV rays, water spots, and scratches. It also makes the car’s paint job look shiny and new. There are many car ceramic coating services that car detailers offer.

Car Headlight Restoration

Car detailers can restore car headlights to make them shine like new again for car owners with cloudy car headlights. This is done by sanding down the car’s headlight lenses until they’re perfectly smooth and precise. Then, car detailers apply a car polishing compound and a car sealant to the headlights.

Car Dent Repair

Car dents can be repaired by car detailers using a variety of methods. One standard method is to use a plunger to push the dent out from the inside. Another common practice is using a heat gun to heat the metal car dent and then a plunger to push the dent out.

Paint Protection Film (PPF)

Car detailers can also install car paint protection film (PPF). PPF is a transparent vinyl film protecting the car’s exterior against scratches and car paint damage. It can be installed on car windows, bumpers, side mirrors, cross rails, spoiler extensions, door handles, headlight units, etc.

Car Seat Repair and Restoration

If a car seat is stained, car detailers can use various car upholstery cleaning products to clean it. If a car seat is torn, car detailers can repair it using car seat repair kits. Car detailers can also restore car seats to make old car seats look new again.

Window Tinting

Some car detailers also offer car window tinting services. Window tinting is the process of installing a dark film on car windows to protect the car’s interior from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It also makes the car look stylish and cool.

Car Detailing Prices and Costs

The cost to hire a car detailer varies based on location, ease of access to the vehicle, number of hours needed (measured in person-hours), and specific tasks required. However, the average cost for a car detailing service generally falls between $100 and $2999. It will always depend on your needs and what the car detailer offers.


So, these are some of the tasks that a car detailer may perform during a car detailing service. As you can see, there are many different services that car detailers offer. If you’re looking to have your vehicle detailed, be sure to consult with a local car detailing company to find out what services they offer.

Parkers Detailing

red car with ceramic coating
By Parker Cowan 19 Mar, 2024
Keep your car looking like new with ceramic coating. Learn how this protective layer defends against the elements, ensuring long-lasting beauty and resilience.
vehicle with PPF STEK Clear Bra
By Parker Cowan 19 Mar, 2024
Explore the innovative features of STEK Clear Bra and why it's considered a top-tier option for protecting your vehicle's exterior in Gig Harbor, WA. Learn more
blue vehicle with ceramic coating
By Parker Cowan 19 Feb, 2024
Uncover the transformative impact of ceramic coating on your car's finish. Long-lasting brilliance and protection for a timeless appearance. Learn more
More Posts
Share by: