Should I Get My Car Detailed Or Do It Myself?

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Car detailing is a crucial aspect of car maintenance that ensures both the aesthetic appeal and longevity of your vehicle. The cleaning, polishing, and restoration processes involved in car detailing can be time-consuming and require specialized knowledge and equipment.

With numerous professional car detailing services available, it may seem enticing to hand over the task to the experts. However, some individuals prefer taking matters into their own hands by opting for DIY car detailing.

While self-detailing can save money and provide a sense of accomplishment, it also comes with its own set of challenges.

We will explore the pros and cons of professional car detailing services versus DIY methods.

By examining various factors such as cost-effectiveness, the expertise required, time commitment, and desired outcomes, you will gain valuable insights to help you decide whether to get your car detailed professionally or embark on the DIY journey.


Professional Car Detailing Services

Professional car detailing services offer a comprehensive range of specialized techniques and advanced equipment to effectively restore the aesthetic appeal and maintain the value of your vehicle.

These services are performed by skilled professionals who possess in-depth knowledge about various aspects of car detailing.

One key benefit of opting for professional car detailing is the quality of service provided. Professionals have access to high-quality products and tools that can deliver superior results compared to DIY methods.

Additionally, professional car detailers have experience working with different types of vehicles, allowing them to tailor their services to meet specific needs.

Another advantage is that these services often come with a guarantee or warranty, ensuring customer satisfaction. However, it is important to consider the cost factor as well. Professional car detailing prices can vary depending on the level of service chosen, so it is essential to research and compare prices before making a decision.


DIY Car Detailing: Pros and Cons

One option to consider when it comes to car detailing is the DIY approach, which has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

One of the main advantages of DIY car detailing is the cost savings. By doing it yourself, you can avoid paying for professional services and save money.

Additionally, DIY allows for more control over the process, as you can choose the specific products and techniques that suit your preferences.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Firstly, DIY car detailing requires a significant time commitment. The process can be time-consuming, especially if you are not experienced or equipped with professional tools.

Moreover, achieving professional-level results may only be possible with proper training and expertise. Ultimately, deciding between professional car detailing services and DIY depends on your budget and willingness to invest time in learning and executing the task effectively.


Factors to Consider in Making Your Decision

While DIY car detailing may seem cost-effective, it requires skill and knowledge to achieve professional-quality results.

Factors such as the type of vehicle, the condition of the car, and the desired outcome should be taken into account when deciding whether to hire a professional or tackle the task yourself.

Considerations in making this decision include:

  1. Cost comparison: Professional car detailing services can be expensive compared to doing it yourself. However, you should also factor in the cost of purchasing all the necessary tools, cleaning products, and equipment required for a thorough job.
  2. Time commitment: Detailing a car can take time, especially if you are inexperienced or need more knowledge of proper techniques. Hiring a professional allows you to save time and focus on other important tasks.
  3. Skill level: Achieving optimal results in car detailing requires specific skills and techniques that professionals possess. They have extensive experience handling various vehicles and know how to address different issues, such as paint correction or scratch removal.
  4. Desired outcome: If you expect flawless results or need specialized services like paint protection coatings or interior restoration, it might be best to rely on professionals who have access to high-quality products and advanced techniques.

Overall, while DIY car detailing may save you money for the service plus tip, weighing both cost comparison and time commitment against your desired outcome is crucial before making a decision.

Verified Google Reviews

Will was AMAZING! My car needed full interior detailing from rain getting inside this winter, and it hadn’t been fully cleaned in years. He scheduled me ASAP and was super thorough when going over the process. He picked up the car from me and brought it back quicker than expected so I didn’t have to go anywhere, and it looked new on the inside. It had a new car scent and all the seats and floors that were damaged from rain/dirt were totally clean. I’m so happy with the services and feel like it’s a different car now - I would recommend him to anyone in SD :) !! Thank you so much!!

Adriana Minicozzi

Link to Google Review ↗
Had an amazing experience with San Diego Select Detailing. They did a fantastic and thorough job of detailing my new car after it was transported from a dealership in another state, and also detailed two other vehicles at our household (one of which had laundry detergent spilled in the trunk). Each car came out looking fantastic. They come fully equipped to do a professional level detail job at the location of your choosing, which was very convenient. Can't wait to use their services again.

Audrey Hoel

Link to Google Review ↗
I had Hyundai Elantra detailed before gifting it to my sister. Will and Ed were able to accommodate me same day which was really nice of them. The fact that they come to you is also very convenient.The car looked as good as the day I bought it from the dealership. My sister was so stoked. She was beaming the whole three hours we were handling insurance and DMV stuff

Andrew Dyson

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We had an amazing experience getting our car detailed. They come directly to your home and bring all of the necessary supplies! Will was incredibly professional and responsive when arranging the time and figuring out details. Pedro came right on time and did a beautiful and meticulous job detailing the inside and outside of our car. It looks brand new and smells amazing. We will definitely be using their services again. Highly recommend!

Micaela Mariner

Link to Google Review ↗
San Diego Select did a full interior/exterior detail on my Lexus and I couldn't be happier with the result. My car looks and smells brand new. Incredible customer service - even received a follow up text the next day making sure I was satisfied with how everything looked. It's convenient - they come to you so you don't have to wait anywhere and pricing is extremely fair for the service. Would highly recommend.

Anna C

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great auto detailer in San Diego. If you’re looking to get your car detailed in San Diego, these guys are the best

Nate S

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I would 100% use them again! After I got sick in the car and we couldn’t get the smell out, they worked wonders and got us in same day!

Meghan Mazer

Link to Google Review ↗
First time getting my car detailed ever and I am so unbelievably happy with the outcome that I wish I would have started with them a long time ago!!! Will was so sweet and friendly over the phone, he quickly gained my trust:) My car looks and smells brand new! I will be back in 6 months to upkeep. Seriously these guys are so good:)

Justine Meadows

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Really kind! Did an amazing job with interior and exterior.

Siena Gross

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I've worked with Will and his team to fully detail my Tesla and Harley Davidson  and have monthly washes set up.  Will and his team are wonderful and always do a great job!

Charlie Redden

Link to Google Review ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Detail My Car?

Perfection & Protection.

Frustrated with everything that the car wash leaves behind?
Does your paint not shine like it used to?
In love with your car and want to preserve your investment for the long term?

That is why we are here. Not only do we leave you with flawless results, but we make sure that your paint, leather, and other materials are protected for years to come. We will treat your car (and you) like one of our own.

Do I need a "Shampoo Treatment"?

The shampoo and hot water extraction is the best possible care for your FABRIC seats.

We will bathe your seats in thick foam shampoo, agitate it with a fabric brush attachment on a drill, and then extract all the grime, dirt, stains and contaminant from the seats with hot water at 210ºF. If your seats need a refresh, this is as good as it gets. Because the service takes 45 minutes on average, and only a small percent of vehicles need it we charge extra for it. Don't worry - its only $50 extra. Totally worth it.

Will My Scratch "Buff Out"?

Do you have any little scrapes and scratches that bother you?

We can handle it.. to an extent. We are polishing experts - so if the scratch isn't too deep, we can get it out. Ever heard of "The Fingernail Test", this is a great way to know if your scratches are fixable. If you feel the scratch will your fingernail and you can feel a groove in the paint, it it probably a little bit too deep ~in the sections where the groove is~

What is a "Clay Bar"?

A clay bar is exactly what it sounds like, a little ball of malleable puddy.

This is used in the decontamination phase of the detail to prepare your paint for protection. Clay Bar Detailing is essential for preparing your vehicle's paint for protection by ensuring it is free of contaminants.

Every exterior detail has 3 phases: 1. Wash 2. Decontaminate 3. Protect. The decontamination stage is responsible for removing from the paint everything that doesn't come off from the wash.

Remember when you bought your car and the paint was smooth to the touch? That is the goal of this stage. Remove all the crusty junk that is stuck to you paint. This way, when we apply sealant (protection) to your paint it will adhere to the paint itself, rather than the junk sitting on the surface. This will give the sealant its longest possible useful life.

Why "Wax" My Car?

For the same reason that you get an oil change. Engines are expensive to replace (8-15K) so we take good care of them. So is your paint - the average paint job costing around $5,000. If you don't protect your paint with some type of ceramic, wax, or sealant, your paint WILL fail.

In San Diego, our biggest enemy is the sun, or the salt if you live near the beach. Next time you are in a big parking lot, look around at the hoods of the vehicles. You will notice around 1/6 vehicles have completely delaminated clear coat.

That means the paint looks like dead skin on the surface and you could peel it off with you fingers. Not pretty. There is a simple solution to ensure your vehicle never ends up like this. Exterior Detailing. Bonus points for a ceramic coating with is the best protection possible.