FAQs | Professional Auto Mobile Detailing

Car detailing is a comprehensive and meticulous cleaning and restoration process designed to enhance the appearance of a vehicle both inside and out. It involves cleaning, polishing, and protecting various surfaces to achieve a high level of cleanliness and shine.

The frequency of car detailing depends on various factors such as your driving habits, environmental conditions, and personal prefere nces. As a general guideline, getting a full car detailing every 3 months is recommended to maintain the vehicle’s condition. However, you might opt for more frequent detailing if you’re looking to keep your car in top-notch condition at all times.

While both car detailing and car washing involve cleaning a vehicle, they differ significantly in terms of scope and level of attention to detail. Car washing usually focuses on removing dirt and grime from the exterior surfaces, often using automated systems. Car detailing, on the other hand, involves a thorough cleaning of both the interior and exterior, along with processes like waxing, polishing, and restoring the vehicle’s surfaces to a like-new condition.

We offer a full range of professional auto detailing services tailored to fit your needs and schedule. Our services include interior detailing (vacuuming, shampooing, stain removal, odor elimination), exterior detailing (hand wash, clay bar treatment, waxing, tire/rim cleaning), ceramic coatings, paint correction, engine bay cleaning, and headlight restoration. All services are available as part of our fully mobile detailing experience—meaning we come directly to your home or workplace in Champaign or surrounding areas.

Absolutely. We use only high-quality, pH-balanced, and industry-tested products that are safe for all paint types, clear coats, interiors, and trim. We also use specialized tools like steam cleaners and extractor vacuums to ensure both effectiveness and safety—especially for sensitive materials like leather and Alcantara.

Pricing depends on your vehicle’s size, condition, and the level of service you request. Our packages typically start at:

• Interior or Exterior Detail: Starting at $150+

• Full-Service Detail (Interior + Exterior): Starting at $250+

• Ceramic Coating: Starting at $399+

• Paint Correction: Custom quotes based on paint condition

We always provide transparent quotes before starting any job. Custom quotes are available for vehicles requiring additional attention due to excessive dirt, pet hair, or staining.

The cost of auto detailing can vary based on your vehicle’s size, its current condition, and the level of service requested. At The Detail Docs Mobile Detailing in Champaign, pricing typically starts around $150+ for either a full interior or exterior detail, while a complete full-service detail (both interior and exterior) generally starts at $269+. Premium services like ceramic coatings or multi-stage paint correction can range from $600–$1,200 depending on the complexity and finish quality.

Yes, a full car detail is absolutely worth it—especially if you value your car’s appearance, longevity, and resale value. Full detailing removes dirt, contaminants, and bacteria from every surface inside and out, which enhances the comfort, cleanliness, and presentation of your vehicle. It also protects the vehicle’s materials from sun damage, oxidation, and wear. Whether you’re preparing for a sale, maintaining your car long-term, or just want it to feel like new again, a full detail is a smart investment.

A full car detail is a comprehensive service that typically includes:

• Exterior: Hand wash, clay bar treatment, bug/tar removal, tire and rim cleaning, waxing or ceramic protection, and trim shine.

• Interior: Deep vacuuming, carpet and seat shampoo, stain removal, leather conditioning, dashboard and panel cleaning, window cleaning, and odor elimination.

• At The Detail Docs, we also offer add-ons like engine bay cleaning, headlight restoration, and paint correction for deeper cosmetic improvement.

It depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a routine refresh, expect to spend $150–$200 for a solid single-service detail. For deeper, longer-lasting results (like full-service detailing or ceramic coating), budgeting between $269–$600+ is reasonable. Detailing isn’t just a cosmetic fix—it’s preventative maintenance for your car’s interior and exterior.

On average, a full car detail takes 3–5 hours, depending on the size and condition of the vehicle. More advanced services like paint correction or ceramic coating can take 6–10 hours or more. We always provide time estimates upfront so you know what to expect.

Tipping isn’t required, but it’s always appreciated—especially if you feel the service went above and beyond. A 10–20% tip is standard if you’re impressed with the results. Like any service industry, gratuity is a great way to show appreciation for high-quality, detail-oriented work.