For motorheads, a spotless vehicle is next to godliness. But even ordinary commuters and carpool chiefs can take joy in a newly cleaned ride. For less than $250, a detailing shop can cleanse your family’s sloppy sins and transform your ride, inside and out, leaving it looking used-car-lot new.
If you don't bother to detail or wash your you might lose a little resale value down the line, but probably not much. The reason to have your car detailed or washed is the same reason you comb your hair or wear a clean shirt: to look good.
A basic detailing job takes several hours to complete and usually includes an exterior wash, claying, polishing, and waxing; an interior cleaning; and tire cleaning and treatments. Many shops also provide other services upon request.
While even the best body shops can't undo an accident, our ratings reveal that many shops will get your car back on the road without a hitch. But our ratings also reveal that some shops may compound your misery with lousy work.
Because insurance companies pay for most repairs, for most auto body repair customers cost is a less important consideration than quality. But if you’re picking up the tab, how much the shop charges is important.
If your insurance or another party’s insurance will pay for your repair, make sure the insurance company doesn’t cut corners. Your shop can be an expert ally in this effort, but you also must make the right moves.