Is Mobile Exterior Car Detailing Worth It Compared to Traditional Car Washes?
I’ve been going back and forth on this and wanted to hear real opinions. Is mobile exterior detailing actually worth it compared to a regular car wash? I’ve always used coin or drive-through washes because they’re fast, but lately I’m noticing more fine scratches on my hood. Maybe it’s just age, maybe the brushes. Mobile detailing sounds nice, but I’m not sure if it’s just paying extra for convenience or if there’s a real difference in results.
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I used to think the same thing and honestly thought mobile detailing was kind of overkill. Then last winter I tried it after my car started looking dull no matter how often I washed it. The biggest difference for me wasn’t speed, but attention. With regular washes, even touchless ones, they don’t really deal with embedded dirt or road film, especially after Calgary snow and salt.
The mobile detailer I used did everything by hand, took their time, and explained what they were doing as they went. They did a proper hand wash, clay bar, and wax, which I’d never had done before. It didn’t feel rushed at all. I checked out their service page beforehand to understand what was included (this one specifically: https://detaily.ca/services/exterior-detailing ), and it helped set expectations.
Is it something I’d do every week? Definitely not. But a few times a year, especially after winter, it’s made a noticeable difference in how the paint looks and even how long it stays clean. For me it’s less about luxury and more about