The time it takes to detail a car depends on the type of detailing service and the condition of the vehicle.  

Here's a general breakdown of the time it might take for different types of car detailing services:

1. Basic Exterior and Interior Detailing

• Time: 2 to 4 hours
• Scope: This typically includes a basic wash, tire cleaning, waxing or sealing, and vacuuming the interior. It may also involve wiping down interior surfaces like the dashboard and console.
• When It’s Done: For a well-maintained car, this type of detailing will usually take about 2 to 4 hours.

2. Full Exterior Detail

• Time: 3 to 5 hours
• Scope: A full exterior detail involves a thorough wash, clay bar treatment, polishing (if necessary), and waxing or sealing. It also includes cleaning the wheels, tires, and trim.
• When It’s Done: For a car in good condition, a full exterior detail generally takes 3 to 5 hours. If paint correction is required, it can take longer.

3. Full Interior Detail

• Time: 3 to 5 hours
• Scope: This includes deep cleaning of the interior, such as vacuuming the carpets, seats, and upholstery, shampooing or steam cleaning the seats and carpets, cleaning and conditioning leather surfaces, and wiping down all plastic and vinyl surfaces.
• When It’s Done: A full interior detail typically takes around 3 to 5 hours, depending on the level of cleaning required.

4. Full Car Detailing (Exterior + Interior)

• Time: 4 to 8 hours
• Scope: A complete detailing job involves both exterior and interior cleaning. This includes washing, claying, polishing, waxing, as well as vacuuming, shampooing, and conditioning the interior.
• When It’s Done: A full exterior and interior detail usually takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the car’s condition. If there’s heavy contamination or deep cleaning needed, it could take even longer.

5. Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating

• Time: 1 to 3 days
• Scope: Paint correction is a time-intensive process that involves removing imperfections such as swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation. After correction, many people choose to apply a ceramic coating for long-lasting paint protection.
• When It’s Done: This service can take 1 to 3 days, depending on the severity of paint imperfections and the curing time required for the ceramic coating.

6. Specialty Services (Odor Removal, Headlight Restoration, Engine Bay Cleaning)

• Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Scope: Specialty detailing services like odor removal, engine bay cleaning, or headlight restoration are usually quicker and can be done in about 1 to 2 hours.
• When It’s Done: These services typically take about 1 to 2 hours depending on the complexity of the task.

7. Mobile Detailing

• Time: 2 to 6 hours
• Scope: Mobile detailing services typically include exterior and interior cleaning. The time it takes depends on whether it’s a basic or full-service detail, as well as the car’s condition.
• When It’s Done: Mobile detailing can take 2 to 6 hours, depending on the type of service and vehicle size.

Factors That Affect Detailing Duration:

1. Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks take longer to detail compared to smaller cars.
2. Condition of the Car: A well-maintained car takes less time to detail, while a car with heavy dirt, stains, or paint imperfections requires more time.
3. Type of Service: More extensive services like paint correction, ceramic coating, or deep cleaning add time to the process.
4. Tools and Products Used: Advanced detailing tools like dual-action polishers, steam cleaners, or ozone machines can speed up or slow down the process depending on the task.

Conclusion:

• Basic Detailing (Exterior + Interior): 2–4 hours
• Full Detail (Exterior + Interior): 4–8 hours
• Paint Correction & Ceramic Coating: 1–3 days
• Specialty Services: 1–2 hours

The overall time for car detailing can vary based on the vehicle’s size, the condition of the car, and the services requested, but most full detailing jobs take between 4 and 8 hours. If you need a more specialized service, such as paint correction, expect the process to take longer.