Reflection Detailing Book

Detailing Guide

How Often Should You Detail Your Car in San Diego?

Frequency recommendations by service type, driving habits, and where you park.

Mini Detail — every 4-6 weeks

A Mini Detail (hand wash, vacuum, windows, tire dressing) is a maintenance touch, not a deep clean. For daily drivers, bi-monthly keeps the car looking sharp without much effort. Go monthly if you park outside or drive frequently.

Full Interior Detail — every 3-6 months

Interior grime builds slowly but steadily — seat stains, dashboard dust, carpet tracks. A Full Interior Detail every 3-6 months resets the clock. More frequent if you have kids, pets, or commute long distances.

Full Exterior Detail — every 3-4 months

Exterior paint accumulates bonded contaminants (rail dust, iron, tar, bug splatter) that regular washing won't remove. Every 3-4 months is the sweet spot for a full exterior with decontamination.

Paint Correction — once, then every 2-5 years

Paint correction is a one-and-done reset. Once done, proper maintenance should extend the results for years. Most owners do a fresh correction every 2-5 years as swirls accumulate.

Ceramic Coating — every 2-9 years (depending on tier)

Match the ceramic tier to your ownership timeline. Keeping the car 2-3 years? A 2-year IGL coating at $449 is perfect. 5+ years? Go 5-year IGL at $849. Long-haul? 9-year IGL at $1,499.

Headlight Restoration — every 1-3 years

If you live and park in the San Diego sun, plastic headlights oxidize faster than you'd think. Every 1-3 years with a UV sealer keeps them clear. Garaged cars go longer.

Adjust for how you park

Garaged daily: everything gets the longer end of the range. Parked outside, frequent freeway driving, or coastal (IB/Coronado): everything gets the shorter end. Salt air and UV age paint 2-3x faster than sheltered storage.

Questions? Angel personally answers every text.

Text (619) 341-0016

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