Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Car Detailing Shops in San Diego

Our Recommended Top 18

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored San Diego Car Detailing Shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

297

Reviewed

185

Curated

18

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
3119 Upas Street, San Diego, CA 92104
  • Interiors
  • Wax

Why choose this provider?

Auto Detail Now is a mobile detailing service serving San Diego. It provides auto customization and protection services such as ceramic coatings, paint protection film, roof rubberization, and vinyl wraps. The local family-owned business also details trucks, vans, RVs, boats, motorcycles, and entire fleets. Its technicians are trained in basic interior detailing, interior rejuvenation, paint correction, tint and film removal, and ozone treatment. A customer praised Auto Detail Now for completing the ceramic coating job in less than two hours.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (57)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (8)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
San Diego, CA 92108

Why choose this provider?

SoCal Auto Detail Center offers professional auto detailing, paint correction and paint protection services for the San Diego metro area. The business specializes in complete auto detailing, major and minor paint correction services, leather treatment and is a certified Gyeon detailer using Gyeon quartz, that provides the best paint protection and finish for autos. SoCal Auto has over 800 hours of experience in paint correction and uses advanced materials such as Menzerna and Sonax to obtain a glossy finish without any marks.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (144)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (26)

Website
5745 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123
  • Interiors

Why choose this provider?

Ceramic Pro San Diego, a division of 5 Point Detail, is a car detailing shop with three locations across the metro. It offers several detailing packages, including exterior touch-ups, clay and polish, paint and concourse correction, and interior detailing. The shop also provides ceramic coating and clear bra services to protect cars' paints. Its other services include tinting to protect passengers from harmful UV rays, vinyl wrapping to improve vehicles' aesthetics, and marine protective coatings for those living near the ocean.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Yelp
4.8 / 5 (574)
Google
4.7 / 5 (147)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (71)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
9380 Activity Road, San Diego, CA 92126
  • Hand Wash

Why choose this provider?

Metro Detailing Specialists is an auto detailing shop that has been serving San Diego and the surrounding metro areas for more than 28 years. In addition to detailing, the locally owned and operated company provides a range of auto solutions, including paint repair, bumper repair, and reconditioning services. The shop also provides paint correction, as well as nano-ceramic surface protection, which protects cars from scratches caused by dirt and weather damage. Additionally, Metro Detailing Specialists can assist clients at their preferred location through its mobile units.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (26)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
7068 Belden Street, San Diego, CA 92111
  • Wax

Why choose this provider?

Starbright is an auto detailing business that has been serving the San Diego community for more than 20 years. The shop offers off-site and onsite mobile detailing services for vehicles of various sizes and types, including RVs, boats, and trucks. Included in its full detailing services are washing, carpet cleaning, waxing, and seat shampooing. Its crew also handles fleet washing and monthly maintenance for commercial vehicles. The shop has self-contained mobile units that carry water, electricity, cleaning supplies, and equipment to provide mobile detailing services.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
8820 Kenamar Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
  • Clay Bar
  • Wax
  • Hand Wash

Why choose this provider?

Elite Finish is a green-certified shop in San Diego owned by Wes Walz, a master detailer dedicated to exceeding industry standards. Walz and his team of professionals employ eco-friendly processes and use non-toxic products when handling engines, show cars, and full interior detailing jobs. They also provide training courses and carry a range of supplies for auto detailing. Some of their other services are ceramic coatings, headlight restoration, hard bonding sealant application, paint correction, and paint protection.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (99)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (29)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
PO Box 21314, El Cajon, CA 92021
  • Interiors
  • Mobile Detailing

Why choose this provider?

Twins Mobile Detailing serves San Diego and the surrounding areas. The company provides detailing solutions for various vehicles including trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and cars. Its technicians can work on SUVs, sedans, sports cars, and heavy equipment, such as backhoes, generators, frontloaders, and fork lifts. The company also cleans and details aircraft throughout San Diego county airports, like Oceanside, Fallbrook, and Lindbergh. Other services include carpet cleaning, ceramic coating, fleet washing, overspray removal, and wheel polishing.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.6 / 5 (34)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Oaklawn Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911
  • Mobile Detailing

Why choose this provider?

DetailBroski Mobile Detailing handles the needs of vehicle owners in San Diego. The company provides customers with complete mobile car detailing services, including paint correction, fleet washing, ceramic coating, and RV and boat detailing. Its services include handwashing, clay bar oxidation, contaminant removal, carnauba wax, headliner cleaning, and interior vacuuming. The professionals at DetailBroski Mobile Detailing can clean windows, doorjambs, rims, and tires, and perform deep scrubbing, carpet and seat shampooing, and full interior dressing and leather conditioning.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.8 / 5 (45)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (20)
Yelp
4.9 / 5 (11)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2719 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92102
  • Interiors

Why choose this provider?

Pacific Coast Auto Detail Center, Inc., is an automotive care establishment near San Diego that offers complete detailing services for vehicles of various types and sizes. Since its establishment in 2004, it has been performing interior and exterior detailing, which includes de-ionized hand washing; rim, tire, and fender wall cleaning; interior vacuuming; and dashboard cleaning. The shop also offers additional services, such as paint chip repair, paint correction, rim powder coating, and auto upholstery repair.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (214)
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (36)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
4685 Hawley Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92116
  • Mobile Detailing

Why choose this provider?

2020 Auto Detail is a family-owned and family-operated business operating in San Diego. Bringing over 30 years of experience in the field, it offers a wide variety of on-site and mobile interior, exterior, and value detailing packages. The packages can include trunk vacuuming, spot cleaning, wheel dressing, chrome polishing, and paint hand waxing. Vehicle pick-up and delivery services are also available. Moreover, the shop provides waterless car washing, ceramic coating application, and protection packages.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (173)
Google
4.8 / 5 (31)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5716 Miramar Road, San Diego, CA 92121
  • Hand Wash
  • Underbody Cleaning

Why choose this provider?

Stars & Stripes Car Wash is an auto detailing and cleaning business that serves clients in the San Diego area. It provides washing and waxing packages, along with interior and exterior detail solutions. The shop also offers express services, such as carnauba wax application, carpet upholstery extraction and cleaning, leather treatment, and headlight restoration. The business is committed to making sure vehicles will look good as new through its treatments. Stars & Stripes Car Wash has been in the industry for over two decades.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (509)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
San Diego, CA 92104
  • Interiors
  • Paint Correction
  • Ceramic Coating
  • Authorized IGL Installers

Why choose this provider?

Pearl Mobile Car Detailing San Diego offers a full-service car wash and detailing for clients in this metro and the nearby areas. The staff of this business pays attention to detail and clean cars from top to bottom using eco-friendly cleaning products. Clients get to choose among its list of services which are exterior or interior detailing and ceramic coating. Pearl Mobile Car Detailing San Diego also handles cars of different types of paint and paint conditions.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Yelp
4.8 / 5 (71)
Google
5.0 / 5 (12)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (12)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
5745 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123
  • Interiors
  • Clay Bar
  • Wax

Why choose this provider?

5 Point Auto Detail is a full-service car detailing and protection facility that serves San Diego residents. It offers a wide variety of interior and exterior detailing services, including hand waxing, buffing, leather cleaning and conditioning, and hot water carpet extractions. The shop specializes in Ceramic Pro paint coatings, paint correction, window tinting, and vehicle wraps. Additionally, it handles various kinds of vehicles, including exotic cars. 5 Point Auto Detail started with only a $5,000 credit card.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (131)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3860 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, CA 92111
  • Water Spot Removal
  • Interiors
  • Mobile Detailing
  • Clay Bar
  • Hand Wash

Why choose this provider?

Lee's Auto Detailing is a full-service company serving vehicle owners in the San Diego metro. It provides a range of interior and exterior detailing services, such as clay bra application, machine polishing, and trim dressing. The business also cleans vehicles' carpets, mats, consoles, door panels, and seats. It conducts hand washing using high-pressure and deionized water and micro-fiber wash mitts. In addition, the company performs services for small planes, helicopters, and motorcycles. Lee's Auto Detailing has been in business since 2000.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Yelp
4.8 / 5 (422)
Google
4.6 / 5 (66)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (15)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
10855 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92121
  • Interiors

Why choose this provider?

CE Detail provides services to car owners in San Diego and the surrounding areas. The shop offers a variety of interior and exterior car detailing services, including paint correction, ceramic coatings, window tinting, engine detailing, and debadging. It also cleans and dismounts wheels and restores trims and headlights. In addition, CE Detail is an authorized Opti-Coat Pro installer and offers Opti-Coat Pro Plus ceramic paint protection package to customers for added gloss and protection on cars.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (55)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (46)
Google
4.9 / 5 (38)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1556 Grand Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109
  • Interiors
  • Wax
  • Hand Wash

Why choose this provider?

Servicing San Diego and nearby areas, Trophy Auto Spa strives to make clients' cars look good and sparkle inside and out. It offers a broad range of auto detailing packages, including mini, full, PB, and executive detailing. Full detailing involves complete exterior wash, wheel and tire cleaning, clay bar treatment, and dashboard cleaning and dressing. The company's professional technicians use biodegradable, high-end waxes in every project they handle. Trophy Auto Spa also provides ceramic coating, vehicle wraps, paint protection, and auto glass services.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (180)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
San Diego, CA 92105
  • Mobile Detailing

Why choose this provider?

AA Mobile Auto Detailing serves clients in the San Diego area, providing a range of car treatment and detailing solutions to protect vehicles and make them look brand new again. These solutions include handwashing and waxing, basic hand wash, mini detailing, and headlight restoration. It also offers extreme detailing treatment, which focuses on exterior deep cleaning, UV protectant application, clay bar treatment, and tire dressing. AA Mobile Auto Detailing has been in the industry for over two decades.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3538 Hancock Street, San Diego, CA 92110
  • Interiors
  • Mobile Detailing
  • Hand Wash
  • Underbody Cleaning

Why choose this provider?

Golden State Auto Wash & Detail is a car detailing shop serving San Diego County. From basic washes to stage 2 details, the company provides an array of services aimed to meet the needs of vehicle owners in the community. Its technicians are experienced in performing interior, exterior, and mini detailing. They also handle motorcycle detailing. In business for over a decade, Golden State Auto Wash & Detail remains committed to helping restore the beauty of its clients' cars.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (22)
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Most car owners know the importance of regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance. When it comes to a car's physical appearance, however, many people think that a quick washing is all their vehicle needs. Although modern cars are built to resist road grime and harsh weather conditions, these things can take a toll on your vehicle's looks over time. In some cases, foul odors and mold can develop inside a car, which can lead to an unpleasant ride or even make you sick.

    If your vehicle has seen better days, running it through a car wash may not be enough. Auto detailing can remove cosmetic flaws, protect against body damage, and make your vehicle look new again.
  • What does detailing a car mean?

    Car detailing is a professional service that goes beyond a basic wash, wax, and polish. A full detail cleans a vehicle both inside and out, including beneath the seats, wheel wells, and other areas that often get overlooked. It can also remove scratches, stains, and odors as well as protect the car from future wear and tear.

  • Should I get my car detailed before trading it in?

    A car that looks its best will be more attractive to a dealer than a dirty one. If your car is covered in filth, has stained seats, or smells bad on the inside, consider getting it detailed before you trade it in. Your detailed car will make a good first impression, which can raise the chances of getting a better trade offer.

  • Should I detail my car?

    While many people think an occasional car wash is all they need, that's actually not the case. Detailing not only makes your vehicle look beautiful, but it also protects its paint and other surfaces from scratches and stains. This damage can reduce the life of your car and add up to costly repairs.

  • How long does a detail last?

    This depends on several factors, including how often you drive the vehicle, road conditions, and the climate in which it's driven. A detail will last much longer for cars parked inside a garage instead of on the street where it's exposed to the elements. Generally, you should expect a detail to last for at least a few months.

  • Who details cars?

    Car detailing is typically done by a specialty shop, which can be independently run or part of a larger business. Car detail shops are not the same as car washes, which often use a mechanical washing process that cleans the outside of the vehicle only. Detailers use professional products and equipment, and all of their work is done by hand.

  • Do dealerships detail cars?

    Many dealerships have a detailing department, but automotive experts generally don't recommend using their services. Dealerships tend to charge more for detailing than an independent shop. They can also have dirty or outdated equipment that may do your car more harm than good.