You'll find plenty of websites that list a neat number of hours for every package. The trouble is that two cars getting the same package can take very different amounts of time. A lightly used sedan and a third-row SUV that hauls two kids and a golden retriever are not the same job, even if the price on the menu starts in the same place.
So instead of a number that might not fit your car, here's what actually determines how long a detail takes. When you book, we'll give you a time estimate for your specific vehicle.
1. The package you choose
Each step up in our lineup adds real work, and each step takes time to do properly:
| Package | Price | What adds time |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Interior | $179 | Interior only: vacuum, mats, dash/console, dust blowout, targeted steam, interior glass |
| Lake Wylie Refresh | $249 | Adds carpet shampoo plus the full exterior: foam prewash, hand wash, wheels, tires, wax |
| Elite Full Detail | $349 | Adds clay-bar decontamination, ceramic wax, leather conditioning, door jambs, trim dressing |
| LWD Signature Full Detail | $449 | Adds fabric-seat extraction, interior UV protection, and a photographed condition report |
| 2-Step Paint Correction | From $500 | Machine polishing in multiple stages, panel by panel |
Clay-bar work, extraction, and paint correction are the big ones. They're careful, hands-on steps that can't be rushed without cutting corners.
2. Vehicle size
More surface means more time. A full-size truck, a third-row SUV, or a minivan has more carpet, more seats, more glass, and more paint than a compact car. Truck beds and cargo areas add their own time too. Pricing can vary by size and condition, and we confirm your quote before we start. See our truck and SUV detailing page for more.
3. Condition
This is usually the biggest variable. Things that add time:
- Pet hair. It weaves into carpet and fabric and has to be worked out, not just vacuumed. (Our pet hair removal page explains why.)
- Stains and spills, especially older ones.
- Heavy dirt, sand, or red clay ground into the carpet.
- Trash and clutter that has to be cleared before cleaning can start.
- Sticky surfaces from drinks or snacks in cup holders and consoles.
- Neglected paint with heavy contamination.
Excessive pet hair, stains, trash, or heavily neglected conditions may add a charge, and they also add time. If you can, tell us about these when you book so the estimate is accurate. Photos help.
4. Add-ons
Every add-on is extra work: steam cleaning, shampoo extraction, pet hair removal, stain treatment, odor treatment, leather conditioning, clay bar, ceramic wax, engine-bay cleaning, headlight restoration, and trim restoration. Adding one or two to a package extends the appointment accordingly.
5. Drying time
Carpet shampoo and fabric extraction leave some moisture behind, even with good extraction. Seats and carpet can stay slightly damp for a while after we finish. Parking in the sun with the windows cracked, or in a garage with good airflow, helps them dry faster. It's worth planning around if you need the car right after the appointment.
6. Weather
Because we're mobile, Carolina weather plays a part. Intense midday heat can make products dry too fast on hot panels, so we work in a way that avoids that, and a pop-up summer storm can pause exterior work. If the weather looks bad, we'll talk with you about rescheduling.
What to expect on appointment day
- Before we arrive: clear out personal items and valuables if you can. It speeds things up and protects your stuff.
- Arrival and walk-around: we'll look over the vehicle with you, note any problem areas, and confirm the package and quote before we start.
- No hookups needed: we bring our own water tank and generator. You don't need to leave a hose or outlet available.
- You go about your day: you don't have to stand around. We'll need access to the vehicle, and we'll let you know when we're finishing up.
- Final look: we go over the finished car with you before we pack up.
How to get an accurate estimate
- Tell us the year, make, and model.
- Be honest about condition: pets, kids, stains, smells, trash.
- Mention any add-ons you're interested in.
- Send a few photos if you can when you call or text.
Our hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and we ask for 24 hours' notice if you need to reschedule.