Mobile car detailing and a drive-in or drive-through car wash can both be used to clean your vehicle. A drive-through car wash is a similar concept to mobile car detailing. They both involve a driver pulling into a business with their car, driving their vehicle into an enclosed building, and leaving it there.

The owners of the business will then wash it according to their specifications. While both options have a few same concepts, the two processes differ in price and type of service offered. Mobile care detailing allows for a much deeper clean than what is possible in a drive-through wash. 

A proper mobile detail begins with a thorough inspection of your vehicle to ensure there is no damage or excessive paint wear. Next, an abrasive touchless wash removes loose contaminants and prepares the surface to restore glow and shine.

Specialised polishes, waxes, and paint conditioning products help to improve auto gloss and protect your vehicle. Below we discuss five factors to consider when deciding whether to use a mobile car wash or drive-through car wash.

Cleaning

Mobile car detailing offers a much deeper clean job than drive-through car washes. A drive-thru car wash is intended to provide the primary care you need for your vehicle by brushing it down or rolling it through a vacuum that often spins no faster than 20 miles per hour.

Neither of these methods are particularly great at cleaning the dirt and grime which have built up on your car. Nor do these quick wash methods provide an adequate cleaning for areas like wheels, exhaust tips, door jambs, or around the headlights.

On the other hand, mobile car detailing is a car service that involves cleaning and maintaining cars. The services use special tools that are specifically designed to remove the dirt from cars.

Cost-effectiveness

Mobile car detailing services differ from drive-through car washes; mobile car detailing services are usually less expensive and more convenient. For example, the services can be completed at a more convenient location for the driver.

A drive-through car wash is a convenient way to get your car nice and clean. But, like many conveniences, it has hidden costs.

Better care of your car

A car that has received auto detailing from a professional service will look better than when the owner just cleaned it.

Car detailing services are vital because they protect a car’s finish. A car’s finish can be damaged by bird droppings or tree sap. A vehicle that has been detailed will be much more pleasant to drive. Not only does the car look better, but it drives better.

Aesthetic look

A drive-through car wash will keep the exterior look of your car lean but will not consider the interior part. On the other hand, car detailing services preserve the value of a car. The appearance of a vehicle affects how valuable it is. These services can improve the resale value of a car, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

Expertise

Drive-thru car washes have been popular for years, but mobile car detailing is a relatively new service. Mobile car detailing companies use professional-grade equipment and cleaning products. The companies that use the mobile car detailing service vans have professional mechanics to do full-service repairs and auto maintenance. In contrast, a car wash does not require a professional.