Remove, Refresh, and Restore
Professional Exterior Detailing Services in Des Moines, Iowa
The Right Way to Care for Your Vehicle
Exterior Detailing That Goes Beyond the Basics
Exterior detailing is so much more than making your car look clean. When you book a professional detail, you're treating your paint, trim, glass, and wheels with the level of care they need to last. At Des Moines Auto Detail, we go beyond the drive-through wash and deliver a hands-on, thorough service that actually preserves your vehicle’s finish.
Our exterior detailing process includes a proper two-bucket hand wash, foam cannon pre-treatment, clay bar decontamination, and high-quality sealants to lock in a smooth, glossy finish. We treat every surface from paint to plastic with precision and care, using only trusted, industry-leading products that are safe and effective.
Unlike high-volume shops, we only work on one vehicle at a time. That means your car gets our full attention every time. Our exterior detailing is where long-term results begin.
Our Exterior Detailing Packages
Classic Exterior Detail
Price Starts At $150
Turnaround:
Our Classic Exterior Detail is the perfect reset for your vehicle’s exterior. It goes beyond a basic wash, removing grime, boosting shine, and protecting every surface with pro-grade products. Whether you’re getting ready for a road trip or just want your ride to look its best, this is a solid choice.
This Package Includes:
- Two bucket hand wash
- Foam cannon wash
- Hand wash wheels and tires
- Decontaminate paint to remove minor bugs/tar/grime
- Decontaminate remaining impurities with clay-bar
- Apply no-sling tire dressing
- Apply paint sealant Apply protectant to exterior trim
- Application of 2 month sealant to paint
- Optional upgrade to 1 year ceramic sealant starting at $199
- Optional
upgrade to 2-year or 5-year ceramic coating
Additional Add-On Services
Engine Detailing
Starting at: $79
Clean, protect, and revive that factory-fresh look to your engine. Our engine detailing service brings your engine bay back to life. We carefully remove built-up grease, dirt, and debris, then treat all surfaces for a clean, conditioned finish.
Our Process Includes:
- Degreasing of all plastic, rubber, and painted components
- Compressed air drying to prevent water buildup
- Plastics and rubber treated with a dedicated engine conditioner
- Painted areas protected with a high-quality sealant
Service takes approximately 1 hour and is performed with care to avoid sensitive electronics.
Headlight Restoration
Starting at: $79
Cloudy, yellowed headlights look bad and reduce visibility and road safety. Our headlight restoration removes oxidation and brings back crystal-clear clarity, finished with a long-lasting protective coat.
- -Decontamination and sanding (3000 and 5000 grit)
- Surface prep to ensure proper bonding
- Wipe-on clear coat for restored shine and UV protection
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Black Trim Restoration
Starting at: $99
Faded plastic trim can age your vehicle fast. Our Black Trim Restoration revives dull, discolored trim with professional-grade products that restore depth, darken color, and help prevent future fading.
Benefits of Exterior Detailing
Exterior detailing helps maintain your finish, extends the life of your paint, and improves your overall driving experience. If you’ve only ever done quick washes, here’s what you’re missing out on.
Revives Gloss and Clarity
Dirt, oxidation, and everyday buildup slowly dull your paint over time. Professional exterior detailing removes embedded contaminants and restores a smooth, reflective surface. The result is a deeper, richer gloss that brings back that fresh, well-maintained look your vehicle used to have.
Prevents Long-Term Damage
Bug splatter, road grime, salt, and other debris can eat away at your clear coat if left untreated. Our process includes proper decontamination and the application of a high-quality paint sealant to help shield your finish from harsh environmental factors. The cleaner your paint stays, the better it holds up over time.
The Perfect First Step Before Coating or Correction
Thinking about investing in ceramic coating or paint protection film? A proper exterior detail is where it starts. By cleaning and prepping every surface the right way, we ensure a smoother finish, stronger bond for coatings, and better overall results. It’s the foundation for any serious paint care.
Exterior Detailing vs. A Car Wash: What’s the Difference?
Not all car washes are created equal. While a quick car wash might seem convenient, it can leave behind a lot of grime and even cause long-term damage. Here’s how it compares to real exterior detailing.
