Exterior Detailing in Burnsville, MN
A drive-through wash knocks off loose dirt. Exterior detailing goes further — decontaminating the paint, cleaning wheels and wells properly, and protecting every surface so it actually holds up between visits.
More Than a Wash
Automatic car washes are fast, but they skip the parts that matter most for long-term paint health: they don't decontaminate bonded grime off the clear coat, they rarely do wheel wells properly, and they can leave brake dust and winter road film sitting in gaps and trim. Exterior detailing is the slower, hands-on version that actually gets underneath the surface layer of dirt.
Our Exterior Process
- Pre-rinse & foam wash — loosens dirt before any contact touches the paint, reducing the chance of new scratches from grit.
- Wheels & wheel wells — brake dust and road grime cleaned out of wells and off wheel faces, a spot automatic washes routinely miss.
- Chemical decontamination & clay bar — strips bonded contaminants (tar, tree sap, rail dust, industrial fallout) that a wash alone can't remove.
- Dry & inspect — hand-dried to avoid water spotting, then checked panel by panel.
- Protect — wax, sealant, or full ceramic coating depending on what you choose, plus tire and trim dressing for a finished look.
What Drives the Price
Vehicle size
Trucks and SUVs have more surface area and wheel wells to clean than a sedan.
How dirty the paint is
Heavy road film and bonded contaminants take longer to fully decontaminate.
Protection level chosen
A basic wax finish costs less than a full ceramic coating application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from an automatic car wash?
Automatic washes clean the surface quickly but skip decontamination and detail work on wheels, wells, and trim. Call (952) 324-6734 if you want the deeper version done by hand.
Do you clean wheel wells and undercarriage road grime?
Yes — wheel wells and wheel faces get cleaned as part of exterior detailing, which matters most here given how much road salt and sand collects there over winter.
Should I get wax or ceramic coating after?
Wax is a solid, more affordable protective layer that needs reapplying every few months. Ceramic coating costs more up front but lasts years and handles Minnesota road salt better — we can talk through which fits your budget.
How often should I get an exterior detail?
It depends on how the car is driven and stored, but many customers schedule one before winter and again in spring to bookend the salt season.
Get your exterior properly clean and protected
Call for a free estimate on your vehicle.