> TL;DR: Advanced Vehicle Guard offers four detailing packages starting at: Bronze Package ($200), Silver Package ($250), Gold Package ($300), and the Advanced Interior Package ($200) for a deep interior-only clean — prices shown are for a standard sedan; larger vehicles cost more. Here's what's included in each and what actually makes a difference in price elsewhere in the Toronto market.
What Does Auto Detailing Include?
"Detailing" is thrown around loosely — a $30 drive-through "detail" and a $400 professional hand detail are entirely different services. Professional auto detailing typically breaks into three core categories:
Exterior Detailing
- Hand wash and rinse
- Wheel and tire cleaning
- Clay bar decontamination (removes embedded iron and tar)
- Paint sealant or spray wax
- Trim dressing
- Glass cleaning
Interior Detailing
- Full vacuum (seats, carpet, floor mats, trunk)
- Hard surface wipe-down (dash, doors, centre console)
- Steam cleaning (kills bacteria, removes stains)
- Leather cleaning and conditioning
- Fabric protection treatment
- Glass interior cleaning
Full Detail
Combines both interior and exterior services for a complete showroom restoration.
2026 Auto Detailing Prices in Toronto
| Service | Compact Car | Mid-Size Sedan / SUV | Full-Size SUV / Truck / Van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Detail | $150–$220 | $200–$280 | $250–$350 |
| Interior Detail | $150–$250 | $200–$300 | $250–$400 |
| Full Detail (Interior + Exterior) | $250–$400 | $320–$500 | $400–$600 |
| Engine Bay Detail | $80–$150 | $100–$200 | $120–$250 |
| Headlight Restoration | $80–$150 | $80–$150 | $80–$150 |
*Prices reflect 2026 Toronto-area market rates at professional shops. Mobile detailers may price differently.*
What Makes One Detail More Expensive Than Another?
Vehicle Size
Simply: more surface area = more time, more product, more labour. A full-size pickup truck or Sprinter van takes 2–3× longer to detail than a compact hatchback.
Interior Condition
Pet hair, heavily stained carpets, mould, or years of neglect require significantly more time and specialized products. A vehicle that hasn't been detailed in 3 years may cost 40–60% more than regular-maintenance work.
Clay Bar Decontamination
Clay barring the paint removes iron deposits, tar, and industrial fallout that a wash won't touch. It's the step that makes paint feel glass-smooth and is required before applying any sealant, wax, or ceramic coating. Not all shops include this — ask specifically.
Products Used
Professional-grade detail shops use pH-balanced soaps, proper iron removers, automotive-specific leather conditioners, and spray waxes with actual durability. Consumer-grade "detail shops" often don't.
How Often Should You Get Your Car Detailed in Toronto?
Toronto's four seasons create distinct detailing needs:
| Season | Recommended Service |
|---|---|
| Spring (post-winter) | Full detail — remove salt residue, treat under-hood, freshen interior |
| Summer | Exterior detail + wax every 6–8 weeks |
| Fall (pre-winter prep) | Exterior decontamination + paint sealant |
| Winter | Interior vacuum + salt protection treatment |
For vehicles with ceramic coating, a maintenance wash (2–4 times/year) and annual decontamination is typically all that's needed — the coating dramatically reduces how much contamination bonds to the paint.
Detailing vs. Ceramic Coating: What's the Difference?
Detailing is maintenance — it cleans, restores, and temporarily protects. You'll be back in 2–3 months.
Ceramic coating is a semi-permanent protective layer bonded to the paint. It dramatically reduces how much dirt sticks, makes washing faster, and provides UV and chemical protection that lasts years. Most clients who coat their vehicles find they spend less on ongoing detailing over time.
If you're detailing every month to keep your car looking good, a ceramic coating often pays for itself in 12–18 months.
Finding a Good Detailer in Toronto
Questions worth asking before you book:
- Do you clay bar before waxing?
- What products do you use on leather?
- Is the quote based on the current condition of my vehicle, or a flat rate?
- Do you offer any protection warranty on the finish?
Red flags: flat-rate pricing that doesn't account for vehicle size or condition, shops that can't name the products they use, very short detailing times (a proper full detail takes 4–8+ hours depending on vehicle).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a full detail take?
A professional full detail takes 4–8 hours depending on vehicle size and condition. Half-day bookings are common. Be wary of "full details" completed in under 2 hours.
Do you detail vehicles from Scarborough and North York?
Yes — we serve clients from across the GTA including Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and beyond.
Can I get a detail and ceramic coating on the same visit?
Yes — we offer packages combining paint correction + ceramic coating on the same appointment. Contact us to discuss which package suits your vehicle.
What's the difference between a detail and a car wash?
A car wash removes surface dirt. A professional detail decontaminates, corrects, protects, and deep-cleans every surface inside and out. The result lasts months, not days.
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📍 Advanced Vehicle Guard | 222 Evans Ave., Etobicoke, ON M8Z 1J8 | (647) 874-7318
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