Exterior Car Detailing in San Mateo

At SM Auto Detailing, our exterior detailing packages are designed to restore clarity, shine, and long-lasting protection to your vehicle’s finish. Whether you need a simple wash and refresh, a deeper decontamination, or premium ceramic protection, our tiered services make it easy to choose the perfect level of care for your paint and condition.

Restore your vehicle’s shine, smoothness, and protection with professional exterior detailing.

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Exterior detailing service chart with features like tires, hand wash, glass finish, tar removal, clay treatment, paint decontamination, tire dressing, glass treatment, plastic restoration, engine detailing, and ceramic sealant, with different service levels: refresh and executive.

Exterior Detailing Packages

Get complete care for your vehicle’s finish. Our exterior packages focus on shine, smoothness, and long-lasting protection, combining advanced cleaning, decontamination, and finishing touches that keep your paint looking its best. Choose the level that fits your vehicle’s needs and enjoy a crisp, glossy finish that turns heads.

  • Smooth Finish & 4-Month Protection

    Starting at $169

    A clean, smooth exterior reset designed to enhance gloss, remove light surface contamination, and provide durable protection. Perfect for well-maintained vehicles or drivers who want a sharp, refreshed finish without deep decontamination.

    Includes:
    A thorough hand wash of the full exterior, including wheels, tires, and wheel wells, followed by light bug and tar removal. A clay-mitt treatment smooths the paint and lifts minor contaminants for improved feel and shine. A 4-month paint sealant adds gloss and water-beading protection. Exterior glass is cleaned streak-free, and tires are dressed for a polished finish.

    Who It’s For
    Drivers looking to maintain a polished, smooth, and protected exterior
    Well-kept vehicles needing a light reset between deeper exterior details
    Owners who want their car to look refreshed without full decontamination

    Quick Facts
    ~/+2 hours service
    Mobile service — we come to you

  • Exterior Executive — Deep Decontamination & 9-Month Protection

    Starting at $249

    Our top-tier exterior package for vehicles needing deeper cleaning, stronger protection, and a premium, glossy finish. This service removes bonded contaminants, restores smoothness, and locks in long-lasting shine with a high-quality 9-month ceramic sealant.

    Includes:
    Everything in the Exterior Refresh, plus full iron and fallout removal for deeper paint detox and a complete clay treatment for maximum smoothness and clarity. A 9-month ceramic sealant is applied for enhanced gloss, strong hydrophobic performance, and long-term protection. Exterior trim is restored for a richer finish, all glass receives a hydrophobic treatment for better visibility, and the engine bay is cleaned and dressed to complete the look.

    Who It’s For
    Vehicles that need a significant refresh in shine, protection, and cleanliness
    Owners seeking a premium exterior finish without full paint correction
    Drivers who want long-lasting gloss, smoothness, and durability

    Quick Facts
    2–4 hour service
    Mobile service — we come to you

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Pricing chart for vehicle rentals with three options: compact car for $170, crossover compact SUV for $200, and large vehicle for $250, available within two hours.

Size & Condition Disclaimer

Each vehicle’s starting price starts at the size of the vehicle we then establish a final quote based on the entire condition of vehicle.

Graphic comparing vehicle rental prices for compact, SUVs, and large vehicles, with estimated delivery times of around 3 hours and prices of $250, $300, and $350 respectively.

How Our Exterior Detailing Process Works

Exterior detailing is all about restoring smoothness, shine, and long-lasting protection to your vehicle’s finish. We start with a quick look over your paint so we know exactly what level of cleaning and decontamination your exterior needs. Once approved, we get right to work — washing, prepping, and removing the buildup that dulls gloss and clarity.

The process continues with clay treatment, decontamination, and sealant application depending on the package you choose. Every step is done with care and intention, bringing out cleaner reflections, sharper shine, and a smoother paint surface that looks and feels noticeably better.

When we’re finished, we walk you around the vehicle to show you the results, make sure you’re happy with the finish, and answer any questions about upkeep or protection. No surprises, no confusion — just consistent quality, a glossy finish, and protection that lasts.

Clean. Smooth. Protected.
That’s the SM.AutoDetailing exterior experience — every time.

About Us
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Add-Ons & Upgrades

  • Availability varies depending on the package selected.

Every vehicle has different needs, so we offer optional add-ons that can be applied where appropriate. Some upgrades pair best with Signature or Executive services, while others can be added to any package depending on the car’s condition. We’ll always confirm what’s possible based on the detail you choose.

Possible Add-Ons Include:

  • Clay bar/mitt treatment to eliminate embedded contaminants

  • Full paint decontamination (iron & fallout removal)

  • Hydrophobic glass treatment for crystal-clear visibility

  • Engine bay detailing

  • Ceramic sealant upgrade for paint enhancement

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Scroll to See the Transformations

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A closer look at the results our clients get every day.

  • Close-up of a two-tone gray Rivian electric vehicle parked outside, showing the front side, wheel with yellow brake calipers, and side mirror. There are patches of snow on the ground.

  • Comparison of a black car with mirror reflections, showing the front side and windshield, parked outdoors in sunlight under a tree.

  • A black pickup truck parked on a driveway with a house in the background, viewed from the side.

  • Black SUV with large off-road tires and a roof rack, parked on a driveway in front of residential houses.

  • Two side views of a white sedan parked outdoors, with the top image showing the front and the bottom image showing the rear, both with sunlight casting shadows.

  • White sedan car parked on a brick driveway with a cleaning spray, cloth, and sponge placed on the hood.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most full details take between 2-4 hours depending on the package, vehicle size, and condition. We’ll give you an estimated timeframe once we inspect the car.

  • Yes. We require access to a working water spigot and a standard power outlet within reach of the vehicle. If you’re unsure, just let us know and we’ll help you check.

  • No prep needed. Just remove personal items and make sure the vehicle is accessible. We handle everything else.

  • Refresh includes a 3-month ceramic sealant
    Signature includes a 6-month ceramic sealant.
    Executive includes a 9-month ceramic sealant.

    Longevity depends on how the vehicle is washed and maintained.

  • You don’t have to stay outside the entire time — you just need to be home to provide access to water, power, and the vehicle.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

 

Ready for a Spotless Car? Call Us Today!

Professional auto detailing is just a phone call away. Contact us now for a free quote or to schedule your service.

Our Service Areas

Based in San Mateo and serving the entire Peninsula, SM Auto Detailing delivers professional exterior car detailing directly to your driveway. From advanced decontamination and clay-mitt treatments to hydrophobic glass care and durable ceramic protection, we restore shine, smoothness, and long-lasting protection to every vehicle we touch .We proudly serve:

Redwood City
San Carlos
Belmont
Foster City
San Mateo
Burlingame
Hillsborough
Millbrae
San Bruno
South San Francisco

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Call (650-)402-7305
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