Restore your vehicle’s shine, smoothness, and protection with professional exterior detailing.
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.
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.
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Exterior Refresh — Smooth Finish & 4-Month Protection
Starts at – $169
A clean, smooth exterior reset designed to enhance gloss and remove light surface contamination. This tier brightens the paint, improves clarity, and adds a durable 4-month sealant for daily protection. Perfect for well-maintained vehicles or drivers who want a sharp, refreshed finish without going into deep decontamination.
Includes:
A thorough hand wash of the full exterior, wheels, tires, and wheel wells, followed by light bug and tar removal. A clay-mitt treatment is used to smooth the paint and lift minor contaminants, improving the overall feel and shine. A 4-month paint sealant adds gloss and water-beading protection, exterior glass is cleaned streak-free, and tires receive a dressed, clean finish.Ideal for keeping your vehicle looking polished, smooth, and protected between deeper exterior details.
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Exterior Executive — Deep Decontamination & 9-Month Protection
Starts 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-bar 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.Perfect for vehicles that need a significant refresh in shine, protection, and cleanliness — without committing to full paint correction
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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.
Scroll to See the Transformations
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A closer look at the results our clients get every day.
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
Size & Condition Disclaimer
Every vehicle is different, and some require a little more time and attention than others. All pricing on this page reflects standard sedans in average condition. Larger SUVs, trucks, 3-row vehicles, and heavily soiled interiors may require an additional charge based on size, condition, and the level of work needed.
Nothing is ever added without your approval — we always look over the vehicle first, let you know exactly what to expect, and confirm everything upfront before work begins. No surprises, no hidden fees, just honest service and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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No prep needed. Just remove personal items and make sure the vehicle is accessible. We handle everything else.
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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.
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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.
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
