This has been a discussed issue in the past. What is the difference between car washing (mechanical or even at your house) and car detail? The answer is yes; both services look similar on the surface, however, they are very different. Both of them will leave you with a cleaner vehicle, and that's where the similarities come to an end.
In particular, the price of a car washing (mechanical or done at home) could be much lower, while the price of a complete, professionally detailing service is more expensive. The process of detailing cars can differ between states and from region to region.
You might have thought about getting involved in maintaining your car's appearance by yourself to ensure that you don't need to add another expense to the care of your vehicle. The main question is: What do you get for that dollars?
A typical car wash includes:
A typical car detailing includes:
As you can see, a car wash is not as complicated as a professional detailing of vehicles. Even if you do these services yourself, it will be limited (most likely) since you can't provide the high-end tools, equipment, and products. Regular car washes will help keep your car's exterior looking nice and help to reduce the build-up of dust and dirt on the interior of your vehicle; however, it's not going to provide the personalized care and attention to detail that a professional service can provide.
To make the most of your vehicle, cleaning it and vacuuming it home isn't enough. In the end, your vehicle will require more than just water and soap to remain in top condition. There are many benefits to having your car maintained and cleaned by professionals.