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Mobile Auto Detailing

Mobile Auto Detailing in Cardiff

Searching For Car Detailing in Cardiff?

Rated 5 stars 5.0 1,000+ five-star reviews on
Overview

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is about as exposed as a car can get in this county. The beach lots sit right on the sand, the wind comes straight off the water, and salt gets onto everything — paint, glass, wheels, trim and the parts underneath you never look at.

Family-run since 1994 and rated 5.0 across more than 1,000 five-star reviews. Nothing on this page is priced differently for Cardiff.

Interior Detailing

Sand is the interior problem in Cardiff, and it does not vacuum out of a carpet in one pass. Choose the package against how much beach the car actually sees — a surfboard car and a commuter parked on Birmingham Drive are two different jobs.

Interior Detailing

We provide a complete interior deep clean, covering all seats and surfaces. Our service includes carpet and mat shampooing, leather conditioning, and detailed care for the dash, door panels, and console.

Exterior Detailing

Our exterior detail keeps your car looking its best with a hand wash, touchless blow-dry, tire dressing, clay treatment, and wax. Want extra protection? Check out our ceramic coating options!

Complete Detailing

Enjoy a complete refresh with this package! You’ll receive every service from our exterior and interior details for a showroom-worthy shine.

Odor Removal

Stubborn odors don’t stand a chance! Our ozone generator targets odors at the source, eliminating bacteria and leaving your car odor-free.

Headlight Restoration

Years of UV exposure and debris can leave headlights foggy and discolored. Our restoration process eliminates oxidation, improving visibility and appearance.

Packages & pricing

Mobile Auto Detailing prices in Cardiff

Quick Refresh

Mini Detail

Protection Level: None

Coating: None

Best For: Maintenance Wash (As Needed)

Choose vehicle type swipe

coupe

coupe silhouette

$139

sedan

sedan silhouette

$149

compact suv

compact suv silhouette

$159

truck

truck silhouette

$169

full-size suv

full-size suv silhouette

$179

What's included

  • 100% Hand Wash w/ Deionized Water
  • Touchless Blow Drying
  • Detail Wheels & Dress Tires
  • Thorough Vacuuming
  • Clean Dash, Door Panels, Console, Door Jambs, & Windows

Most popular add-ons

  • Ceramic Paint Protection (6 months) (+$100)
  • Leather Conditioner ($45)
  • Headlight Restoration ($149)
  • One Step Paint Polish ($150-$250)
  • Engine Detailing ($149)
Vehicle condition & upgrades

Vehicle Condition:

Vehicles that have NEGLECT i.e. Pet Hair, Sand, Kid Use, Excessive Dirt, Stains will require extra labor:

  • PET HAIR + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • HEAVY KID USE + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • STAINS + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • SAND/MUD + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • EXCESSIVE BUGS + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • OLD/WORN VEHICLE + $90 (60 mins extra labor)
Ceramic:
  • Ceramic TEC582 Paint Protection ($100-$150): Substitute ceramic for wax! TEC582Ceramic Sealant lasts up to 6 months (twice as long as wax). To achieve 1 year of ceramic protection, we recommend the Ceramic Prep Polishing Addon.
Addons:
  • Headlight Restoration ($149): Restoring dull, faded, and oxidized headlight lenses. Includes sealer.
  • One Step Paint Polish ($150-$250): Recommended for vehicles that have not been waxed in one year or longer. This step is performed prior to applying wax or ceramic and includes single stage machine orbital polishing to improve paint luster and helps to reduce washlines, swirl marks, and fine clear coat blemishes.
  • Engine Detailing ($149): Includes underneath hood and all top surface components of the engine.
  • Scratch Reduction Polishing ($45/30 mins): Machine polishing of certain areas/panels to reduce swirl marks, washlines, clear coat imperfections, or oxidation.
  • Contaminant Removal ($45/30 mins): Waterspots, Paint Overspray, Tree Sap, Road Tar, Heavy Bugs, or Pollen.
  • Decal Removal ($45/30 mins): Sticker/vinyl/emblem removal from any surface.
  • Oversized/Lifted/Full Size ($90): For vehicles lifted, raised, or with oversized wheels and tires. Also includes full-sized trucks that are not stock.
  • Matte/Satin Finish ($90): Utilizing a specially formulated soap for vehicles with vinyl wraps or paint with a matte/satin finish.
  • Polish Wheels ($45/30 mins): Thorough hand polishing of wheels to restore shine and protect finish. Ideal for aluminum, stainless steel, or chrome wheels.
  • Plastic Trim Restoration ($149): This option is for exterior plastic trim that is faded/dull and helps to restore original luster.
  • Truck Bed Cleaning ($45/30 mins): Thorough cleaning of the truck bed.
  • Steam Clean Cloth Seats ($45-$90): For vehicles with cloth, fabric, or upholstered seats. Includes shampooing/steam cleaning.
  • Interior Rodent Decontamination ($475): Includes enzyme, steam, and ozone treatment for the interior of the vehicle to neutralize odors and contamination.
  • Rodent Engine Bay Decontamination ($249): Clean and decontaminate the engine bay after a rodent infestation.
  • Interior Dressing ($45): Water-based interior treatment on all vinyl/plastic components like dash, door panels, and center console. Protects and adds luster.
  • Leather Conditioner ($45): PH-Balanced leather conditioner specifically designed to protect leather.
  • Headliner Cleaning ($45): Carefully cleaning (headliner) ceiling of vehicle.
  • Seatbelt Cleaning ($45/30 mins): Deep cleaning of all seatbelts.
  • Vomit Decontamination ($249): Includes decontamination of vomit areas with enzyme, steam, and ozone treatment. Larger incidents may result in addition labor at $45 per 30 minutes.
  • Odor Remediation ($90/hr): Odor remediation using an enzyme cleaner to treat areas of contamination, smoke, spills, pet stains, urine, feces. For best results, we recommend adding the Ozone Treatment addon.
  • Ozone Treatment ($249): Ozone generator designed to remediate airborne odors from vehicle interior including ventilation system. For best results, use with Odor Removal addon.
Most Popular

Exterior Detail

Protection Level: 3-6 Months

Coating: Wax or Ceramic

Best For: Deep Quarterly Detail

Choose vehicle type swipe

coupe

coupe silhouette

$179

sedan

sedan silhouette

$189

compact suv

compact suv silhouette

$199

truck

truck silhouette

$229

full-size suv

full-size suv silhouette

$259

What's included

  • 100% Hand Wash w/ Deionized Water
  • Touchless Blow Drying
  • Detail Wheels & Dress Tires
  • Clay Treatment Service
  • Apply Wax by Hand (3 Months Protection)
  • Apply UV Protectant to Trim

Most popular add-ons

  • Ceramic paint protection (6 months) (+$100)
  • One Step Paint Polishing ($200)
  • Scratch Reduction Polishing ($45/30 mins)
  • Headlight Restoration ($149)
Vehicle condition & upgrades

Vehicle Condition:

Vehicles that have NEGLECT i.e. Pet Hair, Sand, Kid Use, Excessive Dirt, Stains will require extra labor:

  • PET HAIR + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • HEAVY KID USE + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • STAINS + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • SAND/MUD + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • EXCESSIVE BUGS + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • OLD/WORN VEHICLE + $90 (60 mins extra labor)
Addons:
  • Headlight Restoration ($149): Restoring dull, faded, and oxidized headlight lenses. Includes sealer.
  • One Step Paint Polish ($150-$250): Recommended for vehicles that have not been waxed in one year or longer. This step is performed prior to applying wax or ceramic and includes single stage machine orbital polishing to improve paint luster and helps to reduce washlines, swirl marks, and fine clear coat blemishes.
  • Engine Detailing ($149): Includes underneath hood and all top surface components of the engine.
  • Scratch Reduction Polishing ($45/30 mins): Machine polishing of certain areas/panels to reduce swirl marks, washlines, clear coat imperfections, or oxidation.
  • Contaminant Removal ($45/30 mins): Waterspots, Paint Overspray, Tree Sap, Road Tar, Heavy Bugs, or Pollen.
  • Decal Removal ($45/30 mins): Sticker/vinyl/emblem removal from any surface.
  • Oversized/Lifted/Full Size ($90): For vehicles lifted, raised, or with oversized wheels and tires. Also includes full-sized trucks that are not stock.
  • Matte/Satin Finish ($90): Utilizing a specially formulated soap for vehicles with vinyl wraps or paint with a matte/satin finish.
  • Polish Wheels ($45/30 mins): Thorough hand polishing of wheels to restore shine and protect finish. Ideal for aluminum, stainless steel, or chrome wheels.
  • Plastic Trim Restoration ($149): This option is for exterior plastic trim that is faded/dull and helps to restore original luster.
  • Truck Bed Cleaning ($45/30 mins): Thorough cleaning of the truck bed.
  • Steam Clean Cloth Seats ($45-$90): For vehicles with cloth, fabric, or upholstered seats. Includes shampooing/steam cleaning.
  • Interior Rodent Decontamination ($475): Includes enzyme, steam, and ozone treatment for the interior of the vehicle to neutralize odors and contamination.
  • Rodent Engine Bay Decontamination ($249): Clean and decontaminate the engine bay after a rodent infestation.
  • Interior Dressing ($45): Water-based interior treatment on all vinyl/plastic components like dash, door panels, and center console. Protects and adds luster.
  • Leather Conditioner ($45): PH-Balanced leather conditioner specifically designed to protect leather.
  • Headliner Cleaning ($45): Carefully cleaning (headliner) ceiling of vehicle.
  • Seatbelt Cleaning ($45/30 mins): Deep cleaning of all seatbelts.
  • Vomit Decontamination ($249): Includes decontamination of vomit areas with enzyme, steam, and ozone treatment. Larger incidents may result in addition labor at $45 per 30 minutes.
  • Odor Remediation ($90/hr): Odor remediation using an enzyme cleaner to treat areas of contamination, smoke, spills, pet stains, urine, feces. For best results, we recommend adding the Ozone Treatment addon.
  • Ozone Treatment ($249): Ozone generator designed to remediate airborne odors from vehicle interior including ventilation system. For best results, use with Odor Removal addon.
Interior

Interior Detail

Best For: Cleaning & Protecting Surface Areas

Choose vehicle type swipe

coupe

coupe silhouette

$189

sedan

sedan silhouette

$199

compact suv

compact suv silhouette

$229

truck

truck silhouette

$239

full-size suv

full-size suv silhouette

$269

What's included

  • Deep Cleaning of all Interior
  • Shampoo Carpets and Mats
  • Leather Cleaned and Conditioned
  • Clean & Dress Dash, Door Panels & Console

Most popular add-ons

  • Leather Conditioner ($45)
  • Steam Clean Cloth Seats ($45-$90)
  • Interior Dressing ($45)
  • Headliner Cleaning ($45)
  • Carpet & Fabric Protection ($100-$150)
Vehicle condition & upgrades

Vehicle Condition:

Vehicles that have NEGLECT i.e. Pet Hair, Sand, Kid Use, Excessive Dirt, Stains will require extra labor

  • PET HAIR + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • HEAVY KID USE + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • STAINS + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • SAND/MUD + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • OLD/WORN VEHICLE + $90 (60 mins extra labor)
Addons:
  • Steam Clean Cloth Seats ($45-90): For vehicles with cloth, fabric, or upholstered seats. Includes shampooing/steam cleaning.
  • Interior Rodent Decontamination ($475): Includes enzyme, steam, and ozone treatment for the interior of the vehicle to neutralize odors and contamination.
  • Rodent Engine Bay Decontamination ($249): Clean and decontaminate the engine bay after a rodent infestation.
  • Headliner Cleaning ($45): Carefully cleaning (headliner) ceiling of vehicle
  • Seatbelt Cleaning ($45/30 mins): Deep cleaning of all seatbelts.
  • Vomit Decontamination ($249): Includes decontamination of vomit areas with enzyme, steam, and ozone treatment. Larger incidents may result in addition labor at $45 per 30 minutes.
  • Odor Remediation ($249): Odor remediation using an enzyme cleaner to treat areas of contamination, smoke, spills, pet stains, urine, feces. For best results, we recommend adding the Ozone Treatment addon.
  • Ozone Treatment ($175): Ozone generator designed to remediate airborne odors from vehicle interior including ventilation system. For best results, use with Odor Removal Addon.
  • Carpet & Fabric Protection ($100-$150)
Best Value

Complete Detail

Protection Level: 3-6 Months

Coating: Wax

Best For: Value Whole-Vehicle Detail

Choose vehicle type swipe

coupe

coupe silhouette

$259

sedan

sedan silhouette

$279

compact suv

compact suv silhouette

$299

truck

truck silhouette

$319

full-size suv

full-size suv silhouette

$349

What's included

  • 100% Hand Wash w/ Deionized Water
  • Touchless Blow Drying
  • Detail Wheels & Dress Tires
  • Clay Treatment Service
  • Deep Cleaning of all Interior
  • Shampoo Carpets and Mats
  • Leather Cleaned and Conditioned
  • Clean & Dress Dash, Door Panels & Console

Most popular add-ons

  • Ceramic paint protection (6 months) (+$100)
  • One Step Paint Polishing ($200)
  • Scratch Reduction Polishing ($45/30 mins)
  • Headlight Restoration ($149)
Vehicle condition & upgrades

Vehicle Condition:

Vehicles that have NEGLECT i.e. Pet Hair, Sand, Kid Use, Excessive Dirt, Stains will require extra labor

  • PET HAIR + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • HEAVY KID USE + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • STAINS + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • SAND/MUD + $45 (30 mins extra labor)
  • OLD/WORN VEHICLE + $90 (60 mins extra labor)
Ceramic:
  • Ceramic TEC582 Paint Protection ($100-$150): Substitute ceramic for wax! TEC582 Ceramic Sealant lasts up to 6 months (twice as long as wax). To achieve 1 year of ceramic protection, we recommend the Ceramic Prep Polishing Addon.
  • One Step Polishing For Ceramic Prep ($150-$250): This service is recommended for clients that have selected our TEC582 Ceramic. Designed to prep your vehicles paint for maximum longevity of the TEC582 (up to 1 year). Includes single stage machine orbital polishing to improve paint luster and helps to reduce washlines, swirl marks, and fine clear coat blemishes.
Addons:
  • Headlight Restoration ($149): Restoring dull, faded, and oxidized headlight lenses. Includes sealer.
  • One Step Paint Polish ($150-$250): Recommended for vehicles that have not been waxed in one year or longer. This step is performed prior to applying wax or ceramic and includes single stage machine orbital polishing to improve paint luster and helps to reduce washlines, swirl marks, and fine clear coat blemishes.
  • Engine Detailing ($149): Includes underneath hood and all top surface components of the engine.
  • Scratch Reduction Polishing ($45/30 mins): Machine polishing of certain areas/panels to reduce swirl marks, washlines, clear coat imperfections, or oxidation.
  • Contaminant Removal ($45/30 mins): Waterspots, Paint Overspray, Tree Sap, Road Tar, Heavy Bugs, or Pollen.
  • Decal Removal ($45/30 mins): Sticker/vinyl/emblem removal from any surface.
  • Oversized/Lifted/Full Size ($90): For vehicles lifted, raised, or with oversized wheels and tires. Also includes full-sized trucks that are not stock.
  • Matte/Satin Finish ($90): Utilizing a specially formulated soap for vehicles with vinyl wraps or paint with a matte/satin finish.
  • Polish Wheels ($45/30 mins): Thorough hand polishing of wheels to restore shine and protect finish. Ideal for aluminum, stainless steel, or chrome wheels.
  • Plastic Trim Restoration ($149): This option is for exterior plastic trim that is faded/dull and helps to restore original luster.
  • Truck Bed Cleaning ($45/30 mins): Thorough cleaning of the truck bed.
  • Steam Clean Cloth Seats ($45-$90): For vehicles with cloth, fabric, or upholstered seats. Includes shampooing/steam cleaning.
  • Interior Rodent Decontamination ($475): Includes enzyme, steam, and ozone treatment for the interior of the vehicle to neutralize odors and contamination.
  • Rodent Engine Bay Decontamination ($249): Clean and decontaminate the engine bay after a rodent infestation.
  • Interior Dressing ($45): Water-based interior treatment on all vinyl/plastic components like dash, door panels, and center console. Protects and adds luster.
  • Leather Conditioner ($45): PH-Balanced leather conditioner specifically designed to protect leather.
  • Headliner Cleaning ($45): Carefully cleaning (headliner) ceiling of vehicle.
  • Seatbelt Cleaning ($45/30 mins): Deep cleaning of all seatbelts.
  • Vomit Decontamination ($249): Includes decontamination of vomit areas with enzyme, steam, and ozone treatment. Larger incidents may result in addition labor at $45 per 30 minutes.
  • Odor Remediation ($90/hr): Odor remediation using an enzyme cleaner to treat areas of contamination, smoke, spills, pet stains, urine, feces. For best results, we recommend adding the Ozone Treatment addon.
  • Ozone Treatment ($249): Ozone generator designed to remediate airborne odors from vehicle interior including ventilation system. For best results, use with Odor Removal addon.

Why San Diego Drivers Choose Mobile Car Detailing From Smith Bros

San Diego mobile car owners and professionals choose Smith Bros for three reasons: experience, convenience, and quality. Our detailing professionals have been serving San Diego neighborhoods from La Jolla and Del Mar to Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Escondido since 1994.

We bring the best mobile auto detailing service right to your driveway, saving you time and effort.

Unlike a car wash, our detailing team gives every surface the attention it deserves: paint, wheels, trim, and interior. Each vehicle gets a thorough, hands-on cleaning that restores and protects your investment.

We also offer window tinting, Paint Protection Film (PPF), and fleet detailing for San Diego businesses. That's why we have 1,000+ five-star reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook.

Smith Bros provides professional mobile auto detailing across San Diego County. We are fully insured, licensed, and bonded. San Diego's salt air and beach sand wear down your vehicle's paint and interior over time.

Our technicians come to your home or office to handle everything on-site, from a basic mobile wash for daily drivers to high-end interior and exterior vehicle detailing for SUVs and luxury cars.

Same-day availability, 7 days a week. Book online or get an instant quote to discuss your detailing needs.

Mobile Ceramic Coating

Salt air is what makes a coating worth it this close to the water. A ceramic layer gives the salt nothing to key into and makes the frequent rinsing that a Cardiff car needs into a two-minute job rather than a chore. We fit ceramic coating in Cardiff on site, though it does need a garage or a covered space to cure in.

Mobile Window Tinting

Upgrade your vehicle with our professional mobile window tinting service, offering enhanced privacy, UV protection, and a sleek, polished look. Our high-quality tint films help reduce glare, block harmful sun rays, and keep your car’s interior cooler, improving comfort and energy efficiency.

With our mobile service, we bring expert installation to your location, ensuring a hassle-free experience with precision results.

Whether you want added style, heat reduction, or increased security, our window tinting solutions deliver lasting performance.

Mobile detailing in Cardiff

Salt is the reason a Cardiff car needs a different routine from an inland one. It holds moisture against metal, works into every seam and shut line, and does not simply rinse off. Sand does the rest: it gets tracked into carpets from the beach, sits in the window channels, and turns any dry wipe of the paint into fine scratching.

We come to you anywhere in Cardiff, from the coast road and the seaside lots up through the Composer District and along Birmingham Drive. A full detail here is a decontamination job as much as a cleaning one, and we do it properly rather than quickly.

What the beach does to a Cardiff car

Three things come up on almost every car we detail here.

Salt in the seams. A rinse takes the salt off the panels and leaves it in the door shuts, the tailgate lip and the wheel arches, which is where it does the damage. Getting into those is most of what separates a wash from a detail on a coastal car.

Sand in the carpets, which is a slower job than people expect. Sand works down into the pile and to the base of the seat rails, and it takes proper extraction rather than a pass with a vacuum. It is also what causes that gritty feel in the footwell weeks after the last beach trip.

Salt haze on the glass, which is the one drivers notice at night. It builds as a thin film, scatters oncoming headlights, and comes off with a proper glass decontamination rather than screenwash.

Working on the coast road

Cardiff gets more wind than most of this coast, and wind is the practical constraint on outdoor work — it dries panels before they can be dried properly and puts grit onto wet paint. A garage, a carport or even a sheltered side of the house makes a visible difference to the finish. If none of that exists, we will still get the car done; we would just rather know beforehand.

We are out seven days a week, 7am to 7pm, and we work the neighbouring coast on the same runs, including Encinitas, Leucadia, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe.

If the car is a surf vehicle, tell us when you book. Wetsuit water in the boot, sand through the whole cabin and salt on everything is a known quantity for us, and it is worth allowing the extra time rather than squeezing it into a short slot.

Ready when you are

Book mobile detailing today

We bring the studio to you. Tell us your vehicle and we'll handle the rest.

Rated 5 stars 5.0 1,000+ five-star reviews on

Mon–Sun · 7AM – 7PM · San Diego County & Southern California

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