Keep Your Ride Looking Its Best

Trusted Choice for Expert Exterior Detailing in Columbia, SC

Restore the Shine. Enhance Your Finish

Elevate Your Ride with High-End Exterior Detailing

When was the last time your car truly turned heads? Exterior detailing is more than just a wash; it’s a full restoration for your paint, trim, and wheels. At Mad Dog Mobile Detailing, we deep-clean, decontaminate, and polish every surface of your vehicle to remove grime, oxidation, and buildup that dull your vehicle’s shine. From bug residue and tar to water spots and road film, we tackle it all with professional tools and precision.

The result? A mirror-like finish that not only looks incredible but also protects against South Carolina’s mix of summer heat and high humidity, which can be harsh on your paint. Whether you’re preparing for a show, sale, or simply want that just-detailed look every day, our exterior detailing service brings your vehicle back to life.

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Pricing

Exterior Detailing Packages

Wash & Wax

Starting At $140 

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Hand wash wheels and tires
  • Decontaminate paint to remove minor bugs/tar/grime
  • Apply no-sling tire dressing
  • Apply paint sealant
A dirty truck wheel with mud terrain tire on a gray concrete surface.
Shiny chrome wheel on a black truck tire, showing tread pattern, parked on a concrete surface.
Fuel door open on a silver car, covered in black grime. Fuel cap visible.
Open gas tank door on a silver car, fuel cap attached with a wire.

Wash, Clay, & Seal

Starting At $200

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Hand wash wheels and tires
  • Decontaminate paint to remove minor bugs/tar/grime
  • Decontaminate remaining impurities with clay-bar
  • Apply no-sling tire dressing
  • Apply paint sealant

Paint Enhancement

Starting At $450

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Hand wash wheels and tires
  • Decontaminate paint to remove minor bugs/tar/grime
  • Decontaminate remaining impurities with clay-bar
  • Apply no-sling tire dressing
  • Apply paint sealant
  • Swirl-free single stage paint polish

Add-On Services

Headlight Restoration

Starting At $100

Dull, yellowed headlights? We’ll bring them back to life. Our professional restoration process sands away oxidation, polishes the lenses to crystal clarity, and seals them with a durable multi-year coating. The result is brighter headlights, improved nighttime visibility, and a cleaner, newer look for your vehicle.

Gray car headlight with condensation and surrounding road grime.
Gray Porsche car headlight, close-up with dirt and road grime.

Engine Detailing

Starting At $125

Our engine detailing service removes built-up grime, grease, and debris from your engine bay before applying a protective dressing to condition plastics and hoses. The result is a fresher appearance, easier maintenance, and better visibility for spotting leaks or wear before they become problems.

Benefits

Why Invest In Exterior Detailing?

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Protect Your Paint from the Elements

Every drive in Columbia, SC exposes your car to damaging contaminants. UV rays can dull your paint, while road grime and harsh weather build up and wear down your finish over time. Our exterior detailing process removes those layers of buildup and applies a protective sealant to help your finish last. With regular detailing, your vehicle stays shielded from oxidation, fading, and corrosion, keeping your paint looking newer, longer. Think of it as an essential sunscreen and skincare routine for your car.

Black star-shaped graphic on a white background.

Maintain Long-Lasting Shine and Gloss

A clean car is nice, but a professionally detailed one is a show stopper. Through precise washing, decontamination, and polishing, we restore the depth and clarity of your paint while enhancing gloss far beyond what a standard car wash can achieve. The finish feels silky smooth, stays cleaner between washes, and maintains that “just-detailed” look even weeks later.

Clean car interior with a seat and steering wheel.

Boost Resale Value and Pride of Ownership

A properly maintained exterior looks better and holds more value. Buyers notice when a vehicle has been cared for, and clean, swirl-free paint can make a lasting first impression. Regular detailing helps you protect your investment, extend the life of your finish, and enjoy the satisfaction of driving something that looks as good as it performs.

How We Do It

Our Exterior Detailing Process: Step by Step

1. Thorough Hand Wash & Wheel Cleaning

Every detail starts with a deep hand wash to safely remove dirt, grime, and road film from your paint, wheels, and tires. Our team uses professional-grade soaps and tools to prevent scratches and swirl marks while cleaning even the tightest areas. Wheels and tires are cleaned individually to remove brake dust and buildup for a crisp, clean finish.


2. Paint Decontamination & Clay Bar Treatment

Next, we decontaminate your vehicle’s surface. We’ll remove stubborn bugs, tar, and other contaminants that cling to the paint. Depending on your package, we may also perform a clay bar treatment to lift embedded particles from the clear coat, leaving the surface smooth and ready for protection.


3. Tire Dressing and Paint Protection

Once the surface is clean, we apply a no-sling tire dressing for a rich, dark wheel finish. We then apply a premium paint sealant that enhances gloss and adds a durable layer of protection. This helps repel dirt, water, and UV rays and keeps your vehicle looking cleaner for longer.


4. Paint Enhancement (Optional Upgrade)

For those seeking extra depth and shine, our Paint Enhancement package includes a swirl-free, single-stage polish. This process refines the surface, boosts color clarity, and delivers that true showroom glow.

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FAQ

Exterior Detailing Questions and Answers

  • What does exterior detailing include?

    Our exterior detailing packages cover everything your vehicle needs to look its best. Each service includes a thorough hand wash, wheel and tire cleaning, paint decontamination, and a protective sealant. Depending on the package, we also offer clay bar treatments and single-stage paint polishing for added depth and shine.

  • How is detailing different from a car wash?

    A regular car wash removes surface dirt, but exterior detailing restores and protects your vehicle’s finish. We use professional tools, premium products, and hands-on techniques to safely remove contaminants, correct imperfections, and leave behind a long-lasting protective barrier.

  • How often should I get my car detailed?

    Most vehicles benefit from exterior detailing every 3–6 months, depending on driving conditions and exposure to the elements. Regularly detailing helps preserve your paint, extend the lifespan of your paint, and maintains that freshly detailed appearance year-round.

  • Will detailing remove scratches and swirl marks?

    Light imperfections and surface swirls can often be reduced or removed during our paint enhancement process. But exterior detailing isn’t a one-size fits all solution. For deeper scratches or heavy oxidation, you may need a more intensive treatment, such as a repaint.

  • Do you offer mobile exterior detailing?

    Yes! You can either visit us at our Columbia shop or book a mobile detail, and we’ll come to you! We bring everything needed, including water, power, and supplies. Whether at home or work, we deliver professional-grade results and convenience you can count on.