We tailor every service to your vehicle and bring our full setup right to your home or workplace anywhere in San Diego, including Mission Hills, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, Torrey Pines, Point Loma, Kensington, Pacific Beach, Downtown San Diego, University City, and SDSU.
San Diego’s Exterior Car Detailing Experts
Is your vehicle’s exterior looking dull, dirty, or lacking the shine it once had? Let’s bring it back.
Restore and Protect Your Vehicle’s Finish
At True Shine SD, our exterior detailing service is built to restore and protect your car’s finish. Whether it’s a daily driver exposed to the sun, a weekend toy needing extra care, or a pre-owned car that’s lost its gloss, we have the skills, products, and passion to make it look stunning again.
We use professional-grade tools like foam cannons, clay bars, polishers, and sealants to safely remove grime, contaminants, and oxidation while restoring your paint’s depth and clarity. Every surface, from wheels and tires to trim and glass, gets the attention it deserves.
Want the inside to match the outside? We also offer interior detailing to refresh your cabin so your whole car feels brand new.
Our Exterior Detailing Process
Every vehicle’s paint is different, so we tailor our process to its needs. Here’s how a full exterior detail usually goes from start to finish:
Step 1: Hand Wash and Prep
We begin with a thorough hand wash using pH-balanced soap, microfiber mitts, and wheel brushes. This removes loose dirt, brake dust, and surface grime while preventing scratches. Clean paint is the foundation for proper detailing.
Step 2: Clay Bar and Decontamination
Next, we remove bonded contaminants like tar, tree sap, and industrial fallout that washing alone can’t touch. Using clay bars and iron removers, we create a smooth surface that’s ready for polishing and protection.
Step 3: Polishing and Gloss Enhancement
Depending on your car’s condition, we polish the paint to remove light oxidation and restore clarity. This step revives the shine and depth of color, leaving your exterior looking refreshed and vibrant.
Step 4: Trim and Wheel Care
Faded trim and dirty wheels can ruin an otherwise clean look. We restore plastic and rubber pieces with dressings, clean the wheels thoroughly, and shine the tires so every detail is complete.
Step 1: Glass Cleaned
We clean all exterior glass and mirrors until they’re streak-free, ensuring clear visibility and a polished finish.
Step 2: Protective Sealant
To lock in results, we apply a premium sealant or wax that shields the paint from UV rays, dirt, and water. This protective layer makes future washes easier and keeps your vehicle shining longer.
Step 3: Final Touches
Before finishing, we inspect every panel, wheel, and trim piece to make sure the job is flawless. If anything needs extra attention, we handle it on the spot. Our goal is simple, return your car with a finish you’ll be proud of.
What San Diego Drivers Are Saying About True Shine SD
We’re proud to provide exterior detailing that’s convenient, thorough, and professional. Our team shows up on time, pays attention to every detail, and leaves your car spotless and protected. That dedication is why so many San Diego drivers return to us for repeat service and share their 5-star Google reviews.
“I highly recommend True Shine Mobile Carwash/ Detailing Service. Jacari Cook did an outstanding job cleaning my Audi Q3 inside and out. It has not looked this good since I drove it off the showroom floor in 2016.” – Sarah King
“Ethan was absolutely amazing! He was very detail-oriented, punctual, and polite throughout the entire process. I got an interior detail, and my car looks brand new—like it just rolled off the lot! I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for top-notch car detailing.” – Abbas Rizvi
“Ethan and his helper (sorry I didn’t get his name) were on time and very friendly. I had them clean interior, exterior plus clay bar and wax my Ford F150. The truck looks beautiful and feels so smooth again. Their price was absolutely reasonable, well worth the money spent. I would recommend them to anyone needing their vehicle detailed.” – Megan Rose
How to Maintain a Clean Exterior
Taking care of your car’s paint between details makes a huge difference in appearance and longevity. With consistent care, your vehicle will stay cleaner, glossier, and more protected against the elements. Here are some effective ways to maintain your car’s finish:
Wash Regularly
Hand wash every couple of weeks with pH-balanced soap and microfiber mitts. This prevents dirt buildup and swirl marks that dull your paint.
Dry Properly
Always dry with clean microfiber towels instead of bath towels, which can scratch the surface and leave water spots behind.
Apply Wax or Sealant
Keep a protective layer on your paint to guard against UV rays, pollutants, and moisture. A wax lasts a few months, while a sealant gives even longer protection.
Protect From the Sun
Whenever possible, park in a garage, shaded area, or use a car cover. Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to faded paint over time.
Clean Wheels and Tires
Brake dust is corrosive and can damage wheels if left alone. Clean wheels and apply tire shine regularly to preserve their appearance.
Handle Bird Droppings and Bugs Quickly
Droppings and bug splatter are acidic and can etch into paint if left untreated. Wipe them away with a detail spray as soon as you notice them.
Refresh Trim and Plastics
Exterior plastics and rubber trim benefit from conditioning. Use protectants to prevent fading, cracking, and discoloration.
Rinse After Coastal Drives
In San Diego, salt air and coastal roads can leave residue on your paint. A quick rinse helps prevent corrosion and keeps your car looking its best.
By following these steps, you’ll extend the life of your detail and keep your exterior in peak condition year-round.
Professional Interior and Exterior Detailing Services
Along with full exterior details, True Shine SD provides a variety of mobile services across San Diego to keep your entire vehicle protected and looking its best:
A long-lasting, high-gloss barrier that repels dirt, water, and UV rays, preserving your paint’s finish for years.
Removes swirls, scratches, and oxidation to restore paint depth and gloss. Perfect to combine with ceramic coating.
Eliminates haze and yellowing from headlights to improve safety and refresh your car’s appearance.
Cleans and restores every surface inside your car, from carpets and seats to dashboards and door panels.
Degreases, cleans, and dresses your engine compartment for a professional look that matches the rest of your detailed car.
An ideal in-between service that includes a thorough wash and quick refresh to keep your car looking clean year-round.
Serving San Diego and Surrounding Areas
Exterior Detailing FAQs
It depends on your car’s condition. Most exterior details take 2 to 4 hours, with more time needed for heavily contaminated paint or if additional services like polishing are included.
No, we’re fully mobile. We bring all the water, power, and supplies to your home, office, or preferred location in San Diego, making the process hassle-free.
A sealant or wax usually lasts 2 to 3 months, while ceramic coatings can last for years. We’ll walk you through the best option based on your driving and maintenance habits.
A standard exterior detail removes surface contaminants and restores shine. For deeper scratches and swirl marks, we recommend pairing your detail with paint correction.
Yes, wheels, tires, and trim are included. We clean, dress, and protect them so your entire exterior has a consistent, polished look.
We suggest a full exterior detail twice a year, with maintenance details in between. This keeps your vehicle protected and looking its best in San Diego’s sun and coastal climate.
Book Your Exterior Detail with True Shine SD
If your vehicle’s exterior needs a professional refresh, True Shine SD has you covered. We bring premium detailing to your driveway with no hassle or downtime.
Schedule your appointment today and see how we can make your paint shine, your trim pop, and your car look its best again.
