Hand-Washed, Sealed, and Ready to Shine
Exterior Car Detail & Washing in Fargo, ND
Your Exterior Deserves More Than a Drive-Through Wash
Automatic car washes are convenient, but they are not doing your paint any favors. The brushes, harsh chemicals, and high-pressure water they use can introduce swirl marks and leave contaminants behind rather than removing them. Professional exterior car detailing is a different experience entirely, one that treats your paint with the care it actually needs.
At Detail City in Fargo, ND, our exterior detailing services are done entirely by hand. We use a two bucket method and foam cannon wash to safely lift dirt from the surface, and our packages include paint sealant application to help keep your vehicle cleaner and better looking between visits. Whether you want a thorough hand wash and seal or a full decontamination treatment, we have an option that fits.
Our Exterior Detailing Packages
Exterior Wash
Starting at $100
Price varies by vehicle size and condition
This Package Includes:
- Two bucket hand wash
- Foam cannon wash
- Hand wash wheels and tires
- Apply trim dressing
- Apply paint sealant
- Clean glass inside and out
A thorough hand wash and sealant application to keep your exterior clean and looking sharp.
Decontamination and Seal
Starting at $150
Price varies by vehicle size and condition
This Package Includes:
- Two bucket hand wash
- Foam cannon wash
- Hand wash wheels and tires
- Iron remover treatment
- Clay bar decontamination
- Wheel wells degreased
- Apply trim dressing
- Apply paint sealant
- Clean glass inside and out
A deeper exterior clean that goes beyond the wash to remove embedded contaminants from the paint surface before sealing.
Add-On Services
Headlight Restoration
Starting at $125 per set
Over time, headlights become cloudy, yellowed, and oxidized, reducing visibility and making your vehicle look older than it is. Our restoration process removes oxidation through a multi-step sanding and polishing process before applying a durable UV-resistant clear coat for long-lasting clarity and protection.
Service Includes:
- Multi-step wet sanding process
- Machine polishing for clarity restoration
- Durable UV-resistant clear coat application
Benefits:
- Improved nighttime visibility
- Restored clarity and appearance
- Helps modernize the look of your vehicle
- Adds protection against future oxidation
Most restorations can be completed same day depending on condition.
Engine Bay Detailing
Starting at $75
A properly detailed engine bay not only improves the overall appearance of your vehicle, but also makes it easier to spot leaks, perform maintenance, and keep components looking well cared for. Our engine bay detailing process safely removes dirt, grease, and buildup while restoring a clean, factory-fresh appearance under the hood.
Service Includes:
- Safe degreasing of engine bay components
- Agitation of cracks, crevices, and hard-to-reach areas
- Removal of dirt, grease, and buildup
- Dressing and protection of plastics and trim for a clean finish
Benefits:
- Cleaner, more professional appearance
- Easier to inspect for leaks or maintenance issues
- Helps preserve plastics and rubber components
- Great add-on before selling or showing your vehicle
Most engine bay details can be completed same day depending on condition.
Glass Ceramic Coating
Starting at $200
Glass ceramic coating creates an ultra-hydrophobic layer on your windshield and windows that repels water, improves visibility in wet conditions, and helps keep your glass cleaner for longer. Rain beads up and clears off more easily at highway speeds, making driving safer and more comfortable during harsh weather.
Service Includes:
- Full glass preparation and decontamination
- Professional-grade ceramic coating application to exterior glass surfaces
- Hydrophobic protection for improved water repellency
- Easier removal of bugs, dirt, ice, and road grime
Benefits:
- Improved visibility during rain and snow
- Water beads and sheds quickly from glass surfaces
- Easier glass maintenance and cleaning
- Helps reduce buildup from contaminants and road film
Recommended For:
Daily drivers, highway commuters, and anyone looking to improve wet-weather visibility and long-term glass protection.
Most applications can be completed same day depending on vehicle size and condition.
Paint Enhancement
Starting at $300
Available as an upgrade with the Decontamination and Seal package, paint enhancement uses a single polishing step to reduce light swirl marks and improve the overall clarity and gloss of your paint before the sealant is applied.
What a Professional Exterior Detail Actually Does for Your Paint
Safe Paint Care
Hand washing with proper technique and quality products removes dirt without dragging it across your paint, which is exactly how swirl marks form. Every exterior detail we perform is done the right way from start to finish.
Contaminant Removal
Brake dust, iron particles, road tar, and other bonded contaminants cannot be removed by washing alone. Our decontamination package uses iron remover and clay bar treatment to pull these particles out of the paint before they cause damage.
Paint Sealant
Every exterior package includes a paint sealant application. Sealant creates a sacrificial layer over your paint that repels water and contaminants, making your car easier to keep clean and giving the finish a noticeably smoother appearance.
Wheels and Tires
Wheels accumulate brake dust and road grime faster than any other part of the vehicle. We hand wash every wheel and tire as part of our exterior packages to make sure the whole vehicle looks finished, not just the body panels.
Why Fargo Winters Make Exterior Detailing More Important
North Dakota winters are hard on vehicles. Road salt is one of the most corrosive substances your paint and undercarriage can come into contact with, and it accumulates fast during a Fargo winter. Regular exterior detailing through the colder months helps remove salt buildup before it has time to work its way into paint, trim, and metal components.
Beyond salt, freeze and thaw cycles, sand, and debris all take a toll on your vehicle's finish over time. Keeping a sealant on your paint gives it a layer of defense that makes a real difference in how your vehicle holds up through the season. If you want to take that a step further, our ceramic coating packages offer longer-lasting coverage that is specifically built to handle harsh conditions.
Ready to Book Your Exterior Detail in Fargo?
Whether you are starting with a basic hand wash and seal or going all in with a full decontamination treatment and add-ons, our team at Detail City is ready to take care of your vehicle. If you are looking to combine interior and exterior services in one visit, check out our full detailing packages for the best overall value.
Exterior Detailing FAQs
What is the difference between the Exterior Detail and Decontamination and Seal packages?
The Exterior Detail covers a thorough hand wash, wheels and tires, trim dressing, paint sealant, and glass cleaning. The Decontamination and Seal package adds iron remover, clay bar treatment, and wheel well degreasing to remove bonded contaminants that a standard wash cannot address. If your paint feels rough to the touch or has visible water spots and residue, the decontamination package is the better starting point.
How often should I get my exterior detailed?
For most drivers, every two to three months is a reasonable interval for a professional exterior detail. If you drive in heavy traffic, park outside, or are dealing with a North Dakota winter, more frequent visits can help stay ahead of salt and contaminant buildup.
Is hand washing really better than an automatic car wash?
Yes. Automatic car washes, particularly those with brushes, can introduce swirl marks and fine scratches into your clear coat over time. Hand washing with proper technique and quality products is significantly gentler on your paint and far more thorough when it comes to cleaning around trim, wheels, and tight areas.
What does paint sealant do?
Paint sealant bonds to your clear coat and creates a smooth, slick surface that repels water, dirt, and contaminants. It makes your car easier to wash and helps maintain the appearance of the paint between details. It is included in both of our exterior packages.
Can I add headlight restoration to any package?
Yes. Headlight restoration is available as an add-on with any exterior detailing package. If your headlights have yellowed or clouded over, it is a noticeable upgrade that improves both the look and the function of your vehicle.
Do you offer exterior detailing as part of a full detail?
Yes. Our full detailing packages combine interior and exterior services in one visit. If you want to take care of both at the same time, head over to our full detailing page to see what is included.
