Professional Car Detailing in Missoula — Protect Your Investment

A basic exterior detail in Missoula runs $50-$150, while a full interior and exterior detail costs $200-$500. Pricing depends on vehicle size and condition. Ceramic coatings start at $700 for sedans and can exceed $3,000 for SUVs and trucks. Montana vehicles often need more extensive prep work due to accumulated road salt and gravel damage from our long winters.

At minimum, get a full detail twice a year — after winter and before winter. A post-winter detail in March or April removes salt buildup and inspects for damage. A pre-winter detail in September or October applies protective coatings before salt season begins. During the six-month salt season from November through April, wash every two weeks to prevent corrosion.

Ceramic coating is one of the best investments for protecting your vehicle in Montana conditions. Our combination of road salt, gravel, UV exposure at 3,200 feet altitude, and extreme temperature swings makes paint especially vulnerable. A quality ceramic coating lasts 2-5 years and provides superior resistance to salt, chemicals, and UV damage compared to wax, which only lasts a few weeks.

Ceramic coating protects against chemicals and UV, while PPF physically absorbs rock chips and scratches. Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds to paint, providing chemical resistance, UV protection, and hydrophobic properties but no impact protection. PPF is a clear urethane film that shields against gravel hits. Many Missoula drivers get PPF on high-impact areas like the hood and bumper, and ceramic coating on the rest.

Yes — Montana road salt is one of the most destructive forces your vehicle faces. Montana has used salt compound deicers statewide since 1996. Salt accelerates rust on metal components, corrodes brake lines and suspension parts, and damages paint when left untreated. The undercarriage is most vulnerable. Regular washing with undercarriage treatment during salt season is the single most important maintenance step for Missoula drivers.

Both — each serves a different purpose for Montana drivers. A pre-winter detail in September or October applies protective coatings before salt season begins, creating a defensive barrier. A post-winter detail in March or April removes accumulated salt, treats any new damage, and applies fresh protection for summer. Think of it as defense in fall and restoration in spring.

A full detail covers every surface inside and out, restoring your vehicle to near-showroom condition. It typically includes exterior wash and decontamination, clay bar treatment, paint correction to buff out scratches and swirls, sealant or wax application, interior deep clean with shampooing and leather conditioning, dashboard and trim treatment, window cleaning, and tire and wheel detailing. Premium packages add engine bay cleaning and headlight restoration.

Modern mobile detailing units deliver the same professional results for most services. Mobile detailers carry professional-grade equipment and products equivalent to shop-based operations. The main limitation is that advanced services like multi-stage paint correction or PPF installation require a controlled indoor environment. For standard details and ceramic coatings, mobile service is equally effective and far more convenient for Rattlesnake, South Hills, and University District residents.

A professional ceramic coating typically lasts 2-5 years in Montana, depending on the product and maintenance. The key is proper upkeep — wash every two weeks during salt season, use pH-neutral car soap, and avoid automatic car washes with abrasive brushes. With proper care, premium coatings can last five or more years even through Montana's harsh winters. Your Missoula detailer will recommend a maintenance schedule based on your specific coating.

Yes, all Missoula detailers in our network service vehicles of every size. Trucks and SUVs typically cost $50-$100 more than sedans for a full detail due to the larger surface area. Ceramic coatings for larger vehicles can be $500-$1,000 more. Given that trucks and SUVs see more off-road and gravel road use around Missoula, Miller Creek, and Lolo, they often benefit the most from professional detailing and paint protection.