Exterior detail
Mobile Exterior Car Detailing
Our Wash, Clay & Seal is a complete exterior detail that comes to you. We hand wash the car, remove the contamination a wash leaves behind, and finish with a ceramic sealant, at your driveway or workplace. No drop-off, no waiting room.
What's Included in Wash, Clay, & Seal/Exterior
- Hand wash and foam bath: foam loosens the dirt before we touch the paint, then we wash by hand
- Clay bar and paint decontamination: lifts off sap, brake dust, and other contamination that stays on the paint after a wash
- Ceramic sealant: a protective layer on the cleaned paint that helps water and dirt rinse off
- Wheel and tire deep clean: brake dust and road grime cleaned from the wheels and tires
- Door jambs wash: the edges and seams you only see with the doors open, where dirt and salt collect
- Bug removal: insect residue cleaned off the paint, since it can etch the finish if left on
- Tire shine: a clean finish on the tires
- Streak-free glass: windows cleaned without streaks
Before & After
Good to Know
- Interior cleaning isn't included. For the inside as well, see Inside & Out, or Interior Only by itself.
- It doesn't remove scratches or swirl marks. Clay removes bonded contamination and the sealant protects the paint, but neither corrects the paint.
- Want the detail behind each step? Read What Is a Wash, Clay & Seal Detail?.
Pricing may adjust for SUVs and trucks, and heavy soil or pet hair is priced after inspection. We confirm your final price when you book.
Add-Ons That Pair Well
- Glass coating ($40)
- Trim restoration ($50)
- Paint/marker removal ($25)
How It Works
- 1Book online: pick Wash, Clay & Seal and any add-ons, and we'll confirm pricing and a time.
- 2We arrive: at your driveway or workplace at the scheduled time, with our own water and power.
- 3We detail: we hand wash, decontaminate, and seal the exterior.
- 4Enjoy the result: a clean, protected exterior without a trip to a shop.
We're available every day from 6am to 10pm, and we typically respond in under an hour. Questions about how it works? See our FAQs.
What Customers Say
"If you’re looking for a premium detailing service that comes right to your home or workplace, I highly recommend Lucent Car Care. Outstanding work and exceptional attention to detail!"
"The guys did a terrific job with my Audi Q5. They were diligent, hard working, and committed to doing an excellent job to make the car sparkle inside and out. I would definitely use Lucent again and am happy to recommend."
"The Lucent team did a great job detailing our two family cars.. Prompt, efficient, and the cars looked spectacular when they were done. Highly recommend."
Which Package Is Right for You?
- Wash, Clay, & Seal/Exterior (from $115) — The exterior only. You're here.
- Interior Only (from $220) — A full interior clean, with no exterior work.
- Inside & Out (from $320) — Everything in Wash, Clay & Seal plus a full interior clean, in one visit.
Who Does the Work
Lucent Car Care is a locally owned detailing business based on the North Shore. Every detail is done by our own small team, working on one car at a time. We're fully insured, and we bring our own water, power, and professional products to every job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from a regular car wash?
A wash removes dirt that sits on the paint. Wash, Clay & Seal also removes the contamination that bonds to it, then seals the paint so it stays protected afterward. For the full breakdown, read What Is a Wash, Clay & Seal Detail?.
Do you bring your own water and power?
Yes. We bring our own water, power, and professional products, so we don't need any hookups.
Do I need to be home?
No. As long as we can access your vehicle and you've shared any special instructions, we'll complete the service while you're away.
Will it remove scratches or swirl marks?
No. Clay removes bonded contaminants and the sealant protects the paint, but neither removes scratches or swirl marks. Those need paint correction, which isn't part of this package.
Does it include the interior?
No, Wash, Clay & Seal is exterior only. Interior Only cleans the inside, and Inside & Out does both in one visit.
Where We Work
We bring Wash, Clay & Seal to homes and workplaces in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Mettawa, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Skokie, Wheeling, Wilmette, and Winnetka. See our full service area.
Ready for a Cleaner Car?
Book Wash, Clay & Seal online or call us at (224) 552-0952. Contact us with your vehicle and what you'd like done.