What is car grooming?
Car grooming refers to the thorough cleaning, reconditioning, shining, and preservation of your vehicle’s exterior and interior. Car groomers are sometimes also referred to as “auto detailers” and the key difference is that detailing means restoration of specific areas that appear in need of restoration, rather than grooming which usually involves the entire vehicle.
Car grooming is solely cosmetic in nature and works on enhancing your vehicle’s current appearance. For professional paintwork and body repairs, you’re better off engaging the services of an auto workshop.
Difference between a car wash and car grooming?
Groomers usually employ tools which are not readily available in the market, and even if they are, proper skill is required in order to operate them optimally. This is what sets it apart from a typical car wash. Car washes generally removes the dirt and grime from the exterior and interior of the car but does nothing to enhance the presentation apart from restoring its former clean look.
A freshly groomed car will have every nook and cranny inspected, cleaned, buffed and polished, making the car look like it’s fresh out of the showroom. This is also the main reason for the cost comparison between both services, where a car wash can range from anywhere between $8 to $40 depending on the add-ons you choose. Whereas a grooming session may cost anywhere between $50 to >$1000 depending on the grade of products and services chosen.
In addition to the price, car washes often take about 20 minutes to an hour to complete from wash to drying. A grooming session, however, may take up to five hours if the most thorough package is chosen.
Why car grooming?
Owning a car is an expensive hobby, or necessity for some. Hence, there is an unspoken obligation to keep these vehicles looking pristine as a representation of their value, analogous to keeping your lavish accessories spotless and immaculate for the next wear. Besides, a well-maintained car can unarguably fetch better prices compared to an old beaten car when you’re looking to sell your car. Ever wondered how the used cars in the dealer’s showroom look so good all the time? Car grooming.
Apart from that, car grooming offers added protection against the harsh weather conditions that are inevitable in our tropical climate. The waxing which is often a part of the grooming process essentially adds a layer of protection to your paintwork, keeping it sealed away from the scorching sun and battering rain that’s full of contaminants.
Grooming costs, and what’s included?
Now, before you jump right into signing up for a lifetime’s worth of grooming packages, you should be well apprised of the costs involved and the services included. We did mention the price difference previously, but here’s the rundown of the individual services and their costs.
A basic grooming package can cost between $50 to $250 (yes, it is quite a range) and the package will likely include cleaning, which can be a normal wash or waterless wash (includes vacuuming the interior), basic polishing and waxing, and some minor touch-up of the exterior.
Some of the common add-ons will be (prices are largely dependent on the grade of product and size/type of car):
- Interior leather treatment ($30-50), repairs damage caused by the sun and provides a layer of protection
- Air-conditioner refresh/ cleaning ($15-30), gives fresh breath to the air-conditioning unit and cleans out unwanted odours
- Car fumigation ($10-30), kills pests and rids the vehicle of them
- Exhaust and rim shining/ de-greasing ($10-30), adds a layer of shine to the commonly observed appendages of the vehicle
- Headlights/ tail-lights restoration ($25-70), making sure you see the road clearly at night and ensuring you’re seen
- Glass coat paint protector ($150-600), a tier above a normal wax coating, protects and seal in the paintwork
- Ceramic coat paint protector ($500-1,200), the highest tier of protective coating you can get for your car, lasting with a pristine look, hydrophobic but not that wallet-friendly
The list provided above is non-exhaustive as most grooming packages can be further modified to cater to what your vehicle needs.
How to choose a car grooming service that suits your needs?
The thought of getting your vehicle all dolled up for the weekend may sound extremely exciting. However, every car is somewhat different, and hence, some research will help you decide what is best for your car. Besides, we are usually spoilt for choice when it comes to these popular services and deciding which to add-on may be quite daunting.
The best way forward will be to understand what each component of the grooming package means and then speak directly to the groomer/detailer and discuss about what is best for your vehicle. The package should be catered to you so you should be picky about the services you choose.
You should navigate the list provided with these principles in mind.
Services offered
When you decide on grooming your car, you may want a specific component of your car done up, like the headlights, but the packages offered by a groomer may not have that, and that will mean you’re better off looking for another package elsewhere.
Package rates
When considering the packages you want for grooming your car, it pays off to be calculative, since car grooming is inevitably expensive. So, it’s best that you do your math to make sure you get what you want at the best price there is out there.
Reviews from past customers
Looking up reviews of a place is fairly simple with the reach of the internet, and it is one reliable way to know what you’re signing up for since you get to hear from the consumers directly. Google is your best friend for this, and is generally more accessible than the traditional word-of-mouth reviews, but that usually works too.
Convenience
If you’re driving in Singapore, it should mean that you have a packed schedule and are most likely be needing your car pretty much most of the time. Hence, it is imperative that this be a consideration where the location, time required and flexibility in terms of pick-up, car rentals or even choice of mobile car grooming services should matter.
Where are the best car grooming workshops?
If you’re ready to parade your “good-as-new” ride down the streets of Singapore, here are some of the workshops that provide notable car grooming services.
Car Workshop |
Detail Lab |
| Speciality | Comprehensive detailing with disinfection and sanitsation
Swissvax selection of products |
| Price | $$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | https://www.detaillab.com.sg/ |
| Address | Premier @ Kaki Bukit, 8 Kaki Bukit Ave. 4, #02-03/04, Singapore 415875 |
| Contact | 98448533 (Ben)
ben@detaillab.com.sg |
| Opening Hours | 9am – 6pm daily (closed on Sundays) |
Car Workshop |
Max Polish |
| Speciality | Affordable grooming packages
Meguiar’s selection of products |
| Price | From $59.90 (Basic car grooming package) |
| Website | https://www.maxpolish.com.sg/ |
| Address | Max Polish (SG) Pte Ltd 307A Tampines Street 32, 521307 |
| Contact | 97920492
max@maxpolish.com.sg |
| Opening Hours | 10am-10pm daily (closed on Tuesdays) |
Car Workshop |
Paint Protection Specialist |
| Speciality |
|
| Price | $$$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | http://sgpaintprotection.com/ |
| Address | 9 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #01-70 North Spring Bizhub, Singapore 768163 |
| Contact | (65) 91710359
Whatsapp: 91710359 info@sgpaintprotection.com |
| Opening Hours | 9am to 6pm daily (closed on Sundays) |
Car Workshop |
Detail Mania |
| Speciality | Wide range of grooming packages
Ceramic paint protection coating |
| Price | From $180 (full groom package for a small-sized vehicle) |
| Website | https://www.detailmania.com.sg/ |
| Address |
80 Rhu Cross #01-04 Singapore 437437 Marina Bay Golf Course |
| Contact | 87866008
brendan.l@detailmania.com.sg |
| Opening Hours | 9am to 6pm daily (closed on Mondays) |
Car Workshop |
Lambency Detailing |
| Speciality | Wide range of services
Window coating |
| Price | $$ (enquire for rates here) |
| Website | https://lambencydetailing.com/ |
| Address | 53 Ubi Avenue 1 #01-31 Paya Ubi Industrial Estate, Singapore 408934 |
| Contact | 68109918
Whatsapp: 96585808 |
| Opening Hours | 9am to 7pm from Mondays to Fridays
9am to 9pm for Saturday and Sundays Closed on public holidays |
Car Workshop |
Revol Car Makeover |
| Speciality | Restoration and full body grooming |
| Price | From $440 (exterior and interior grooming for small-sized vehicles) |
| Website | https://www.revol.com.sg/ |
| Address | 10 Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2A #01-12 AMK Autopoint Singapore 568047
Blk 42 Toh Guan Road East #01-75 Enterprise Hub Singapore 608583 |
| Contact | 65551181 (Enquiry hotline)
67466281 (Ang Mo Kio) 62679331 (Toh Guan) |
| Opening Hours | Ang Mo Kio: 8.30am to 6.30pm daily
Toh Guan: 8.30am to 6.30pm daily except Saturdays (closes at 6pm) |
Car Workshop |
Joseph Mobile Car Polish |
| Speciality | Doorstep car grooming service
Affordable wash and groom services |
| Price | From $128 (car grooming package) |
| Website | https://www.sgcarmart.com/directory/merchant.php?MID=11374 |
| Address | 8 Kaki Bukit Avenue 4 Gate 1 #01-01 Premier @ Kaki Bukit Singapore 415875 |
| Contact | 98711151 |
| Opening Hours | 8.30am to 7pm daily (closed on public holidays) |
Car Workshop |
Elite Image Detailing |
| Speciality | Paint treatments and protection |
| Price | $$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | https://www.eliteid.com.sg/ |
| Address |
50 Serangoon North Ave 4 #01-06 First Centre Singapore 555856 |
| Contact | 66364466 |
| Opening Hours | 9.30am to 7pm daily except Saturdays (closes at 6.30pm)
Closed on Sundays |
Car Workshop |
CARs International |
| Speciality | Premium wash and groom services
Glass paint protection coating |
| Price | $$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | https://carsbeauty.com.sg/ |
| Address |
|
| Contact | 68460663
sg@carsbeauty.com |
| Opening Hours | 9am to 4pm Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays) |
Car Workshop |
EnGloz Car & Bike Grooming Services |
| Speciality | Grooming services for Motorcycles |
| Price | From $30 (basic car spa), $15 (basic wash for bikes) |
| Website | https://www.engloz.com/ |
| Address | 50 Gambas Cresent, #04-18, Singapore 757022 |
| Contact | 91811938 |
| Opening Hours | 12pm to 8pm daily (closed on Tuesdays) |
Car Workshop |
Groomtech Auto |
| Speciality | Interior detailing
Ceramic coating |
| Price | $ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/GroomtechAuto/ |
| Address | 20 Ah Hood Road, Zhongshan Mall B1-91/92
Singapore 329984 |
| Contact | 89099192 |
| Opening Hours | 10am to 7pm daily (closes on 2pm on Thursdays) |
Car Workshop |
5D Solutions |
| Speciality | Paint restoration and protection services |
| Price | $$$ (prices stated for packages starting from $1,360, contact them directly for selection of services) |
| Website | http://5dsolutions.sg/ |
| Address | 7 Soon Lee Street #01-26 ISPACE
Singapore 627608 |
| Contact | 86687560 |
| Opening Hours | 9am to 6pm daily (closed on Sundays) |
Car Workshop |
Oxygen Performance Grooming |
| Speciality | Paint restoration and protection services |
| Price | From $250 for full grooming package with ceramic coating |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/oxygenperformancegrooming/ |
| Address | 7030 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5
Singapore 569880 |
| Contact | 96348588
louisoxygen88@gmail.com |
| Opening Hours | 8am to 2pm for weekdays
8am to 6pm on Saturdays 10am to 10pm on Sundays |
Car Workshop |
New Age Polish |
| Speciality | Ceramic paint protection coating
Services:
|
| Price | $$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | https://www.newagepolish.sg/ |
| Address | 11 Yishun Industrial Street 1 #01-112, North Spring Biz Hub, Singapore 768089 |
| Contact | (65) 8161 0131
info@newagepolish.sg |
| Opening Hours | 9am to 6pm daily (closed on Wednesdays) |
Car Workshop |
Groomwerkz |
| Speciality | Full range of grooming and cleaning services
Car aesthetics |
| Price | $580 for nano ceramic coating grooming package |
| Website | https://m.facebook.com/groomwerkz/ |
| Address | 1 Esplanade Drive, The Esplanade, Singapore 038981 (basement 2 carpark, green zone) |
| Contact | 62277238 |
| Opening Hours | 7.30am to 5pm on weekdays (closed on weekends) |
Car Workshop |
MintGroom Car Detailing |
| Speciality | Doorstep car grooming services
Premium car wash |
| Price | $$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | https://www.mintgroomsg.com/ |
| Address | Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596 (basement 1 carpark) |
| Contact | 81383125
mintgroom@gmail.com |
| Opening Hours | 9am to 7pm on weekdays (closes at 5pm on Saturdays, closed on Sundays) |
Car Workshop |
Gorilla Werkz |
| Speciality | Car aesthetics
Full range of detailing services |
| Price | $$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/gorillawerkz/ |
| Address | 15 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #01-04, Singapore 768091 |
| Contact | 92333153 |
| Opening Hours | 11am to 8pm daily |
Car Workshop |
Ceramic Works |
| Speciality | Comprehensive car grooming packages
Ceramic paint protection coating |
| Price | $$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | https://ceramicworks.sg/ |
| Address | 13 Kaki Bukit Road 4, #01-29 Bartley Biz Centre, Singapore 417807 |
| Contact | 81893233 |
| Opening Hours | 9am to |
Car Workshop |
EA Detailer |
| Speciality |
|
| Price | $$$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | https://www.eadetailer.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eadetailer Instagram: www.instagram.com/eadetailer |
| Address | 130 Dunearn Rd, Singapore 309436 |
| Contact | Tel: 69178396
WhatsApp: https://www.eadetailer.com/speak2us Email: enquiry@eadetailer.com |
| Opening Hours | 9.30am to 7pm daily (closed on Mondays and public holidays) |
Car Workshop |
Klar Details |
| Speciality | Paint restoration and protection |
| Price | $$ (contact them directly for rates) |
| Website | http://www.klardetails.com.sg/ |
| Address | 48 Toh Guan Road East, #02-124 Enterprise Hub
Singapore 608586 |
| Contact | 66356703
p2wservices@gmail.com |
| Opening Hours | 9am to 6pm daily (closed on Sundays) |
Editor’s Note:
While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.
If you are a service provider and wish to be featured in this listing (MediaOne reviews are read by hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans), please contact us at enquiry@mm.com.sg. There is no charge! Please allow us up to 3 working days to review before adjusting the information or including your entry.
