Car Care Best Practices

June 1, 2023

Car Care Best Practices

Your car care can be improved by following the best practices to maintain your vehicle’s exterior and interior. Properly maintaining your car not only enhances its aesthetics but also ensures it lasts longer and retains a good resale value. Today, we’ll discuss some of the best practices surrounding washing, waxing, ceramic coating, detailing, food and drink consumption, mechanical maintenance, and collision repairs.

Wash Your Car Regularly

First, handwashing your car regularly is essential to properly maintain its paint. Good handwashes remove dirt, debris, and pollutants that can cause your car's paint to fade, scratch, or corrode. We recommend washing your car at least every other week to remove any contaminants. Bring your vehicle to our detail center or handwash it at home using mild car soaps, a microfiber mitt, and clean water to wash your car's exterior. Rinse off the car with water after scrubbing with the mitt and dry it with a microfiber towel.

Plan out Waxing and Ceramic Coatings

To protect your paint from the sun, rain, and other environmental elements, apply a coating of wax after handwashing every six months or call us for professional waxing services. Waxing your car helps to protect the paint and create a barrier that repels contaminants and keeps water beading off. Waxing your car also adds a glossy finish to the paint, making it look brand new. This technical process can be time-consuming, so we’d recommend reaching out to a detailer if you don’t have the time to regularly wax your car.

For the best results, wax your car at least twice a year. If you want long-term protection, you might consider ceramic coating to protect your vehicle's paint for several years. We offer ceramic coating and auto detailing services at our shops to help you save time.

Arrange Detailing and Car Care

Detailing is an essential car care practice that involves professional cleaning, waxing, and polishing of your car. While detailing can be an investment, it restores many cars to their original condition and can help maintain resale values.

Our detailers clean your seats, carpets, dashboard, and other interior surfaces using specialized cleaning products and equipment. We also address tough stains from food, drinks, and smoking that household remedies can’t eliminate. For the best regular results, schedule detailing appointments at least once a quarter so all contaminants are timely addressed.

Reduce Food and Drink Consumption

Eating and drinking in your car is convenient but can lead to spills and long-term stains. If you eat in your car, clean up spills immediately and avoid leaving food debris. These remnants could attract pests and cause unpleasant odors in your car. Cleaning spills immediately with a damp cloth is crucial to avoid permanent stains on your seats and carpet. Also, use seat covers, floor mats, and protectors to prevent spills from soiling your car's surface.

Smoking in your vehicle can lead to ash and dust buildup, often resulting in stains and foul odors. Avoid smoking in your car as much as possible, clean ashtrays regularly, and crack each window to allow fresh air in.

Follow Your Manufacturer's Car Care

Proper maintenance doesn't stop at the vehicle's exterior and interior but also includes mechanical maintenance. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups, will ensure your car runs efficiently and lasts longer.

Regular mechanical maintenance also helps to maintain a vehicle’s resale value. Furthermore, we recommend following your car’s manufacturer-issued maintenance schedule and paying attention to your oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations.

Schedule Timely Collision Repairs

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, leaving your vehicle damaged and in need of immediate attention. By promptly addressing and repairing any damage, you not only bolster your safety on the road but also prevent further deterioration and long-term issues. Timely collision repairs help restore the structural integrity of your vehicle, maintain its aesthetics, and preserve its resale value. Our skilled technicians are committed to providing efficient and reliable repairs, using state-of-the-art equipment and quality materials to restore your car to its pre-accident condition.

Reach Out with Any Car Care Needs

Taking care of your car may seem like a daunting task, but following these best practices for your car care can keep your car looking new and running great. Remember to regularly wash and wax your car, avoid eating or drinking while driving, and schedule timely repairs. With these tips in mind, you're guaranteed a vehicle that you'll love and enjoy for years to come.

Our team at Morrow Auto Body Repair thrives on fulfilling our community's vehicle repairs. With our Gold Class services, we take pride in ensuring your car receives the highest standard of care, allowing you to hit the road again with absolute confidence. Call, text, or fill out our convenient contact form to get in touch with us today!

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Preparing Your Vehicle for Fall: Maintenance Tips

September 4, 2025

As the vibrant colors of fall emerge and temperatures begin to dip, it's a reminder that winter isn't far behind. Changing seasons bring wet leaves, early morning frost, and shorter daylight hours, all of which can affect driving conditions. Preparing your vehicle now is key to staying safe and avoiding accidents. While routine maintenance is important, accidents can still happen. That’s where Morrow Collision Center comes in, offering expert collision repair to restore your vehicle if the unexpected occurs. 1. Check Your Tires and Brakes With cooler temperatures, tire pressure can drop, reducing traction on wet leaves or frost-covered roads. Inspect your tires for tread depth and wear, and make sure they’re inflated to the recommended PSI. Brakes are equally critical, autumn roads can be slippery, and functioning brakes reduce stopping distances. If your brakes show signs of wear or make unusual noises, schedule an inspection. Morrow Collision Center can repair any collision damage caused by brake-related incidents, keeping your vehicle safe and reliable. 2. Inspect Windshield Wipers and Lights Rain, fog, and early frost make visibility a priority. Replace worn wiper blades and refill washer fluid with a formula suitable for colder weather. Also, check all exterior lights like headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are fully functional. Poor visibility is a common factor in fall fender benders, and addressing these issues early helps prevent accidents. If a collision does occur due to visibility issues, Morrow Collision Center provides fast, professional auto body repair to get your car back in top condition. 3. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Exterior Fallen leaves and early frost can damage paint and trap moisture against your vehicle. Regular washing and waxing protect your car’s finish and prevents corrosion. Minor dings and scratches from autumn hazards can be repaired quickly with paintless dent repair at Morrow Collision Center, preserving your vehicle’s value and appearance. 4. Check Fluids and Battery Cooler weather can affect your car’s battery and essential fluids. Test your battery to ensure it holds a charge, and top off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. A weak battery or low fluids can contribute to accidents if your car stalls unexpectedly. In case an accident does happen, Morrow Collision Center offers comprehensive collision repair services, including frame straightening, bumper repair, and auto glass replacement. 5. Common Fall Accidents and How to Handle Them Even careful drivers may encounter minor collisions in the fall. Wet leaves, slippery roads, and poor visibility increase the risk of: Fender benders in parking lots or at intersections Sideswipes from tight lanes or crowded streets Rear-end collisions in traffic or during sudden stops Morrow Collision Center is equipped to handle all types of collision damage, restoring vehicles safely and efficiently. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure repairs meet factory standards, and we work with all major insurance companies to simplify the claims process. 6. Plan for the Unexpected Even with preventive measures, accidents happen. Keep your vehicle documentation, insurance information, and emergency contacts handy. If an accident occurs this fall, having a reliable collision repair partner like Morrow Collision Center ensures your car is returned to you quickly and safely, often with rental car assistance through our Hertz Preferred Partner program. Conclusion Fall driving brings beautiful scenery but also extra hazards. By inspecting tires, brakes, lights, and fluids, you can reduce the risk of accidents. However, collisions can still occur, and when they do, Morrow Collision Center provides expert repair services, including paintless dent repair, auto glass replacement, bumper repair, and full-frame restoration. Trust our certified technicians to restore your vehicle and get you back on the road safely this fall. Contact us here!

The Role of OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts in Collision Repair

August 14, 2025

After a collision, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is what kind of replacement parts should be used to repair your vehicle. This often comes down to a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts. While both options serve a similar purpose, they differ in quality, compatibility, and cost and the decision can have a lasting impact on your vehicle’s performance, safety, and value. At Morrow Collision Center, we’ve been restoring vehicles with precision and care for over 25 years. Based in Lincoln, NE, we help customers make informed decisions about their repairs and explain how the parts used can affect the outcome. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts and why it matters in the collision repair process. What Are OEM Parts? OEM parts are manufactured by the same company that built your vehicle. These parts are made to match the exact specifications of the original parts installed at the factory. OEM parts are designed for perfect fit, function, and compatibility with your vehicle’s make and model. What Are Aftermarket Parts? Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies and are not produced by the vehicle’s original manufacturer. These parts are typically designed to be compatible with multiple makes and models, and they vary in quality depending on the brand. Key Differences Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts Let’s take a closer look at how these two options compare in the context of collision repair: 1. Fit and Compatibility OEM Parts: Guaranteed to fit your vehicle precisely, minimizing the risk of misalignment or installation issues. Aftermarket Parts: May not always fit as precisely, especially if they’re designed for multiple vehicle types. This can lead to additional labor time or the need for modifications. 2. Quality and Performance OEM Parts: Match the quality and materials of the original components, offering consistent performance and safety. Aftermarket Parts: Quality can vary by manufacturer, and some may perform just as well, while others may wear out faster or not meet the same safety standards. 3. Warranty and Insurance Coverage OEM Parts: Often come with a warranty from the manufacturer and are more likely to be covered by your vehicle’s original warranty. Aftermarket Parts: May have limited or no warranty and could potentially void certain aspects of your factory warranty. At Morrow Collision Center, we work closely with your insurance company to determine what type of parts are covered under your policy. 4. Cost Considerations OEM Parts: Typically, more expensive due to the manufacturer branding and guaranteed fit. (If OEM Parts are preferred for better fitment and performance, the customer may be responsible for the additional out-of-pocket cost.) Aftermarket Parts: Usually more affordable, which can help lower out-of-pocket costs, especially if insurance doesn’t cover OEM. So, Which Is Better? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your vehicle’s age, your budget, insurance coverage, and personal preference. For newer or high-end vehicles, OEM parts may be worth the investment to maintain factory-level performance and value. For older cars or minor repairs, aftermarket parts may offer a cost-effective solution. At Morrow Collision Center, we walk you through your options and help you choose the parts that meet your needs, without sacrificing safety or quality. Why Trust Morrow Collision Center? Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Morrow Collision Center is a family-owned and operated shop known for quality workmanship, transparency, and customer care. Whether we’re using OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts, our I-CAR certified technicians ensure your vehicle is repaired to pre-accident condition with precision and integrity. We offer: Expert collision repair for all makes and models Limited Lifetime Warranty Paintless dent repair and full body work Frame straightening and unibody repair Help navigating insurance claims Free estimates and status updates throughout the repair Get Back on the Road with Confidence Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts can feel overwhelming, but with the right collision repair team on your side, it doesn’t have to be. At Morrow Collision Center, we explain your options clearly and stand behind every repair we perform. Contact us today!