April 3, 2025
Why Summer Heat is Tough on Your Car’s Paint & How to Protect It
Summer is a time for road trips, beach outings, and sunny drives, but it’s also the season when your car’s paint is at the highest risk of damage. The intense heat, UV rays, and environmental contaminants can cause fading, oxidation, and deterioration of your vehicle’s exterior. Understanding the effects of summer heat on your car’s paint and taking proactive steps to protect it will help maintain its appearance and resale value. At Morrow Collision Center, we specialize in keeping your car looking its best, no matter the season.
How Summer Heat Damages Your Car’s Paint
- UV Rays and Oxidation
Just like prolonged sun exposure can harm your skin, UV rays can break down your car’s clear coat, leading to paint fading and oxidation. Over time, this exposure results in a dull and chalky appearance, making your car look older than it is. - Extreme Temperatures
High temperatures cause paint expansion and contraction, which can lead to cracks, peeling, and an overall weakened exterior. This damage is especially common in areas with prolonged summer heat waves. - Acidic Contaminants
Summer increases the presence of contaminants such as bird droppings, tree sap, and bug splatter. The heat accelerates their corrosive effects, leading to permanent stains and etching on the paint if not removed promptly.
How to Protect Your Car’s Paint This Summer
- Regular Washing and Waxing
Frequent washing removes dirt, dust, and contaminants before they can cause damage. Applying a high-quality wax or paint sealant creates a protective layer that shields your car from harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants. - Park in the Shade
Whenever possible, park in shaded areas, garages, or under carports to reduce direct sun exposure. Using a car cover is also a great option for long-term protection. - Use Paint Protection Film or Ceramic Coating
For long-lasting defense against heat and UV damage, consider applying a paint protection film or ceramic coating. These solutions provide an extra barrier against the elements, keeping your car’s paint looking pristine. Contact Morrow Collision Center to inquire more about this service. - Keep Your Car Hydrated with a Spray Sealant
Applying a spray sealant or detailer with UV protection between washes helps maintain a protective layer and enhances your car’s shine. - Remove Contaminants Immediately
Bird droppings, bug splatter, and tree sap should be cleaned off as soon as possible. Using a gentle cleaning solution and microfiber cloth prevents permanent stains and damage.
The summer heat can take a serious toll on your car’s paint, but with proper care and maintenance, you can protect it from fading, oxidation, and other damage. At Morrow Collision Center, we offer professional detailing, paint protection, and repair services to keep your car looking like new. If your vehicle’s paint has suffered from the summer elements, our expert team is here to restore its beauty and shine.
Contact Morrow Collision Center today to learn more about our paint protection and restoration services!
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Modern vehicles are smarter and safer than ever, thanks to Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Features like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking help prevent accidents—but what happens when a vehicle equipped with ADAS is involved in a collision? The repair process has changed drastically in recent years, and it’s important for vehicle owners to understand ADAS and how these safety features impact collision repairs. What is ADAS? ADAS refers to a suite of safety technologies designed to assist drivers in avoiding accidents. These systems rely on sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor surroundings and react to potential hazards. Common ADAS features include: Lane Keep Assist – Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if drifting occurs. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Applies brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. Blind Spot Monitoring – Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots. Adaptive Cruise Control – Adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert – Warns drivers of approaching traffic when backing up. Why ADAS Makes Collision Repairs More Complex When a vehicle with ADAS is involved in an accident, even a minor fender bender can disrupt these sensitive systems. Unlike traditional repairs that focused mainly on structural damage, modern collision repairs require precise calibration and diagnostics to ensure these safety features function correctly. 1. Specialized Repair Procedures Repairing ADAS-equipped vehicles requires manufacturer-specific procedures to prevent system malfunctions. A simple bumper replacement or windshield repair might seem straightforward, but if a radar sensor or camera is misaligned by even a fraction of an inch, it can lead to major safety risks. 2. Calibration is Critical After repairs, ADAS components must be recalibrated to ensure they function as intended. There are two types of ADAS calibration: Static Calibration – Performed in a controlled shop environment using specialized tools and targets. Dynamic Calibration – Requires driving the vehicle in specific conditions to reset ADAS sensors properly. Failing to calibrate ADAS systems correctly can cause them to malfunction or provide false warnings, putting the driver and others at risk. 3. Increased Repair Costs Due to the advanced technology involved, ADAS repairs can be more expensive than traditional collision repairs. The need for specialized equipment, software updates, and trained technicians means that repairing an ADAS-equipped vehicle often requires more time and expertise. How Morrow Collision Center Ensures Safe ADAS Repairs At Morrow Collision Center , we stay ahead of the curve by using the latest ADAS calibration technology. When you bring your vehicle to us, you can expect: Certified Technicians who understand the complexities of ADAS repairs. Advanced Calibration Equipment to ensure sensors, cameras, and radars are perfectly aligned. Manufacturer-Approved Repair Methods to restore your vehicle’s safety features. Thorough Post-Repair Testing to confirm that your ADAS systems work as intended. Trust Morrow Collision Center for Expert ADAS Repairs If your vehicle has been in an accident, don’t trust just any repair shop to get it back on the road safely. At Morrow Collision Center, we understand the intricacies of ADAS and ensure every car repair is done right. Contact us today to schedule your auto repair and let our experts restore your vehicle’s safety systems with precision and care.
When you're involved in a car accident, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: how much will it cost to repair my vehicle? The cost of collision repairs can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. At Morrow Collision Center, we believe in full transparency, so let’s take a closer look at what factors affect the cost of auto collision repairs. 1. The Extent of Damage One of the biggest factors affecting repair costs is the severity of the damage. Minor dents and scratches will cost significantly less than major structural damage . If essential components like the frame or suspension are affected, the repairs become more complex and expensive. 2. Type of Vehicle The make and model of your car play a big role in determining repair costs. Luxury and foreign cars often have specialized parts and materials that can be more expensive and timelier to replace. Additionally, newer models with advanced technology and sensors require specialized repair techniques, increasing labor costs. 3. Replacement Parts The choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts, or used OEM parts can impact the cost. OEM parts tend to be pricier but ensure a perfect fit , while aftermarket or used parts might be more affordable but may vary in quality and compatibility. Your insurance company may not cover the full price of NEW OEM parts, so be sure to check your coverage! 4. Labor Costs Labor charges differ from shop to shop and market area, and depend on the complexity of the repair. High-tech features, like adaptive cruise control or collision avoidance systems, require skilled technicians, which can raise the cost of labor. 5. Paint and Finish If your car requires a new paint job, the cost will depend on the quality of paint, the number of coats, and whether custom paint matching is necessary. Some finishes require more precision and may increase costs. There are many types of paint finishes such as metallic, pearl, gloss, matte, or flat coats. Be sure to do your research on which may suit your preferences and needs best. Morrow Collision Center is proud to offer the PPG MoonWalk® system , ensuring the highest level of finish and precision. This state-of-the-art paint mixing technology provides exact color matching and a smooth application, so whether you’ve had a minor fender-bender or a more significant collision, we’ll restore your vehicle to its pre-accident beauty with unmatched accuracy and efficiency. 6. Insurance Coverage Your insurance policy and deductible can significantly influence how much you pay out of pocket. Comprehensive and collision coverage can help reduce your expenses, but if you have a high deductible, you may still need to cover a portion of the repair bill. 7. Additional Repairs and Hidden Damage Sometimes, additional damage is discovered once repairs begin. Hidden damage behind panels or under the hood can lead to unexpected costs. A thorough inspection by a trusted collision repair center can help identify these potential expenses early on. Bring Your Car to Morrow Today & Get an Honest Estimate At Morrow Collision Center, we provide detailed estimates to help you understand the cost of your auto repairs. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure quality repairs, getting you back on the road safely and efficiently. Contact us or visit one of our locations today to get an estimate and let us take the stress out of collision repairs!
