Morris FAQ’S

How long does the detail take?
Our Full Detailing Services can take between 6 – 10 hours depending on the type, size & condition of your car. Our Ultimate Detail or a vehicle that requires extra attention on the interior or multiple stages of polishing on the exterior may take more time. A specific estimate can be provided the day of your appointment.

What should I do to prepare my vehicle before I bring it in for service?

Please make sure you have plenty of gas. We use industrial air movers and the heater and air conditioning system of your vehicle to dry the carpets after shampooing them and the engine must be running.

We also use this method to run our  odor removal system. This product cleanses your ventilation system from bacteria and the engine must be running as well to be effective.

It is also a good idea to remove your personal items from inside your vehicle. This will save us time and it is less unlikely that your items will be lost during our cleaning process.

Don’t worry so much about removing items from your glove box or center console. We remove those items for you to clean inside compartments then put everything back in immediately.

If you do not have time to remove all personal items we understand. In that case we put everything in a storage bin while cleaning your interior then put items back inside your car.

What is the difference between Wax and Paint Sealers?

Essentially they both serve the same purpose, protecting the vehicle’s painted surfaces. Wax comes from nature from the carnauba palm, and at one time was of high quality. However, most waxes are no longer as pure because of state regulated VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) rules and therefore do not last or protect as long they once did.

How long does the protection last?

Numerous variables can contribute to the longevity of a wax or sealer product. Typically, the standard wax or sealer will last four to six months. If carefully maintained (i.e., hand washed and spray waxes used periodically), that same finish can last over six months. With extended protection sealers, the same coating will normally yield a full year’s worth of protection.

A word of caution: Some companies now claim they have a product that can last three or four years or longer. One of Morris Auto details more important values is honesty so hogwash is all we can say. Under normal wear and tear we have not found a product that will fight off rail-dust or repel tar from sticking to your paint and repel water for that period of time. That is why regular detailing and maintenance is so essential for caring car owners.

How can I keep the finish from getting scratched or fading?

First and foremost, know that most automated car washes cause micro-marring or “car wash scratches.” These are formed from the contaminants in the brushes and the harshness of some brushes themselves scrubbing the car during the cleaning process. Also, chemicals used in car washes, winter salts from the roads and environmental factors all contribute to the stripping of any protection that may be on the vehicle. The remedy to this is just like what you do with your vehicle’s engine; proper maintenance is essential to preserving the finish on your automobile. Our polishing process insures that your car will have the deepest shine possible without having any swirl marks. Having your car hand washed and detailing it on a regular basis will give your vehicle years of life and keep it looking like the day you bought it. This is not fantasy; with the right care and attention, great results can be achieved.

Can scratches be removed?

Many scratches can be buffed or polished out. A common rule of thumb is if you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, it is probably too deep to be removed just by regular polishing. Some scratches may need a heavy compounding and/or wet sanding to effectively remove or hide the raised areas of the scratch. Paint touch up can also be a solution for those scratches that are completely through both the top clearcoat and basecoat of the paint.

Can stains be removed from the interior carpets and upholstery?

In many situations, the answer is yes. First, let’s differentiate a stain from a spot. Spots on the interior fibers can usually be removed with common cleaners and/or solvent based products. Coffee, cola, gum, fresh dirt, salts are all good examples of spots. Always remember that fast action to a spill is key to how completely we are able to remove a spot.

Stains, on the other hand, are actually spots that have replaced the original color of the fiber. Unfortunately for all of us, these usually do not come out with cleansers or solvents. Examples of stains are red dyes such as Kool-aid or cranberry juice, bleach and ground in dirt over years of high traffic. To remove these stains, the stain must be neutralized and then a dye can be applied over the affected area.

How often should I have my vehicle detailed?

Our recommendation is to have your vehicle completely detailed every 12 – 18 months. However, we strongly encourage maintaining the vehicle throughout the intervening period of time by having your car washed by hand on a regular basis, waxing every six months (or if yearly, using an extended paint sealer), and having express cleaning done on the interiors. If budget is a concern, some people prefer to alternate interior and exterior service. During the first year, have the interior completely done; the next year, have the exterior addressed. Although not done at the same time, you are still keeping within the recommended 12 -18 months timeline.

What does a “clay bar” do for the paint of my vehicle and is it included in the detailing process?

Clay bars are used to remove surface contaminants on the paint. Such contaminants include: ferrous-oxide (rail-dust), mineral deposits, paint overspray and other environmental fallout that leave the surface feeling gritty or rough even after washing the car. Detailers’ clay pulls out these contaminants leaving the surface smooth and ready for polishing. In most cases, a clay bar or Magna-sponge tm will be used on Complete and Exterior Packages where polishing is a part of the detailing process.

Do I need an appointment or can I just bring my car in?

To avoid disappointment, making an appointment is the best strategy. We do accept walk-in customers on a first come, first served basis providing there is room on the schedule. We recommend at least a two-day notice; however, in the spring and summer months, up to a week may be necessary due to the high volume of cars requested at Morris Auto detail.