Back of 4runner, so dirty!

[Metalmantr]

Hi there all.

I am new to the forums, a long time Toyota lover and a proud new owner of a 2006 4runner (Limited V6). I really am loving this SUV!

To my question. Lately I gave the exterior of my SUV a pretty good detailing (Wash, Clay, Wash again and Wax). Needless to say it came out looking great. We had a pretty intense rain storm last night and I was happy to see that this morning that the waxing had kept most of the dirt and grime off of the front, top and side of the vehicle, but noticed the rear was pretty filthy. This explains why after claying it still seemed somewhat contaminated to the touch.

My question is why do you guys think the rear of an SUV gets so excessively dirty? My guess is because it is a flat surface and is susceptible to stuff coming off the roof and splash back and then it has no chance to be washed off because of its flatness.

This leads me to another question. Is there any known way to eliminate some of this?

Thanks all and keep on 4running!

 

[gaterose]

It has to do with what you said and aerodynamics.

I don't really know how to explain it honestly, but the way wind passes over and under the 4runner also adds to the dust and grime that collects on the hatch and rear bumper. I've read in a thread somewhere on here or toyota120.com that the spoiler worsens the issue.

It's also the reason rolling the rear window down leads to dust and exhaust (the 'rotten egg smell') entering through the opening.

 

[Fishwerks]

I'm no engineer or physicist, but basically the car punching through the air creates a low-pressure zone behind the vehicle where all this stuff that is blowing down the sides/underneath/over the roof ends up in like an eddy current that is moving towards the back hatch. I don't know of a way to fix it. Every car does this.

Maybe [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] can explain better.

 

[Metalmantr]

Thanks for the responses. I figured it was a long shot but may as well ask. Guess I will just have to keep it extra clean!

 

[1engineer]

I'm no engineer or physicist, but basically the car punching through the air creates a low-pressure zone behind the vehicle where all this stuff that is blowing down the sides/underneath/over the roof ends up in like an eddy current that is moving towards the back hatch. I don't know of a way to fix it. Every car does this.

Maybe [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] can explain better.

This is as good as explanation as any. To truly explain it would entail getting into fluid mechanics and laminar vs. turbulent flows. Nobody wants to hear about that on a Friday. Maybe Monday. Or Tuesday if this thread is still going. Or Wednesday.

 

[Metalmantr]

Maybe not, but I would love to hear a way to reverse it and send it flying on someone elses vehicle! lol

 

[97BlackAckCL]

What these other guys said, I've also noticed that this principle applies when I use a touchless car wash, everywhere gets clean and shiny except for the back of the truck which always seems to still have a thick film of dirt on it.

 

[CXS]

Is there any known way to eliminate some of this?

Soap and water. :zoom:

 

[Sungod]

resist the urge to use your rear wiper. The back glass is soft and will scratch easily.

 

[HiVel-JR]

At least no one is writing messages on your back window...

 

[HiVel-JR]

Or worse....

 

[cleex024]

The only way to not get all that crap on the back is to drive in reverse...like the other guy said as you drive forward the rear has low pressure so all the air gets blown that way

You could always drive 5mph...that should help too

 

[Metalmantr]

Haha awesome pics guys! I do wash once a week for the time being, so I am well aware of the soap and water cure It was just a pity to see the rest so clean but the back so filthy. Oh well. It is what it is.