driving a T4R in harsh environments (salt/potash mine roads)

[Steamfitter]

Who here has driven their T4R on a long term basis in a harsh, caustic environment? I am working at a mine (potash), and these mines are known to be bad on vehicles. I know that potash and salt (potassium chloride, sodium chloride) are bad for a vehicle. However, I don't think it would be bad enough to justify another car to save on the wear. Regular waxing/cleaning would be enough I would think? I have a very nice vehicle, and I would like to drive it till it's dead. Then buy another Toyota. However, people are telling me to buy a beater (I don't see the logic in it since T4R's are meant to be beaten anyways).

 

[jwkilgore]

The "buy a beater" means spend $1000 on a beat-up vehicle that you just leave on the side of the road when it quits; not spend $35,000 on a vehicle that can take a beating. Yeah, the 4Runner is tough, but it isn't invulnerable. Even if you go through four "beaters" in the same time you go through one 4Runner it'll still be cheaper to go with the beaters.

This is assuming you're in a working mine with other people around who can give you a ride when your beater dies. If working remotely the 4Runner's reliability may well be worth it.

If you go with the 4Runner make sure you take extra care to wash the underside.

 

[Brveagle]

buy a beater. old saturn or honda civic or something.

You mention washing/waxing the vehicle but you are forgetting what that stuff does to the underside of the vehicle. Every bolt/bracket/nut will rust/corrode. Have a buddy that works in the mines and when i work on his vehicles, it's insane.

 

[Sig_Fan_55]

I live a couple blocks from the ocean and my undercarriage looks like crap with all the surface rust from the salt water. If you are worried about the salt from the road look into Fluid Film. It's a coating for your frame and pretty much everything underneath to protect it. You may have to reapply it once or twice a year but seems to hold up pretty well so far. Wish I knew about it earlier.


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[WallyT4R]

Fluid Film! Apply yearly

 

[Steamfitter]

I guess my only other option is just change vehicles every 4-5 years. I suspect I will only be only to stomach this job for 10 years max before I blow my brains out.

 

[WallyT4R]

I guess my only other option is just change vehicles every 4-5 years. I suspect I will only be only to stomach this job for 10 years max before I blow my brains out.

Dang man before you blow your brains out at least try the fluid film. It works.

 

[Steamfitter]

Dang man before you blow your brains out at least try the fluid film. It works.

Whats the best way to apply the stuff? I looked at the website, and I have seen the spray cans around at work. Should I just get a couple cans and spray the hell out of the underside of it?

 

[WallyT4R]

There are several ways to apply it. Some buy the gallon can of it and use an airless sprayer from say Harbor Freight. I just bought a bunch of spray cans and sprayed everything in sight. A little goes a long way and I probably over applied it. I used almost six cans and it was the first time I did it. This was back in November and we went through a very salty road winter and it still looks brand new under it. I would suggest putting down a drop cloth before doing this cuz it gets messy but this stuff really works good.

 

[Bumbo]

Just treat and maintain the underside and enjoy your truck...

Costco is getting into the car washes game in certain areas and I saw they actually clean and spray the underside with something to help protect.

I doubt its fluid film but you might want to check with local car washes and see if they have anything similar you can use to help maintain the truck throughout the year.