How do you clean your 5th gen 4runner?

[alext72888]

I just did the first wash of my runner.

Before this, I washed my old car with one bucket and a rag, and had no idea how to properly wash a car.

This car is not only larger, but I used the two bucket wash method, special mitts, drying rags, etc to get the job done. It's also a big car, so this was definitely a learning experience.

I need to wash, clay bar, and wax the car, but with with such a big car, how can you do it "out of direct sunlight" if it takes a few hours to finish?

My ideal method for the exterior painted areas would be:

4x a year = wash, dry, clay bar, dry, wax, finish.

every two weeks = wash, dry.

Do people here follow a certain order with the body panels? I understand you want to do a "top to bottom" approach.

Also, what tools, microfiber towels, foam guns, etc do you use?

 

[mcarey86]

I just pull into the machine, and let it do the work for me.

 

[Jeremy556]

When I have to work on it, I'll take it to the coin op car wash and use the high pressure rinse to clean out the wheel wells and areas I'm working in. Once in a while, I take it through the $7 local automatic car wash.

 

[Jhalko]

When I have to work on it, I'll take it to the coin op car wash and use the high pressure rinse to clean out the wheel wells and areas I'm working in. Once in a while, I take it through the $7 local automatic car wash.

Yeah but you have Moab dirt on your truck, nothing like it...

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Top to bottom, I.keep spraying everything so it stays wet, preferably wash it in the early am before the sun gets too intense. I just use one bucket, microfiber wash mit, Meguiars car wash soap, and regular cotton towels to dry. I use the Zaino sealer once a year, haven't clayed it yet, its a lot of work. I couldnt imagine clay barring and waxing 4X per year. If you use a good sealer you wont need to wax but maybe once a year, twice if you feel like it.

 

[mnofpeace]

I have a system too...i call it

Local Brushless...drive in, drive out, drive home

Ultimate level...a tip for the driers, and im good from there


seems to work for me...

 

[Engineer]

Park outside when it rains

 

[SKP-4R]

With water.

 

[mo_mo]

Early morning.

1-Fill bucket with soap and water.
2-Hose down vehicle.
3-Mitt in bucket.
4-Mitt on vehicle.
5-Repeat 3 & 4.
6-Hose down vehicle.
7-Dry vehicle.

 

[lilsid112]

Check out this forum: Detailers Domain - Detailing Bliss powered by Detailer's Domain
You'll learn a lot about how to prep, maintain, and correct your paint.

 

[4RnR Grl]

I have a 10 X 10 popup canopy. I put it over the truck when I wax in the sun. Gives me instant shade. I wash with a combination of microfiber mitts and a soft auto brush for the roof. Wash top to bottom washing and rinsing a section at a time. I've gotten past the "my paint is perfect" stage so no two bucket method. I dry with 100% cotton towels. I don't like those fake chamois things that come in the tube. Works for me. I never spray product (windex, quick detailer, etc) directly onto the truck, I always spray onto a microfiber first. I use quick detailer between washes.

 

[Doberdad]

Some good info here http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html

 

[Atlantan]

I just did the first wash of my runner.

Before this, I washed my old car with one bucket and a rag, and had no idea how to properly wash a car.

This car is not only larger, but I used the two bucket wash method, special mitts, drying rags, etc to get the job done. It's also a big car, so this was definitely a learning experience.

I need to wash, clay bar, and wax the car, but with with such a big car, how can you do it "out of direct sunlight" if it takes a few hours to finish?

My ideal method for the exterior painted areas would be:

4x a year = wash, dry, clay bar, dry, wax, finish.

every two weeks = wash, dry.

Do people here follow a certain order with the body panels? I understand you want to do a "top to bottom" approach.

Also, what tools, microfiber towels, foam guns, etc do you use?

If you are going to clay it 4 times annually, I'd suggest applying a sealant like this before applying wax.

I have always washed and detailed my own cars and find that using a leaf blower is best for spotless drying.

 

[marshal]

 

[philsey]

Step #1: Don't buy black.

 

[DAGNABIT]

Step #1: Don't buy black.

Me, I kind my attitude black truck! Drive it right into the brushless car wash weekly lol

 

[Antman]

I have pictures of when I used to obsess over keeping it clean- that's good enough for me.

Every once in a while I'll clay bar it and put some ICE wax on it- in direct sunlight doesn't matter.

I kinda think it looks better dirty honestly.

 

[philsey]

.... I kinda think it looks better dirty honestly.

Yeah, see, that's the trouble with Bliz Pearl: I just can't tell when it's dirty. So, every month or so, it's the car wash. $7 exterior only, air 'dry', towel dry, $2 tip, done and done.

Wax? Clay bar? Pffft.

 

[USMCRUNNER]

I'm a big fan of chemical guys. They have a ton of YouTube videos for detail tips and how to use there products. Best stuff I have ever used and a little goes a very long way. Recently though I have been slacking on washing the runner lol. Wife is traveling for a medical company so kinda difficult washing it living in an apartment again. I'd say you have a good method and happy washing!

 

[LandCruiser]

Winter salt?

Twice a month in a car wash.

Summer?

Never.