How to stop scratches on black before they happen?

[Techenigma]

Still a little less than a month from getting my 4runner... but had a question. I've been reading this entire site practically cover to cover and I had a question that I haven't seen asked yet.

I'm still on the fense on my color but I'll most likely go black. Now my question is how do you stop the scratching and the swirl marks and all before they happen? On my camry I always do cold water washes with Mequiars gold car wash, and have been doing the two bucket technique with the wash mits. But I was wondering if first thing when I get my truck I should wash it well and then put 2-3 coats of wax on... like 2 coats of synthetic wax and then a carnauba wax on top. Would that prevent scratches and all of that from happening? I mean obviously it wont stop an actual scratch but those light top layer only dust type scratches is what I mean.

Whats a good way to protect the paint before it gets damaged... I'm trying to be extremely proactive here.

 

[toybox]

Those kind of scratches you talk about are caused by using the wrong things on the paint. They won't just show up, something causes them.

You are certainly headed in the right direction with the two bucket system. I would also only use microfiber towels and mitts to wash and dry. Wash it frequently and DON'T take it to a car wash. The truck should stay nice and deeply shiny.

 

[slyangel9]

I'd check on the manufacture date on the door. I believe that a car should not be washed for at least 3 months since paint.

my 2 cents

 

[General Lee]

The very first step in your situation is to NOT LET THE DEALER PREP your Runner, especially a black one. They don't care one bit about swirls and scratches. They use the same wash rag they used on 15 previous vehicles which has everybody elses dirt and grime in it. On my Statasphere Mica Runner they washed it before I had a chance to tell them no. The plastic was still on the vehicle before they washed it, well when I got home and checked it out the next morning it was horrific. I spent two days polishing out the swirls and scratches. When ever my vehicles go to the dealer they don't get washed.

Proper technique such as the two bucket method, and using good sheepskin mitts will help. Dry with a microfiber towel or waffleweave and try to blot dry as much as you can. Rubbing the paint when it can be contaminated by small particles or dust can cause the swirls and marring. Always wash in the direction the wind would flow over your car as if you were driving, not in circle motions. I also recommend rinsing your mitt after each section you wash with the hose before placing the mitt in the rinse bucket. This may sound like a PITA but once you get your system down it will all come natural. You can't totally stop marring/ swirls but you can sure minimize and reduce the possibility of inducing them.

 

[realyfishy]

I used the Klasse twins w/carnuba topper on my black, after claying when new. Amazing deep shine! Just renew carnuba topper every 4-6 weeks. I didn' let the dealer touch it. (nylon brush on a stick) Also never rub when dry.

 

[Kenn]

go to autopia.org. It has tons of info. I have a black 2005 4Runner and learned how to care/wash my rig on that site.

 

[Techenigma]

Well wjhen I just got it the other day I did tell them not to touch it detail wise. I let them remove the windows stickers and crap and thats it. I just washed it last night using the two bucket method and dried her, then did a paint cleaner, then polish, then carnuaba wax on it. Today she's looking mighty fine. I think I'll do another coat this coming week and then I'll do some quik detailer in between waxes. I'll probably wax every couple months... shouldn't need more than that. I haven't seen any swirl marks yet. Though they are bound to happen not much you can do about it.