New car "MUST DOs": need advice

[NJ4Runner]

Hello All,
I've had my new 2012 4Runner SR5 for a couple weeks now and I'm looking to take some preventative steps to protect and maintain my new truck for the long haul.

I need some advice on things I MUST DO as far as preventative maintenance. Meaning, lubricating certain things, paint job protection, interior component protection, etc...

Example: I had my lisence plate screw rust into place and broke when off when the dealer took my plates off and he told me I should have lubed up every single screw, nut and bolt in the vehicle when I got it.

Any ideas would be helpful. I want to do my part to give this vehicle a chance to serve me well for many years to come.

Thanks in advance....

 

[JohnsD90]

If you have leather put that protectant on 3x's a year, wash the car every once in a while, have that'll the zerks greased every oil change. And tell that ******* at the dealer to go f*ck himself.

 

[Antman]

Lots of great info on this site.

Here's a link to start you off:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/110839-5th-gen-maintenance-documentation-reference.html

 

[Stifler]

first mod is dont call your T4R a car... little kittens die when you do that

 

[j_shoe99]

I'm in the same boat as you. Just picked up a 4R a couple weeks ago.

I had my husky liners installed front, rear, and cargo the day after I bought it. (to protect from my dirty, muddy biking/skiing/kayaking, etc stuff)

I order some Wet Okole seat covers shortly after. (again, to protect the seats from my dirty stuff)

I think a 3M paint protection, or something similar would be nice too, to protect the exterior, but i dont know much about that stuff....

any ideas to help me prolong the life of my new 4R would be appreciated.

Sidenote: any advice on how to persuade the wife into letting me get some more aggressive tires!? (perhaps to "protect my investment during bad snowstorms, because the stock Bridgestone Dueley HT will put you straight into the ditch!"):thumb3:

 

[deekoi]

all weather mats are a must. I have huskys and they are great but I hear weathertech is good too. Wasn't available when I got mine.

Clear bra saves you from road trips, bugs, rocks, dirt, generals. To me, it's a must have. Get a little extra and throw it under your door handle, some pictures here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92170-inspired-others-3m-matte-black-te-hood.html#post810550

Not a must have but a huge plus, changing the interior lighting.


welcome to the club! Let the rest of the mods start after!

 

[2007toyota4runners]

POR 15 is a must for undercarriage protection

 

[scanny]

Sidenote: any advice on how to persuade the wife into letting me get some more aggressive tires!? (perhaps to "protect my investment during bad snowstorms, because the stock Bridgestone Dueley HT will put you straight into the ditch!"):thumb3:

I convinced my wife that I need to buy Duratracs mostly because Duratracs have rated for severe winter conditions (snowflake) and those are good all season tires so I won't have to have 2 sets of tires.
As a bonus new Duratracs also are good for logging roads/trails we use time from time to get to campsites, lakes etc - less chance to stuck deep in the woods.

And if it not convincing enough you could try to stuck or nearly stuck somewehere with your wife on passenger seat so she will understand: )

 

[Lolrax]

Every time I buy a car I do a 3M clear bra on the entire front end. Hood, bumpers, lights, grille, under the door handles and the front side of the rear fenders for rock kickback.

 

[SOcalTRAIL]

Like they mentioned above, a good all weather mat is a must. A full set of Husky Liners was, bang for the buck, one of the best investments I made in my rig. I've spilled sodas on em, caked em in mud, snow, sand, dog poo.... you name it.

Also, when the truck is brand new, I like to get a good coat of Polymer Sealant like what Meguiar's offers, followed by a good coat of carnuaba wax. Makes for a nice base for subsequent cleanings / waxes.

 

[jspagna1]

Every time I buy a car I do a 3M clear bra on the entire front end. Hood, bumpers, lights, grille, under the door handles and the front side of the rear fenders for rock kickback.

^^^^ I do this to all my vehicles as well. Best investment imo!

 

[WIT4R]

Like they mentioned above, a good all weather mat is a must. A full set of Husky Liners was, bang for the buck, one of the best investments I made in my rig. I've spilled sodas on em, caked em in mud, snow, sand, dog poo.... you name it.

Also, when the truck is brand new, I like to get a good coat of Polymer Sealant like what Meguiar's offers, followed by a good coat of carnuaba wax. Makes for a nice base for subsequent cleanings / waxes.

Good advice. First thing I did was wash the truck with Dawn dish washing liquid to strip the factory wax. Then followed up with a clay bar, then used a synthetic wax. I personally like Klasse. It's a German polish, but it's an acrylic, so it doesn't melt off like carnuba will. It's an acrylic polish that is covered by an acrylic sealer. I'm in Florida and I swear its the only stuff that I have found that lasts a year with our heat.

Not only that, but make sure you use a two bucket method when washing your truck. That alone will keep your rig looking good for a long time and keep the swirl marks off.

 

[GrantK]

Good advice. First thing I did was wash the truck with Dawn dish washing liquid to strip the factory wax. Then followed up with a clay bar, then used a synthetic wax. I personally like Klasse. It's a German polish, but it's an acrylic, so it doesn't melt off like carnuba will. It's an acrylic polish that is covered by an acrylic sealer. I'm in Florida and I swear its the only stuff that I have found that lasts a year with our heat.

Not only that, but make sure you use a two bucket method when washing your truck. That alone will keep your rig looking good for a long time and keep the swirl marks off.

Klasse All-in-one and their glaze are great products. The glaze can be tough buffing out but worth the effort. Multiple coats of the glaze gives a deeper shine.