Self Serve Car Washes & keeping tires black

[BenSD]

I did a few searches and came up with some brief info, but I'd like to see if there were more opinions bout this.

I have a nearly 1 week old white 04 4Runner Sport. This thing is a dust magnet, but the white paint also makes it look super clean from a small distance. What is the general concensus of using a self serve car wash to clean small amounts of dust off the truck between manual cleanings? It seems like all the car washes I see locally are the type with the brushes. Will these harm the paint? Is there anything in particular that I should look for in a car wash?

I took my truck off road yesterday to give the 4 low a test run. Worked like a beauty, but the tires are now dirty. What's the best way to restore the super black look of the tires? I don't mind the truck getting dirty off road..... that's part of the fun, but I want it to be as close to spotless as possible soon after.

 

[jharris2]

I did a few searches and came up with some brief info, but I'd like to see if there were more opinions bout this.

I have a nearly 1 week old white 04 4Runner Sport. This thing is a dust magnet, but the white paint also makes it look super clean from a small distance. What is the general concensus of using a self serve car wash to clean small amounts of dust off the truck between manual cleanings? It seems like all the car washes I see locally are the type with the brushes. Will these harm the paint? Is there anything in particular that I should look for in a car wash?

I took my truck off road yesterday to give the 4 low a test run. Worked like a beauty, but the tires are now dirty. What's the best way to restore the super black look of the tires? I don't mind the truck getting dirty off road..... that's part of the fun, but I want it to be as close to spotless as possible soon after.

If you use a car wash (I don't), then make sure it is touchless. Better yet is the ones where you pull in and there is just a pressure washer for you to use.

For the tires, I use Westley's Bleche-White on them (careful to not get on the wheels), followed by Meguiar's Endurance. Once I run out of Endurance, I will try the 303 Aerospace Protectant I just ordered.

 

[waskillywabbit]

Tires

I second the Westley's and I use Vinylex on the rubber after it gets a good cleaning. Last a long time and keeps off the dirt while keeping a good shine, without too much bling!

:guitar2:

 

[405HP_Z06]

Re: Re: Self Serve Car Washes & keeping tires black

For the tires, I use Westley's Bleche-White on them (careful to not get on the wheels), followed by Meguiar's Endurance.

What he said! Both of these work great. Meguiar's Endurance keeps brake dust from sticking to my tires during open track events on the Vette. Amazing stuff.

 

[tkr128]

Those brush-type car washes are nothing but trouble. I cringe when I look at people use them. They'll rub it all over their wheels and go straight for their paint right after. This causes those inevitable swirl marks and light scratches you see on almost all cars. Stick to the brushless type if you have to use those self-serve systems.

If you can find it, Eagle One Tire Cleaner is a very good product for cleaning tires. If not, their A2Z Tire and Wheel Cleaner works well and can be used on the wheels as well, although it gets a bit expensive. I like using Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner Plus. It's part of their "Detailer" line and has been discontinued. You just dilute it to whatever concentration you need to use it as. Another good cleaner like the Meguiar's product is Eimann Fabrik High Intensity. The APC+ is still available, although what you can find is what is left.

After you get the tires clean, apply a rubber/vinyl protectant. There are plenty of good products out there. I like using water-based products because some tire manufacturers (Michelin for example) can void a warranty if they discover the use of a silicone-based tire dressing on the tire. The 303 Aerospace protectant is a good one, but doesn't leave a shiny finish. Vinylex is a good product as well and is a bit shinier than the 303.

 

[molocono]

Where can I find these products?

Hey, I'm interested in buying Westley's Bleche White, Vinylex, and 303 Protectant and would like to know in what stores I can find these products in. I live in San Diego, CA.

 

[tkr128]

You can get the Westley's at most auto parts stores, although I've heard some bad things about it, not sure if they changed the formula. Most Pep Boys carry Vinylex and you can try boating stores for the 303.

Autopia Carcare is located in San Diego, at least their warehouse is, check to see if you can stop by, they carry a lot of cool products.

 

[molocono]

What other products would you suggest to CLEAN tires? My mom gave me ArmorAll's Tire Foam, but I don't know if it is safe.

 

[BigDogMoney]

I don't really worry about the rubber itself, but Mothers makes a polish for rims that doesn't allow the brake dust to stick as readily. As far as car washes go...if you own a home or a boat, do yourself a favor and buy a pressure washer. They do a great job of getting dust and dirt from your car.

 

[tkr128]

Check out my post a few posts up. Pretty much any wheel cleaner will work well at cleaning tires as long as it's not acid-based. I know the Armor-All Original Protectant has been reformualted and is water based now, but I'm not sure about the tire foam. I know lots of people who use it in their wheel wells.