My wife and I recently purchased a '12 4runner Limited in BP. It was time for the first wash yesterday, and after reading on here about the opinions on washing, I'm hesitant to use a drive through car wash anymore since I don't want to ruin the finish on this vehicle. We decided to use Meguiars no rinse spray. It took my wife almost three hours due to the the fact that you can't spray and let it dry. She's not a fan, nor am I. I'm not a car detail person, and if there really aren't any other options, we'll resort to a touchless wash even though I know that it's not the best option, it is the quickest. Thoughts?
Washing suggestions? New 2012 4runner owner.
- Thread starter mgh-pa
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Ukie
New member
I use touchless wash during winter and I use it especially to remove any salt (or whatever DOT is using) from the undercarriage. When weather gets better I prefer to drive my 4Runner until it gets dirty and hand wash it using two-bucket method.
Here’s what I do:
- Rinse.
- Foam gun.
- Gently powerwash to remove any stubborn dirt. (I have an electrical power washer so GPM/PSI are safe for a paint).
- Hand wash using two-bucket method and lambswool mitt.
- Dry 4Runner using a drying towel.
- Clean wheels and tires.
- Dress tires.
It probably takes 1.5-2 hours for me to do a job and it includes time to oversee my little helpers (2 kids).
Also once a year I completely detail my 4Runner applying a good sealant/wax protection (kinda weekend project).
I may only suggest my method if you have access to tools to do a job. Otherwise Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine might be a good approach.
Here’s what I do:
- Rinse.
- Foam gun.
- Gently powerwash to remove any stubborn dirt. (I have an electrical power washer so GPM/PSI are safe for a paint).
- Hand wash using two-bucket method and lambswool mitt.
- Dry 4Runner using a drying towel.
- Clean wheels and tires.
- Dress tires.
It probably takes 1.5-2 hours for me to do a job and it includes time to oversee my little helpers (2 kids).
Also once a year I completely detail my 4Runner applying a good sealant/wax protection (kinda weekend project).
I may only suggest my method if you have access to tools to do a job. Otherwise Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine might be a good approach.
mountaineer83
New member
:iagree:
Make sure you also wash from the top down so as not to bring any dirt from the rockers up onto the upper body. Wash from the top to about 2/3 of the door all around, and then wash the bottom 1/3 last. I also use a different bucket for my wheels/tires. But the 2 bucket method is the way to go to try to minimize scratches.
If you don't want to go that far, then I reccommend a Grit Gaurd for your bucket. It allows you to rub your mitt over it between washes to removed any particles on the mitt. You can get them from any detail shop or online. Adams Polishes is what I use and they have a very very knowledgable staff and forum as well.
As far as automatic washes, I'm OCD with washing cars and I still use a touchless. They will remove dirt, but not the film beneath the dirt. They are great in winter to knock off salt and road residue, but nothing is as good as a hand wash.
Make sure you also wash from the top down so as not to bring any dirt from the rockers up onto the upper body. Wash from the top to about 2/3 of the door all around, and then wash the bottom 1/3 last. I also use a different bucket for my wheels/tires. But the 2 bucket method is the way to go to try to minimize scratches.
If you don't want to go that far, then I reccommend a Grit Gaurd for your bucket. It allows you to rub your mitt over it between washes to removed any particles on the mitt. You can get them from any detail shop or online. Adams Polishes is what I use and they have a very very knowledgable staff and forum as well.
As far as automatic washes, I'm OCD with washing cars and I still use a touchless. They will remove dirt, but not the film beneath the dirt. They are great in winter to knock off salt and road residue, but nothing is as good as a hand wash.
Ukie
New member
yeah, Grit Guard inserts are good. They are useful in many ways, even to let your mitt dry after a wash
20034RunnerV84x2
New member
I have always hand washed mine. I only use Meguiars, Mothers, or Zaino.
A soft hand mitt, and a little elbow grease and its clean. I use LA's Totally Awesome for the rims and wheel wells. Don't rush, but don't take all day.
Do it top to bottom. Wash the roof first, then worry about every thing else. I usually do the wash in 10 minutes and the wheels & wheel wells take about 3 minutes.
A soft hand mitt, and a little elbow grease and its clean. I use LA's Totally Awesome for the rims and wheel wells. Don't rush, but don't take all day.
Do it top to bottom. Wash the roof first, then worry about every thing else. I usually do the wash in 10 minutes and the wheels & wheel wells take about 3 minutes.
ThirdToy
New member
Can't speak highly enough about Zaino... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/117465-zaino-possible-group-buy.html#post1091579
Narkhelek
New member
From what I've read you should wax at least 3-4 times a year. If you run it through a touchless car wash the stronger detergents they use to make up for the lack of mechanical scrubbers will remove any existing wax within a couple washings. So that could be a consideration depending on how good the touchless car wash wax is (I'm assuming not very in most cases).
Hopefully I'm not breaking any rules by linking this but the Meguiars forum has a ton of very good information: Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online - News & Announcements
Hopefully I'm not breaking any rules by linking this but the Meguiars forum has a ton of very good information: Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online - News & Announcements
Hardrunner
New member
Optimum no rinse with dual bucket. Dodo juice or pinnacle sovereign wax to make it shine and protect. Microfiber only.
surfnturfer
New member
has anyone tried JetDri spot preventer for the dishwasher? I have not, but I was wandering about it as I was trying to get the spots off Wife's Black t4r.
Hardrunner
New member
WhiskeyCop
New member
I updated the http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/110839-5th-gen-maintenance-documentation-reference.html to include some links to these type products.
Kraeken
New member
I use one bucket, but several chamois cloths to clean my truck. I start from the roof, work down to the rocker panels. then I use a mitt dedicated for cleaning below the rocker panels, plastic, and the wheels. If I drop a towel, its done and goes in the wash. When my truck is almost dry, I wipe it down with an old soft towel. This dries and removes water spots without soaking the towel. I also clay bar twice a year. I clay barred my new truck right after I got it. It still took off grime!
I try to stay away from automated car washes. In my experience they do a crap job and they leave a silicone based film on the windshield. But that's another thread...
I try to stay away from automated car washes. In my experience they do a crap job and they leave a silicone based film on the windshield. But that's another thread...
WFO_Racer
New member
I have a TE bought new back in July 2010, I just washed mine for the first time. My theory is that the inside is clean who cares what the outside looks. If it rains it get a car wash. It's mostly covered in dirt anyway. I can understand some like to detail but hey I would rather drive it than wash it.
jspagna1
New member
Get a bucket, 2 wash mits, one for the body and one for the wheels. Get some good car wash liquid. Take it to the car wash. Rinse it wash it and rinse again. Then dry with towels. Enough said. Don't go through automatic car wash and touchless just doesn't get the truck clean enough.
