Washing the 4-Runner

S

ScottAW

New member
Boy, what a pain in the a$$!!! Coming from an A4 sedan, the 4-Runner takes twice as long to wash, a lot more surface area and getting on top the roof is a major challenge. Started off using a ladder, but got sick of that quick and instead just jumped up on the running boards and held myself by one hand to the roof rack rail.

So, anyone have suggestions on washing the 4-runner by hand? Anyone use those wash mits with an extension handle on them?
 
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ScottAW said:
Boy, what a pain in the a$$!!! Coming from an A4 sedan, the 4-Runner takes twice as long to wash, a lot more surface area and getting on top the roof is a major challenge. Started off using a ladder, but got sick of that quick and instead just jumped up on the running boards and held myself by one hand to the roof rack rail.

So, anyone have suggestions on washing the 4-runner by hand? Anyone use those wash mits with an extension handle on them?
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Are you surprised it would take longer?
Just don't wash it as much, it's a truck afterall.
 
ScottAW said:
So, anyone have suggestions on washing the 4-runner by hand? Anyone use those wash mits with an extension handle on them?
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I use one of those round, swivel car wash mops. I can get all the way from the spoiler to the sunroof from the back and then do the whole sunroof area from one side. Takes about 30 seconds. The rest still takes a lot longer than our Celica, though! :)
 
I don't have too much trouble getting the roof, maybe I'm used to it. I either stand on the boards or then go from there to on top of the rear tire and also on to the rear bumper.

There is alot of surface area though (and I have the unpainted cladding) I just got done this weekend doing a wash - clay - wash - 1 polish - 2 polish. My shoulders and arms are a little weak today.
 
Yep, it's a big job! I stand on the wheels too. Getting to the rear is a PITA. I stand on the rear step-up but it's not a large area and I carefully use the rear spoiler for some balance but I wouldn't recommend that, it doesn't seem very sturdy!
 
Standing on the wheel too...hmmm....good idea...how come I didn't think of it, before...I only thought about purchasing a wheel step....and everytime I wash my rig, only half of the roof is cleaned...and I didn't use any long-reach wash mops either....:D

Have you guys shined your wheels after washing your rig?...I use Black Magic...and have something to cover my wheels before spraying the product on tires, otherwise, it will make my wheels dirty again...any suggestion?
 
linhsy said:
Have you guys shined your wheels after washing your rig?...I use Black Magic...and have something to cover my wheels before spraying the product on tires, otherwise, it will make my wheels dirty again...any suggestion?
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I've tried SO MANY different dressings! What I look for is: NO SLINGING!, reasonable prices, not too shiny or too dull, reasonable durability. I also hate the products that collect dirt so the next time I wash the tires my brush turns black with the crappy residue from the dressing.

Here's what I've found that fits those "wants" the best - Meguiar's has a new protectant called NXT Generation Tech Protectant. It's filling the bill just about perfectly cuz it meets all of the conditions listed above. By applying it to a small sponge and then wiping it on the tires, running boards, etc., the finish actually looks better than new, with no overspray on my driveway or garage floor. Of everything I've tried, this is working out just perfectly for me.

Finish up with wiping down the wheels with your favorite treatment and everything looks great.

BTW, Linhsy, FWIW, I was looking at your accessory pics. Lots of nice goodies! You may want to check other installations of the OBX pedals, though. I'm pretty sure your gas pedal cover is installed upside down. I could be wrong, though. Just thought you'd like to know.
 
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ckon said:


BTW, Linhsy, FWIW, I was looking at your accessory pics. Lots of nice goodies! You may want to check other installations of the OBX pedals, though. I'm pretty sure your gas pedal cover is installed upside down. I could be wrong, though. Just thought you'd like to know.
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Yeah, I agree it's upside down. Look on the pedal and there are markings that read OBX so you can see if they are installed right.

Back on subject, I apply tire dressing to a sponge and then to the tires. It takes a bit longer but I don't have the over spray on the rims or on the surrounding ground.

Like the other guys here, I stand on the running boards and on top of the tire. It's not the safest way to do it, but it works. I use a lambs fur wash mit and get the excess water off using a chamois cloth. I also agree it takes longer washing than my celica, but hey it's an SUV what do you expect?

July
 
sharp4runr said:
I also agree it takes longer washing than my celica, but hey it's an SUV what do you expect?

July
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Well, still, it's sure gotta beat the hell outa washing an Expedition or Suburban! :D
 
Yeah, You guys are right, it's upside down....but I don't think I'm gonna reinstall again...cause it's pain in the b...maybe that is why my 4runner is unique !:D ...

ckon & sharp4runr, Thanks for the tips...I will do it next time....where did you guy buy your products from?
 
I just buy my stuff from autozone. I like my truck looking good, but I'm not into doing the 8 hour detailing job that involves waxing it 4 times or anything that extreme. I bought some eagle one wax at autozone and you get it free after a rebate, check it out in the detailing forum.

July
 
I get it at Murray's Auto Parts locally. I've seen it at a couple of other stores around, too. Any place that sells Meguiar's products should carry it.
 
When washing my 4Runner, I used dishwashing detergents (only thing I have in my house now). Are there other products I can used instead to avoid damaging to the paint.
 
linhsy said:
When washing my 4Runner, I used dishwashing detergents (only thing I have in my house now). Are there other products I can used instead to avoid damaging to the paint.
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Washing with dishwashing liquid is a big no-no unless you are applying Wax after each wash. The dishwashing liquid is designed to strip off grease, so you are stripping off the wax on your paint. Any automotive wash liquid will be better than dish washing liquid. I personally use turtle wax, don't remember which type, to wash my car.

July
 
^ What he said. I like Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo. I get it at Target, it is pretty cheap. They have a nex nxt shampoo, but I haven't tried it yet. To quote someone else, "Dawn is for Dishes."



I keep meaning to invest in one of these.

Gorilla Platform at Home Depot

It is only $35

Link didn't work, but this is what it is called

Gorilla Ladders Aluminum Work Platform / Bench
Model WP-20-06
 
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Me, too, for the Gold Class at Target. Very good shampoo but I am looking forward to trying the NXT soap as soon as I can find it. I've been very happy with the three NXT products I've tried so far.

I just bought one of those Gorilla platforms about a week ago. It's a good thing I did cuz it sure came in handy when I had to clay the whole truck AGAIN today. I got black overspray all over it when I was doing some work on the wife's Celica! :mad:
 
How often do you wash your vehicle? I've heard many rumors about getting your paint ruined by frequent washing. I currently wash my SR5 once every two weeks, but I'm gonna move up to once a week. Is this too much?
 
molocono said:
How often do you wash your vehicle? I've heard many rumors about getting your paint ruined by frequent washing. I currently wash my SR5 once every two weeks, but I'm gonna move up to once a week. Is this too much?
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I wash my cars a couple of times a week, but that's just 'cuz I'm nuts! :) It really doesn't matter so much HOW OFTEN you wash as HOW you wash and dry your car. It's very easy to damage your paint if you use harsh chemicals, coarse towels, etc., on it.

For more than you ever wanted to know about taking care of your car's finish, take a look here:
http://www.autopia.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=58

BTW, I tried the NXT car wash shampoo and don't really like it as much as the old Gold Class shampoo from Target. GC is better and cheaper.
 
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