What are these marks on the hood and roof of my Runner?

[sport2004]

Saw this condition the day after going to a car wash. The picture is a section of the hood, the paint color is nautical blue, and they are the dark spots in the cloud reflection.

They are kind of elongated, run in various directions, and vary in length of around 1/4 inch. They are also on the roof. If you rub your finger on them you can feel a roughness, which leads me to think it can't be scrubbed off the finish, but I'll check for sure. Did the car wash do this?

 

[spartacus]

If it is hardened sap. Rubbing alcoholwill take it off. Also can use a steam kettle or hot water sparingly to soften it.

 

[gordonp]

In addition, or in lieu of alcohol, Bug, Tar & Tree Sap remover may be a commercial alternative.
If it were me, I'd follow with Claying. More elbow, less pressure.
Then, machine-polishing for a very light cut on the clear-coat.
And since all protection is now stripped, wax it.

Sorry to see what you've got there - good luck!

 

[sport2004]

If it is hardened sap. Rubbing alcohol will take it off. Also can use a steam kettle or hot water sparingly to soften it.

Will try this, but def not hardened sap. It was not parked under any vegetation, nor is it the season.

 

[sport2004]

In addition, or in lieu of alcohol, Bug, Tar & Tree Sap remover may be a commercial alternative.
If it were me, I'd follow with Claying. More elbow, less pressure.
Then, machine-polishing for a very light cut on the clear-coat.
And since all protection is now stripped, wax it.

Sorry to see what you've got there - good luck!

Thanks. Just worried that the clear coat is damaged. Don't need that at all.

 

[sport2004]

I'm also gonna take it to a shop and see if there is a revelation there.

 

[Humble Leader]

are they sticky but come off with your finger. I get honeydew on my 4runner all the time from aphids, flying insects but I have some big trees at my home. maybe its honeydew from insects nearby. has never caused me a problem, seems to wash off in the rain. I do wash and wax 2x a year and no paint issues

 

[sport2004]

are they sticky but come off with your finger. I get honeydew on my 4runner all the time from aphids, flying insects but I have some big trees at my home. maybe its honeydew from insects nearby. has never caused me a problem, seems to wash off in the rain. I do wash and wax 2x a year and no paint issues

No, they are tough to touch, can't really scratch them off. I'll try a few other things to get them off.

 

[02SE]

I can't really tell what has happened from your picture. I DO know that I've seen automated car washes do damage to many vehicles, and there is usually some disclaimer denying responsibility for any damage, so I never use them.

Let us know what the shop says.

 

[johnnygraphic]

How dirty was your 4Runner before the wash? It looks to me like maybe debris/dirt got blasted into the paint. I'd go very easy on trying to rub or scrub those off for now.

My initial thought was from those rotating cloth strips that drag across your paint (DON'T EVER GO TO THESE CAR WASHES!), but I would think it would be in the same direction(?).

I'd take it to a detailer and they can inspect it and have access to a myriad of different chemicals to try and fix/correct whatever that is. Maybe they can try a few things and then give you an estimate to fix everything.

 

[johnnygraphic]

I can't really tell what has happened from your picture. I DO know that I've seen automated car washes do damage to ALL vehicles, and there is usually some disclaimer denying responsibility for any damage, so I never use them.

Let us know what the shop says.

Those car washes are convenient and inexpensive, but you've got an investment and probably hoping to get many years out of your 4Runner, so take some time and research the proper technique and tools to wash it correctly. This was pay off dividends in a few years.

Depending on where you live, you will also want to consider regularly pressure washing the undercarriage to prevent rust.

 

[sport2004]

I'll be taking this for evaluation at a collision shop soon. Detailer sounds like a good idea, I would need to find a reliable one. I have to get this addressed before the cold weather its.

I've used car washes over the years, never had this happen before.

 

[JustTroItIn]

For future washes, give the touchless automated car washes a try. I have been quite impressed what chemicals and water pressure alone can accomplish and avoids the risk of the car wash brushes damaging your finish.

 

[Saker]

Definitely see a detailer for advice.

Speaking of advice, here is a little:
Never put acetone on your clearcoat.
Using car washes with brushes and the like will ruin your paint job. (That’s someone else’s dirt and grime swirling on your paint)
Touchless car washes use very strong detergents/chemiclas that are less than desirable for your paint job.

But, you do you!

 

[johnnygraphic]

I'll be taking this for evaluation at a collision shop soon. Detailer sounds like a good idea, I would need to find a reliable one. I have to get this addressed before the cold weather its.

I've used car washes over the years, never had this happen before.

I would avoid the collision shop if I were you. They do one thing, replace and repaint cars. They are not detail shops that specialize in cleaning and correcting paint.

Find a *good* detail shop. In all likelihood they will have a portfolio of higher end customer cars both before and after and also highlight what techniques they use.

And I would second Sakers post about the touchless car washes. They use a very high or low PH which are terrible for your cars paint, plastic and rubber. They are super harsh. If you have any protection/wax/coating on it, kiss it goodbye. A good neutral PH is what you're looking for.

 

[sport2004]

I appreciate all the responses. I have checked for touchless car washes, few and far between. I will take it to a trusted collision place, they might be able to say what it is and recommend a detailer. The story isn't over yet.