1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Car Wash Scratched Paint

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by sesuda, Jan 19, 2020.

  1. Jan 19, 2020 at 8:29 AM
    #1
    sesuda

    sesuda [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12785
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition
    I took my 4Runner Nightshade edition to the car wash for the first time. It came out with tiny little scratches on it. They wanted to make it right and offered to buff and wax it. Not only did that not work, now I have wax along the line where the clear bra is. You could barely see where it ended before. Any suggestions? I’m taking it back to the dealer Monday to see what they say.
     
  2. Jan 19, 2020 at 8:46 AM
    #2
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2016
    Member:
    #1694
    Messages:
    2,211
    First Name:
    Paul
    Kitsap County, WA
    Vehicle:
    2016 4Runner TRD Pro
    Is the car wash at the dealer? If the dealer and car wash are unrelated the dealer isn't going to do anything.

    Car washes with brushes are notorious for causing scratches, dirt and rocks embed in the brushes and scratch every car that goes through.

    If the buff and wax didn't work, then the car wash needs to send your vehicle to paint correction like at a collision repair or actual competent detail shop.

    As far as the clear bra, unless the wax actually embedded under the bra, it shouldnt be much of a hassle to get that wax dust off. Sometimes it statically sticks and is hard to remove. A good water spray should work.

    Overall though that is a bummer. I've had my 4Runner for five years now and it has yet to go through a non touchless carwash. I learned the lesson the hard way with my last black vehicle.
     
    WallyT4R, 4Runner fun and sesuda[OP] like this.
  3. Jan 19, 2020 at 8:58 AM
    #3
    sesuda

    sesuda [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12785
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition
    Thanks. It is a bummer. And lesson learned the hard way. I’ve only had it a couple of months The dealer and car wash are separate. The car wash agreed to pay to get the problem corrected. I’m going to see what the dealer says tomorrow. I’ll check out the bra and see if I can get the wax out without any damage. I’m so upset at myself and frustrated with the whole mess!
     
  4. Jan 19, 2020 at 9:06 AM
    #4
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #10019
    Messages:
    3,045
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 orp
    Sorry to hear! Some toyota colors are single stage paint, no clear coat and they tend to scratch easily. White is one, not sure of others? For mine I put a good coat of ceramic wax and topped off later with good wax. I run mine through a wash at least once a week without issue. It depends on the car wash I imagine? Hope they work it out for you!
     
    sesuda[OP] likes this.
  5. Jan 19, 2020 at 9:11 AM
    #5
    sesuda

    sesuda [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12785
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition
    Thanks. I’m not 100% sure how the paint job is protected on the nightshade. It’s black. I know that can be an issue although I had a black Rav4 years ago that had a great paint job on it. I’ll be curious as to what the shop at the dealership thinks. The car wash owner was very nice and did try to fix it but I can still see the scratches.

    AE6C2FFF-5E70-4685-8277-3D3881095AF7.jpg
     
  6. Jan 19, 2020 at 9:22 AM
    #6
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #10019
    Messages:
    3,045
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 orp
    With the metal flake it has to have a clearcoat on it and that's good news. A competence body or detail shop buff that out easily. In my experience dealers are a mixed bunch. Had a Ford dealer trash my paint and in the end found a Chevy dealer 1 state away that does perfect good as new work!
    If it can't be buffed, a good shop can fine sand it and respray the clearcoat and not effecting the base black.
     
  7. Jan 19, 2020 at 9:24 AM
    #7
    sesuda

    sesuda [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12785
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition
    Thanks. That’s good to hear. I may ask around to find a good body/detail shop. I work with a bunch of guys who love their vehicles lol. Surely one of them will know of a place.
     
    4Runner fun likes this.
  8. Jan 19, 2020 at 11:48 AM
    #8
    RusPro17

    RusPro17 Back home again!!

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2017
    Member:
    #4821
    Messages:
    1,557
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    Pa.
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Pro Solar Octane
    SCS wheels and Westcott lift
    Sorry to here that. Especially black no car wash. You have to wash it yourself by hand. There is a good chance you may have to have that paint correction because of the black. After that have them ceramic coated if possible.
     
    WallyT4R, 4Runner fun and sesuda[OP] like this.
  9. Jan 19, 2020 at 1:04 PM
    #9
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun Just the beginning...

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2019
    Member:
    #9220
    Messages:
    2,575
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black T4R TRD Off Road Premium
    Wrangler Duratracs, center console organizer & trav all 1576 dog divider for the rear. Xpel wrap with ceramic coating. 20% tint on front windows. TRD intake. TRD oil cap Plus parts on shelf & a wish list.
    Best of luck in getting your 4runner buffed out. As we own a MBM (Midnight Black Metallic; our paint color) also & it is a job to keep it clean & not scratch free.
    It is not cheap but we put PPF wrap on 80% of the vehicle and it really seems to help. We used Xpel and it is not a cheap option. It is an 8mil thick clear wrap custom cut & put wherever you want. With all the salt in this area we wanted a lot of protection!
    As stated above I have heard great things about ceramic coating (we did this also); however I have read a lot of people are very happy with just the coating.
    Again, there are lots of options to protect the paint once it is repaired. Any good detail shop can tell you about PPF & ceramic coating. YouTube ceramic coating, it maybe something that you would want to do yourself. They say it is a lot of time & labor to do it right.
    Hope my rant helps,
    Ryan
     
    sesuda[OP] likes this.
  10. Jan 19, 2020 at 1:41 PM
    #10
    sesuda

    sesuda [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12785
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition
    Thanks for the info Ryan. I’ll ask about those options. I was so worried about protecting the inside (already bought WeatherTech mats) that I hadn’t thought much about the outside. You would think for the price you pay the exterior would be well protected. One car wash shouldn’t ruin it. Lesson learned.
     
    4Runner fun likes this.
  11. Jan 19, 2020 at 1:48 PM
    #11
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun Just the beginning...

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2019
    Member:
    #9220
    Messages:
    2,575
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black T4R TRD Off Road Premium
    Wrangler Duratracs, center console organizer & trav all 1576 dog divider for the rear. Xpel wrap with ceramic coating. 20% tint on front windows. TRD intake. TRD oil cap Plus parts on shelf & a wish list.
    The guys that did our paint corrections before the wrap said that Toyota has some of the thinnest paint in the industry. They build a truck that will last 20 yrs or 400,000 miles+ & they skimp on the paint. I don't get that.
     
    Tlsings2 likes this.
  12. Jan 19, 2020 at 1:57 PM
    #12
    sesuda

    sesuda [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12785
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition
    Me either. My old paint job on the Rav4 held up pretty well. Especially for the conditions it was put under lol.
     
    4Runner fun likes this.
  13. Jan 20, 2020 at 8:54 AM
    #13
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2018
    Member:
    #7154
    Messages:
    983
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Premium
    Why would you go to the dealer their not going to care and they shouldn't.
     
  14. Jan 20, 2020 at 9:02 AM
    #14
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
    Member:
    #7998
    Messages:
    2,687
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    KYle
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD OR
    I'm surprised the car wash even offered to pay for it.

    I've never gone through one but I always see on the sign they are not liable.

    But it doesn't look that bad some correction and should be gone.
     
  15. Jan 20, 2020 at 9:07 AM
    #15
    sesuda

    sesuda [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12785
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition
    Well my dealer cares. Sorry if yours doesn’t. And they should because it’s good business. Repeat customers.

    The guy at the car wash is rebuilding his reputation. He really is trying. Old owners sucked. He’s just trying to make it right. Again. Good business practice.
     
  16. Jan 20, 2020 at 9:39 AM
    #16
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
    Member:
    #7998
    Messages:
    2,687
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    KYle
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD OR
    Not saying they don't care. Most just have the generic statement posted so people don't try to blame them for everything. Most are automatic so no way to tell if the damage was there before or after.

    Glad your is being taken care of.
     
    mousemeat and sesuda[OP] like this.
  17. Jan 20, 2020 at 10:04 AM
    #17
    josephp732

    josephp732 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2020
    Member:
    #12714
    Messages:
    505
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Silver Limited, 2021 White TRD OR Premium
    Tlsings2 and sesuda[OP] like this.
  18. Jan 20, 2020 at 11:18 AM
    #18
    sesuda

    sesuda [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12785
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition
    Thanks! Where were you before I took it to the car wash lol. I should have done my research. And listened to my gut which told me not to let them touch it.

    That video was awesome. The guy cracks me up with his commentary on black cars. But good info. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2020
    josephp732 likes this.
  19. Jan 20, 2020 at 11:52 AM
    #19
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2018
    Member:
    #7154
    Messages:
    983
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Premium
    I'm sure your dealer "cares" but caring and fixing it for you is two different things. Next time a rock from the truck in front of me cracks my windshield I should try your dealership. Maybe they'll replace it because they "care." NOT!!! BTW... I could have missed it and I'm not going back and re-reading the thread but did they buff it out for nothing (the dealership I mean??
     
  20. Jan 20, 2020 at 12:15 PM
    #20
    pdx2020trdpro

    pdx2020trdpro New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12797
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    juan
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro
    stock
    LOL
     
    thirdyota likes this.
  21. Jan 20, 2020 at 1:07 PM
    #21
    sesuda

    sesuda [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2020
    Member:
    #12785
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition
    You obviously don’t read for content. All taken care of. Have a good day.
     
  22. Jan 20, 2020 at 4:01 PM
    #22
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,542
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    You might try being a little considerate of other People’s feelings.
     
  23. Jan 21, 2020 at 3:40 AM
    #23
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2018
    Member:
    #7154
    Messages:
    983
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Premium
    Thank you always do...

    Can you please cut/paste in a previous post where you stated "it's taken care of" I just don't see it. I'm talking about the DEALER not fixing it I did read how the car wash "tried fixing it... Content, content, content...
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2020
  24. Nov 22, 2020 at 7:49 PM
    #24
    mac1usa

    mac1usa New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2020
    Member:
    #17452
    Messages:
    2,030
    I would try to research a very good car detailer in your area. There is a place by me called motor city auto spa and the work they do is unreal. They work on all the old classics to Ferraris and Lamborghini’s.

    There are so many levels of compounds something is bound to help.

    If you can feel the scratches with your fingernail then it will never come out 100 percent. But certain compounds can lightly remove the some of the surface and clear coat. I am no expert but they are out there. Take your time and do some due diligence. Call an exotic car dealer like for Ferrari or Bugatti dealer around you and ask them who they recommend
     
    Tlsings2 likes this.
  25. Nov 22, 2020 at 8:36 PM
    #25
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2020
    Member:
    #17209
    Messages:
    1,184
    Gender:
    Male
    Memphis, TN.
    Vehicle:
    1997 4 runner limited
    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    opinions, (especially negative) are like rear ends...everyone has one....I'm sure your 'problem' will be taken care of......myself, I will eventually have my front hood repainted...as over the course of two decades, I've had some paint chipping ..(tiny) but there nonetheless
     
  26. Nov 22, 2020 at 8:47 PM
    #26
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,421
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Unfortunately, it appears that the OP was run out of here by some of the replies, as she hasn't logged in since January 21.
     
    4Runner fun likes this.
  27. Nov 22, 2020 at 8:59 PM
    #27
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2020
    Member:
    #17209
    Messages:
    1,184
    Gender:
    Male
    Memphis, TN.
    Vehicle:
    1997 4 runner limited
    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    I'm sorry to hear about that.....but not totally surprised...
     
  28. Nov 22, 2020 at 9:07 PM
    #28
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun Just the beginning...

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2019
    Member:
    #9220
    Messages:
    2,575
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black T4R TRD Off Road Premium
    Wrangler Duratracs, center console organizer & trav all 1576 dog divider for the rear. Xpel wrap with ceramic coating. 20% tint on front windows. TRD intake. TRD oil cap Plus parts on shelf & a wish list.
    All 9 of her posts were on this thread & on or before Jan 20, 2020. She is no longer here.
    I wish her luck!
    Ryan.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top