Tell me everything I need to know and buy to properly wash my new ‘21 ORP

I stopped reading at Palmolive Dish Soap.

 

As the owner of a 2020 that has all the safety tech recently added to the 4Runner (radar and camera and automatic braking) I can confirm that there's no problem going through automatic car washes while in Neutral. Apparently a lot of new cars are having fits, applying the brakes etc. when all those scrub brushes are attacking the car. But that doesn't seem to be a problem with the Runner when in Neutral. And this is based on definitely-not-touchless car washes -- the kind that slaps the shite out of the truck with giant swirling brushes and those flappy ropey things

The one issue I have had is that it bent the crap out of my front license plate, which is simply bolted into the bumper at the top two holes -- no frame. I'm guessing it would have been fine if there was a frame around it.

Personally, I've never had a bad experience in any car with automatic car washes. I've probably gone through 200 of them in my lifetime. That said, I'm a fan of both garaging and a periodic high quality wax job.

Ceramic or 3M type coating also sounds great to me, though I've got no direct experience with either.

 

It’s a 4runner people, not a Ferrari.

 

After reading your comments, in the spirit of best recommendations, I have removed the Palmolive remark, and left my original statement, which is to use a proper car wash detergent. I believe all other comments are sound.

 

If you don’t have a pressure washer to use a foam cannon with the CarPro
Hydr02 Foam, you can also use the Adams foam Sprayer.

I will describe the HydrO2 like this, EVERY single car wash soap that you have ever used does NOTHING to Seal the paint and leave a slick finish. The HydrO2 does what you have wanted car wash soap to do for years. I’ve been washing and detailing my cars for the last 36 years and tried just about everything. Try the CarPro Hydr02 and prepared to be amazed.

Adam's Foaming Pump Sprayer (35oz) - Pressure Foam Sprayer For Car Cleaning K...

Adam's Foaming Pump Sprayer (64oz) - Pressure Foam Sprayer For Car Cleaning Kit, Car Wash, Car Detailing | Fill With Car Wash Soap Wheel Cleaner Tire Cleaner | Water Sprayer Lawn Garden Weed Sprayer

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MWHSLMY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glc_fabc_qHn6FbBRR8YGK

CarPro Hydro2 Foam 500mL

$26 CARPRO HydrO2 Foam Car Wash & High Gloss Sealant in One: 1-Step Car Wash and Coat, Ultra-Hydrophobic Coating - 500mL (17oz)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019HMO4FI/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glc_fabc_uLn6FbK6R7GE9

 

Absolutely.

 

I garage my 4runner. Drive it about once a month. It’s gonna last a lifetime.

 

The only things I would add, when I did detail my cars, are doing the wheels first, because they take the most time. Then I'd use a big shop vac to blow blow off so as not to blow oily exhaust all over the vehicle from a leaf blower, although they do produce more velocity. Still use the shop vac to keep the 'Runner kinda clean for at least a couple of days. HAH! Ya can't keep anything clean here. Totally agree with top down and not using a chamois.

When I used to do my '84 Supra, a buddy came over and said that the interior "was cleaner than church". LOL! May have to blow out the engine compartment one of the days. HAH!

 

Evidently my clever laundry detergent idea has not been endorsed.. oh, well. It was the most gentle soap I could think of without adding another bottle to my collection. Aside from removing wax I haven't noticed a downside though, for the record.

Anything can peel off wax, that's why you wax 3-4 times a year. Chamois are great if you use any water other than distilled, which is 99.99999% of people and car washes. It will leave a streak-free, scratch-free, and stainless finish. It also has the benefit on hot, sunny days of re-introducing adequate moisture to dried water spots.

Any spider-webbing caused by slightly less than ideal wash conditions can be polished out after a few years if need be.

 

That's why he's doing it himself

 

Car wash is faster and easier.
If I had a Ferrari I would 100% invest in quality soaps and cleaners and do it myself.

 

I agree, sorta. I go to touchless carwashes when I can, but they never get fully dried, usually not 100% coverage, and never mind the door jams. So I do my car manually about a third of the time to focus on that last 20%

 

Everyone is different, I sit at PC all day for work so hand washing and polishing/waxing a car for me is therapeutic. I like how it looks especially after a polish/wax. I am lucky in Michigan as we have plenty of water and its not from a well in the suburbs so I wash mine a lot. Although now with covid and being the garage and home more maybe once per month. If you are single like me also, you have more time and the women I date do appreciate a clean vehicle.

I realize these are not Ferrari's but for me like many work hard for our money and want to protect it within reason of course. The winter months drive me nuts trying to hand wash though and fighting the cold gets old with each year that clicks by.

Happy new year to all

 

There is another great way to wash your 4Runner—— in your garage. Yes, in your Heated garage.

https://www.xpel.com/Flawless-Finis...cl0rPT_ImZHkDQxSh2Fcl9ktslcJfn6xoCT8sQAvD_BwE

https://youtu.be/F1uLrhchHzc

 

following

 

Very good discussion on keeping the vehicle clean and protecting the paint.
Only other suggestion is use a “iron” particles dissolver. Spray on wait to work (it turns purple). Wash off before using clay bar. Do the plastic baggie test. You will definitely feel the difference on the paint.

 

I have heard some bad stories about drive-thru car washes so I've been trying to avoid them, but I also don't have the luxury of having a driveway to wash my car so I've been using

$21 Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine Version 5 - ONR Rinseless Car Wash Soap for Auto Detailing, Use On Paint, Ceramic Coatings, Glass, Interior (32 Oz)

Optimum No Rinse Wash (ONR) which has worked wonders! If your car is really dirty you can use the pressure washer at a car wash and then do the ONR process starting at the top, and then work in sections. Much like what @redneckj posted, just a different brand.

Yes, it's a process to wash your own car, especially because of the sheer size of 4runners, but I find it kind of cathartic.

 

Each owner has their own choices when it comes to their vehicle.
Rinse less products do work well.
Power washers are good but have to be careful not to use too high a pressure which could damage your paint.
Personally I don’t use the power washer as even used correctly the pressure can drive the dirt into the paint.
But everyone has their own circumstances when it comes to washing and detailing.
I’m in the Deep South and have the sun and heat along with hard water. Just makes the job more difficult and challenging. Big vehicle big job but find it therapeutic.
Happy New Year

 

i have a brand new 21 with what looks like water spots cooked into the paint rinsed it off once. wtf. my wifes 17 rav4 the spots wipe right off. i cant believe it. i dont think its fixable.

 

Rinsing likely won’t remove water spots. If it’s hard water it’s going to have to be treated with a product to remove it.
I’m sure some of the professional detailing experts on this website will provide some information.
You want to be careful with the paint. Don’t want to use a product that could damage it.
There’s numerous detailing pros on this forum that can provide excellent advice.
Dealerships don’t really keep their vehicles protected from the elements very well. They have a guy who power wash them off and do a quick detailing job if it looks like a sale.
I bought a new Corvette in 2012. The brain detailing dude was using a polishing bonnet and burned the removable top paint. This was at the largest Corvette dealership in the nation! Sucks that you have this issue but it can be remedied.

 

Good point on the power washer. I actually haven't needed to use one yet, I just sneakily use one of the apartment hoses.

 

Surprisingly, everyone focuses on the shiny side, lol, human nature I guess. But if you off road in mud, through water that looks like chocolate milk, or drive on salty, gritty, or gravel roads you’re going to want to put your vehicle up on a ramp both ways and blast out the frame regularly. That’s the Achilles heal of Toyotas.

 

Exactly my thoughts, I think those that wheel their 4Runners should have one of these

Twinkle Star 16 Inch Dual-Function Undercarriage Cleaner, Surface Cleaner for...

Twinkle Star 16" Dual-Function Undercarriage Cleaner, Surface Cleaner for Pressure Washer, Underbody Car Wash Water Broom with 2 Piece Extension Wand and 90 Degree Angled Wand, 4000 PSI

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085WQPK65/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glc_fabc_dc1-Fb0X6EV08

 

I've been pondering this exact predicament lately! I know the underside doesn't get as much attention cleaning wise and that it's also important. I've never seen one of those^, thanks for sharing!

 

There is a product called meguiars scratch x which may help with water spots; I have used it succesfully on an accord for this (silver); try a discreet spot first and go gingerly. If you use the Scratch X and it works well make sure you put some wax on afterwards. Best of luck

 

I was wondering if anyone has used a flexible attachment to their pressure washer to blast out the inside of the frame?

 

Use a sprinkler when is too cold, power washer every other week... I hate Salt

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Now using a sprinkler---that is a great idea!! Thanks for sharing!