Panic owning a black Toyota 4-runner

[tmaki]

I recently bought a 2006 Toyota 4-runner and I don't have much time to wash it much less detail it, but I really want it to look nice. My husband has Alzheimers and decided power washing was the way to wash off the dirt. I think I almost had a heart attack when I saw him doing that. I am amazed at how many scratches the vehicle has already. I've tried to rub them out with wax but they only slightly fade. Sometimes I think I'm doing more damage. I delicately wash it with just a small amount of soap so it doesn't spot. It seems the more soap the more spots. Everytime I wash the care there are more scratches and I panic because I love the car and want it to look nice. I would love any advice on the basics of taking care of it and how often and the best products. I have a plastic coating on the front hood and door edges and mirrors. I've even scratched the mirror and would love to know how to fix that (if possible). I get so bummed every time I see one more scratch. Thanks for any advice!!!!

[ryandamartini]

You need a PC to properly take care of a black car. This kit has what you need:

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c..._1920_32483871

I would adding an extra orange pad

http://autogeek.net/vcpad.html

This comes with a good polisher, if you choose to add one, 2 orange cutting pads, a white light polishing pad, and two grey finishing pads for spreading wax, etc. The compounds that come with it, the XMT series are arguably the best scratch/ swirl removers for the porter cable.

Read about the polisher and process of polishing

http://autogeek.net/dual-action-polisher.html

15% off coupon ending today: SMARTSHOPPER2


About the mirror, your probably going to need some touch up paint. I recommend http://www.paintscratch.com/ for your needs on that.

[justin30513]

Pressure washing is not bad and will not scratch.....as long as you don't use a very pwerful washer. I use an electric Karcher for my job everyday. All you've done is removed the dirt and exposed a clean surface that has swirls. You can fill them with wax but it will soon go away since wax is organic and will evaporate or wash away. You have to remove them and then wash the vehicle in a manner that will not bring them back. You can do it by hand but it is HARD. A PC kit like above is a wise investment. It will not damage the paint and will save your arms. There are some awesome videos on how to use it. You have also came to the right place for help. No other forum will take care of it's members like AutoGeek's.

Ask away. We all want to help.

[justin30513]

Originally Posted by ryandamartini

About the mirror, your probably going to need some touch up paint. I recommend http://www.paintscratch.com/ for your needs on that.

That store is AWESOME!
Do have first hand experience with them?
It can really add to my business.

[XterraOverload]

Here is a good kit with the pc and edge pads. This will take care of the pc and pads for you. P.S. It's cheaper to get things in a kit if you need all of it anyway.

http://www.autogeek.net/ed20pocacoki.html

Next this kit is highly recommended around here for swirl removal.

http://www.autogeek.net/pixmtinswreb.html


Here are a couple of good waxes that get high reviews around here and will do extra good on on dark colors.

http://www.autogeek.net/carnauba-car-wax.html

http://www.autogeek.net/nattys-blue.html

http://www.autogeek.net/pinliqsouvwa.html

Last thing you have a black SUV, as do I and as you've already come to realize black is high maintenance. BUT it's looks the best when is clean and swirl fee. It will take a little extra TLC. Good luck and have fun. Look around the site there is a wealth of info on AG.

[ryandamartini]

Originally Posted by justin30513

That store is AWESOME!
Do have first hand experience with them?
It can really add to my business.

I LOVE THEM!

I used their leveling puddy, thena primer pen, then basecoat pen, and a clearcoat pen. You never knew the rock chip was there.. SUPERB products

[killrwheels@autogeek]

I recently bought a black 2006 Toyota 4-runner and I don't have much time to wash it much less detail it, but I really want it to look nice

in order for this to be true, you will need to trade the truck back in for silver immediately. Other than that, to look good you will need alot of time and patience.

[abrcrombe]

Why don't you hire someone to work on your car if you don't have the time?

[XterraOverload]

Originally Posted by abrcrombe

Why don't you hire someone to work on your car if you don't have the time?

I think that was an offer ...

[Grimm]

And once it's scratch free, make sure and properly wash it to keep from getting scratches again. Use the two bucket method by rinsing the mitt/sponge in a second bucket of water, and make sure you have a good soft mitt/sponge to use.