Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Toyota Highlander Paint
eighthnote
Member Posts: 3
in Toyota
Just bought a 2009 Highlander with Blizzard Pearl finish. With 1000 miles on it, it now needs a car wash. With water restrictions here in FL, I can only personally wash once a week. I can, however, take my car to be professionally washed anytime, of course. Will their brushes and washing product damage my blizzard pearl finish? Any other concerns about the car wash professionals?
0
Comments
oldfarmer50, "Paint and Body Maintenance & Repair" #795, 27 May 2007 12:32 pm
Back in the day (back when I washed cars more than I do now), I used some "waterless" car wash solution for a couple of years. Not because of water restrictions, but because I was up north and was washing my car outdoors in near freezing weather. The "waterless" stuff worked pretty good, and got the car clean with just a gallon of water. Some say it's hard on the paint, but just about anything can swirl the finish if you aren't careful.
You may want to try a "California Duster" kind of gizmo to see if that helps keep some of the dirt off.
If you're taking it to be washed, touchless washes are the only thing I trust, but their soaps can be harsh over time. Air-drying is also a must, and then I towel dry the rest. I won't let anything touch the finish. I even go out of my way to instruct my dealer to NOT do the complimentary wash when I'm in for scheduled maintenance.
Perhaps I'm a little overboard, perhaps not....but this is what has worked for me.
Just curious, does the owner's manual say anything about this?
http://video.consumerreports.org/services/player/bcpid1886192484?bctid=162843396- - 8
Also, here is a June 2009 written update but with the same June 2008 video.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2005/dos-and-donts-of-wash- ing-your-car-1205/overview/index.htm
Does anyone have advice on th this?
Be warned, its a beautiful color, but can't be touched up.
Thanks. RR70