Exterior Black Plastic Bits

This is my first truck and I’m coming a long way from previously expecting a perfect, scratch free experience with my vehicles, but: the black plastic bits (fender flares, bumper valance) seem to be made of paper and they damage if you simply breathe on them!

I assume this is by design, right? Better to scratch plastic than a finish? Regardless, any tips on maintaining them? My assumption is just tire shine (or the equivalent) and live with it. However, at this rate, I feel like I should buy a garage-full of spares in case I sell or trade it in!!

 

I normally don’t get to concerned about stretches in the plastic, however, there are a number of plastic restore products out on the market that you can try.

 

Do you have any recommendations?

 

I’ve never had any issues with fender flares and not really given them anything more than standard wash when cleaning the truck.

What exactly is wrong with yours that you’re concerned about? Pics might help if you’re looking for recomendations for repair vs standard maintenance

 

303. You can but it pretty cheap on Amazon, can use it on exterior plastics and interior stuff too, restores color, finish, and protects

 

There are a number of products out their, one you may want to try first is Meguiar's ScratchX 2.0, it's pretty cheap and will work with shallow scratches, deeper ones may require the use of a heat gun, you can google it for more details, you need to be a bit more brave, but many swear by it.

 

Not necessarily issues, per se, but the fact they pick up scratches easily. They seem to be magnets!

 

I only wash my truck every month or so and am not bothered by little things. However, every time I wash, after drying I wipe a coat of quick detail wax on it and do the black bits as well. It makes them look better for sure.

 

Toyota will say this is normal.
Welcome to the forum

 

I assume the specific automotive variant? I will grab some ASAP.

Scratch X on plastic? Interesting!

I figured it’s just a part of the deal but I can’t wait until we as a society develop better plastic!!

 

I was able to polish out weird swirl-pattern fading on mine with Meguiar's Ultimate polish. Scratches; not so much.





Line X is probably your best bet for prevention.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...with-line-x-ultra.539293/page-3#post-17731939

 

I will try the ultimate polish. Never really thought of polishes considering it’s plastic and not a “gloss,” so this is helpful.

 

I don't have as much black plastic on my Sport, but I use Chemical Guys Natural Shine on what I do have, mostly rear bumper step area, mud flaps, and the front chin spoiler and lower grill, makes it nice and black and new looking without being really shiny like Armorall, and protects from UV.

$26 Chemical Guys TVD_201_16 Natural Shine, Satin Shine Dressing For Plastic, Rubber and Vinyl, Safe for Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RVs & More, 16 fl oz

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FALW57K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1