Questions about what to use for car wash, wax, ect for a brand new 2023 trd offroad?

Hi everyone,

Since my 2019 tundra has been in the shop for mice damage since August and not really needing a full size truck anymore.
Well I stumbled across a 2023 trd offroad in Barcelona red pretty much exactly how I would of ordered it.
It's still being built and is due here the end of next month.

I have never owned a red car or Truck and the car wash I used to use is no longer made.

So I'm looking for input and advice for everything from car wash and wax to interior cleaning ect.
Also it has the leather seats, I miss having those and have not had them in over 15 years.

So what do you all use and recommend to keep it looking sharp and protected especially living in Connecticut!

Thanks everyone

 

I just take mine to one of them touchless like robot car washes. Unable to do it at my place due to no where to hook up a hose. And there isnt regular self service close to me

 

Modern paints are pretty durable. The touchfree gas station wash has kept my 2005 Honda Accord looking like new, except for the rock chips. On our Tacomas the most important thing is to keep salt etc. off the frame. So far my 2018 Taco has been getting the same touchfree treatment as my car, and it's holding up great.

 

I'm skeeeert of going thru and automatic car wash.
Use a quality car wash soap. I use Meguiar's.




Towel dry with a quality towel. Takes 2 of these for the truck.



A light wax goes a long way.



You can get all this stuff at Wally World.

I also use Tire/Wheel cleaner and a very light amount of tire-black product.
Keeps my ride shiny and clean.

 

I’m a huge Griot’s fan. If your a DIY keeping your car clean. They have great products. I’d recommend they’re Ceramic line. It imo is one the best for wash, spray wax, glass cleaner and detailer you can find. They have great interior products too. If you’re not planning on having a true ceramic coating or a PPF installed. You’ll be very pleased with their products. I also have a few other brands but Griot’s is my go to.

 

I have used Meguiar’s wax for 45 years. Lately been using Gold Class Carnauba on my Tacoma for 7 years. The finish still looks new. There may be better products out there, but it is tough to give up on what has worked for me for so long.

https://www.meguiars.com/automotive...ba-plus-premium-liquid-wax-g7016-16-oz-liquid

 

I use Adam's Polishes cleaning products and have had great results from their products on keeping my vehicles clean. Watch videos on their YouTube channel for tips on keeping your vehicle clean whether you use their products or those from somewhere else.

 

Carnuba is some amazing stuff. I use Mothers pure Carnuba wax on my motorcycle, and that paint becomes so deep and glossy!!!

 

Chemical guys purple wash and poly wipe to finish.

 

I use Meguiars Deep Crystal Car Wash and Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax

 

The sky is the limit. I like to keep it pretty simple though. My MGM 2023 TRD OR came in on 12/30/22. One of the first things I did was claybar the whole truck(I was surprised how much crap there was on the paint of the brand new truck) and then use Turtle Hybrid Solutions Ceramic coating (twice). This provided a decent base level of protection. Now about every other wash I'll use Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic wax when I rinse to keep the slickness up. I'm now of the opinion that using something like Mequiars Ceramic Wax spray is important to keep the slickness up. This slickness helps keep things from sticking to the paint, prevents water spots, helps prevent scratching when you dry it and so on.

I cleaned, clay barred, alcohol wiped and then applied the ceramic per instructions. Not BR, but here's a few photos of my MGM results.

 

I think most detailers would tell you that clay barring is a useful tool, but it adds micro scratches that have to be polished out.

Myself, I use P&S Absolute rinseless wash https://psdetailproducts.com/products/absolute-rinseless-wash A little pre-soak from a pump sprayer, wash with a sponge & bucket, dry with a Gauntlet drying towel, no rinsing... amazing results. No scratching, swirl marks, water spots... just shine.

Rinsing with water is so yesterday's tech

 

Whatever the soap and wax that comes out of the full contact car wash I use once every few months. Brother, let me tell you, sounds like there is a grinder in those brushes sometimes! Those big round spinning brushes, the lights, the noise and driving under a 747 engine at the end makes that $20 spent every few months worth it!
It gives me the perfect 10/10 look that I am going for. The 10/10 in my world means, at 10 mph and 10 feet away, the truck looks flawless!
And then every once in a great while, I will take it to a detailer and let them fix it.

Truth is, I used to do my own wash and detailing, did all service too. Then I started making enough money to afford to pay some high school kid to do it for me. My time is spent in my shop, and time is the only thing I have of any value. It costs a lot for me to give you an hour of my time.

 

I just run mine through the closet automatic car wash I can find. At my age, you quit worrying about shit like paint on a car.

 

True words of wisdom right there!!!

 

Learning how to wash them properly is more important than the product. Watch some professional detailers online and invest in multiple buckets, good towels, and a pressure washer. Only use touchless car washes if you are not into washing them yourself. Your clear coat will stay shiny the entire life of the paint when done correctly.

 

The ONLY mark on my 2023 TRDOR is a rub mark on the right front from where a "touchless" car wash robotic arm didn't clear it as it rounded the corner, but was determined to continue on.

Never again.

 

Since truck has not yet been delivery - my recommendation is turn down any dealer package for paint protection and take it to a professional detailer who specialize in paint protection products.

I went with place that specialize in ceramic coat, truck came back with higher shine then new. Water just beads up and dirt easily rinses off. The ceramic coat recommends a monthly reapply of “ceramic boost” to maintain the protection so it is not an apply and forget solution, but less effort than applying wax and hand buffing. Only had it for 6 months so I cannot say if it lives up to all claims.

Do your research by starting here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/detailing.32/

Edit: this assumes you plan to stay on road, not much will protect you from off-road pinstripes

 

Hm.

Pretty much all modern paints are water based nowdays, maybe different for some luxury European marques.

Oil based paints they have been using for decades are much more durable than water based. Paint on the Tacoma is very soft and thin compared to my 2007 ranger.

 

Dawn dish soap.
Brawny paper towels.
A lot of pros are doing it this way.