First Time Taco Owner 200 miles (all good except tiny brown spots)

I just passed the 200 mile point and so far I am quite happy with my 2016 TRD off-road V6. I drive 10 miles each way to work and back with an even split between surface roads and highways. I believe the power train and I are getting to know each other and I get a quite consistent 20-21 mpg every trip. I will point out I do have a factory tonneau cover. I am certain that helps with fuel economy but it would be interesting to know how much. My VIN was made in Texas and I have not experienced any 'gear hunting' but it does accelerate slow unless the throttle is opened wide and shifts early but this is consistent with better mileage. It is easy enough to open it up and make it go.

I just hand washed and waxed it for the first time today. The only odd thing I noted was brown spots in the rougher parts of the paint down low. Does anyone else have this or have any idea what it could be? My exterior is silver. I like the way it looks but I will probably switch out the grill (it's a little too 'big') and I would like the black leather TRD pro seats when they become available.

 

The spots you are referring to are most likely "Rail Dust". A good detail with claybaring will take care of it.

 

Thanks! I clayed the hood because it was rough to the touch but didn't try it on the brown spots.

 

I swear, the grill grows on you ... just give it time.

It's a good looking truck, just maybe not the same as the Tacoma from last year

 

Put a ziplock bag over your hand and rub the paint after a wash. If it's smooth like glass you are good. If it's rough then you need to clay it.

 

I just clay when I do paint correction with the DA polisher, which is typically once or twice a year, usually in the spring/early summer ... I find that clay can actually add scratches to the paint, so if I'm not planning to polish then I don't want to touch it with clay. I won't polish without claying first though. The pads glide over freshly clayed paint so much better

Otherwise I'll just wax/seal every couple of months depending on how water is beading up on the paint when I wash it.

This time of the year I wouldn't even bother, just wait for the weather to get better and fix whatever shit the winter has done ...

 

Same here. I will usually follow a clay with a compound then polish then sealant.

 

What JoeRacer said. "Rail dust". I've got 2 white cars now. Both need fairly regular clay to stop random spots. Iron particles stick, rust, and turn brown.

 

I did not read your post but when you stated "brown spots",
I assume you are talking about crap stains in your underwear.
this is not appropriate for this forum.

 

Yea, owning a white car is what got me started claying/polishing in the first place lol ... Toyota white is so soft and just soaks up impurities like nothing else I've ever owned. It's crazy.

 

Well you know what they say about assumptions ... you make an ass out of you and umption.

 

Its, you make an ass out of you and me

 

Nah, you do that just fine on your own

You need to go back and watch some good movies you've missed out on

 

I'm always worried of messing up it more so I haven't done any of that. Occasionally I'll wash it but that is even rare, I know the paint will eventually get messed up off-road but it's a truck.