Sun Protection questions.....

Good morning,
I have a couple of questions....
Does anyone have a long-lasting total Truck cover recommendation (lots of options out there).
Also has anyone put the ceramic coating OR the protection film on your truck yourself or professionally done and if so, how did it turn out and how long has it lasted (is it worth it).
Thanks.
RIDGID.

 

First, let me say I know not everyone has a garage.

I keep my truck in my garage and apply Meguire’s Carnauba Wax twice a year. Almost 10 years old and still looks new.

Watch out for covers that can scratch your paint.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...nyone-use-one-or-have-recommendations.746032/

 

Is your truck white? If so, it may need a LOT more care.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...yota-corp-update.689940/page-59#post-30493949

 

No, it's a Blue 2022 Toy Tacoma extended cab, and has to be outside ☹️ just wanted to see if any brands for covers are holding up over time.

 

I gotta 2009 that stays outside...i just rub this on everytime I wash,paint still looks new.

 

I moved to an apartment with no car wash facility. ☹️ I wash it but waxing is hard, so I purchased a battery powered buffer. I pull out of the car wash, dry her off and park in the shade to do the work. I envy those who have a garage and wash facilities. Just be resourceful and keep the wax protection going,

 

Check out the Adam's Polishes line. Depending on how dirty the exterior is you could use the Detail Spray once a week and not need to wash the vehicle. My truck stays outside and I have ceramic coated with good success. I do some follow up boost about every 3 months using the ceramic spray. It's applied by lightly spraying and wiping off. It too simple and fast.

 

I hand wax three vehicles twice a year using a variety of good paste or liquid waxes... What's on sale?

I can do my RAV4 in just over an hour. The Tacoma takes about two. People overthink waxing a car.

 

Honda GM Let's see your truck

 

I personally don't like covers. Every time you cover it it will drag across the paint. The truck will inevitably have some dirt on it which will embed in the cover and scratch the paint. Use good quality wax twice a year. If your vehicle is always in the sun, put a sun shade in the windshield to keep the heavy sun off of dash.

 

Lennyz1, I'm more worried about the paint fading out, my 1996 Toy Taco has worn out the clear coat a long time ago (waxed it about 3 times a year) ☹. Also, def will have a Sunscreen shade also. Was thinking of a dash cover again worked well with my 1996 only bad thing is the Velcro part that you stick to the dash having a hard time getting it off.

 

I hear what you are saying, but 1996 is a lot of years. If you get 20 years and your paint is still in great shape, count yourself lucky. Cover will beat up your clearcoat as well. Paints today are better than mid 90's, so hopefully it will hold up better for you.

 

No to covers for me as well.

I just wash and wax/seal more often. I normally apply two layers on the hood, roof, and all sky facing surfaces.

I used this regimen with my previous ungaraged Taco I owned for close to 25 yrs. The paint stayed nice and shiny the whole time with no paint fade.

To help protect the interior, I use a sunshade and magnetic window shades along with rain guards so I can crack open the windows and allow some heat to escape. The combo of those help with UV protection. As far as heat reduction, I think it helps a little but not a lot.

And since I have fabric seats, I've sprayed them with Scotchguard UV and stain protection.

 

eaglehawaii Ok Might save me like 900.00 for that California cover So when you say "more often" how often did you wax and what kind of seal were you using?

 

With endless summer here, the sun is pretty harsh on cars.

I try to wash/wax every couple of months ... 3 months at most. I could probably do it every 5 or 6 months but I just want to ensure I have a good layer of UV protection on the truck at all times.

Most wax or sealer should do a good job protecting the exterior. One just needs to do it on a regular basis.

With the previous truck, I used Mother's liquid or paste carnauba wax.

With all sorts of advanced tech and formulation now available for paint protection, I use Turtle Wax Seal n Shine for the current truck. Super easy to apply. With no buffing required like with paste wax, I can apply a layer in 10-15 minutes. A 2nd layer is optional, but I do it anyway since it's really easy and doesn't take much time.

Above is just for the truck which is not garaged. The others in the garage get attention every 4-6 months or as needed.

 

Covers are not good. Dirt will get blown under the cover and onto your truck. This acts like sandpaper when the wind blows and the cover shakes and moves. If you go the cover route, you really need wash the truck every week and wax often if the truck sits a lot .

 

I keep all our vehicles in a climate-controlled garage. The Wifes $runner and my Tacoma stay detailed up and covered in the garage. They look like new and are not scratch. You need a good quality cover from Covercraft. A lot depends on how toy put on and take off the cover plus the material plays a big part.