What is necessary for longevity?

Just got a new taco and I'm trying to figure out what is necessary to keep my truck looking nice. The Tacoma has swirls in the paint but I don't really care too much about that, I just don't want the paint to start fading or chipping in 10 years because I forgot to clean it a certain way every month. I also want to avoid rust as much as I can. It sounds to me like I can get rid of the swirls whenever I want, and getting the paint corrected now won't really be any different from if I get it done in a few years if I ever want to get them polished out. Is this true?

Right now I think I just have to wash and wax it frequently and use fluid film before winter. Is this it or am I missing something?

 

I mean you're on the right track. Also, protect any non painted plastic parts from sun damage.

That's about all I do and haven't had any problems ~ Mine are also garage kept, might be the best thing but if that's not applicable keep it clean and waxed.

Some also do Ceramic coats, I've never done one but people swear by it.

 

Ceramic coating and a paint protection film (PPF) is good for longevity.

Also, waxing will make swirl marks more visible in the clear coat. I would recommend buffing the swirl marks out before waxing.

 

Just got it as in is still has the dealer plates on it? If so why does it already have swirl marks?

 

They put it through the car wash while I was filling out paperwork.

 

I’d make them pay to have them removed, but that’s me. Bunch of dummies. If your into detailing. Just keep washed with good wash wax a couple times a year with quality wax. Personally I’m a big Griots fan. Where are you located that can determine your routine.

 

Yeah it is what it is. I was just excited to see a green OR in stock.

I’m in VA. They salt the roads like crazy where I’m at; my old truck started rusting just after a year of being here. It also sits out in the sun all day.

I went and bought some soap, fluid film, sealant, and a clay bar kit. Am I missing anything else?

 

FYI. Gettin the paint corrected now may be a smart choice. At this time since it’s so new and hopefully only been through the automated car wash once. It may only take a single stage paint correction, where as down the road it will more than likely need a complete decam plus a 3 stage paint correction which will cost significantly more.

 

Good quality microfiber towels. You should have some for the interior, windows, wheels, engine bay and drying and none of the towels do the others job. Two microfiber mitts and two wash buckets. I like the Griots Ceramic wash and coat, 3-1 ceramic wax and detailer. Work extremely well. Beadmakers is really good but will need to be applied every couple months if you wash a lot. I could go on and on. I’m a detailing but. I have an arsenal of stuff. It can be an addiction and it’s my fun money side gig.

 

Cool, yeah I don’t want to get too into it. I primarily use the taco for hunting so it will forever be dirty. My last truck I just didn’t worry about it that much and it ended up rusting out and the paint started chipping off and I definitely don’t want that to happen so I’m looking for the steps to take to keep it looking good.

 

Try the Griots ceramic products they will definitely make keeping clean much easier.

 

Awesome, thanks!

 

Windows are a pet peave of mine. This is after I cleaned and sealed them. Congrats on the truck. Feel free to pm me if you ever have questions.