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Toyota Highlander Paint

10 messages,  Last post on Jul 12, 2012 at 9:31 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander, Exterior, SUV

    

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#1 of 10 Blizzard Pearl finish by eighthnote

Aug 13, 2009 (8:14 am)

Just bought a 2009 Highlander with Blizzard Pearl finish. With 1000 miles on it, it now needs a car wash. With water restrictions here in FL, I can only personally wash once a week. I can, however, take my car to be professionally washed anytime, of course. Will their brushes and washing product damage my blizzard pearl finish? Any other concerns about the car wash professionals?

#2 of 10 Re: Blizzard Pearl finish [eighthnote] by steve_ HOST

Aug 13, 2009 (8:22 am)

Replying to: eighthnote (Aug 13, 2009 8:14 am)
Interesting question. Check out this thread:
 
oldfarmer50, "Paint and Body Maintenance & Repair" #795, 27 May 2007 12:32 pm
 
Back in the day (back when I washed cars more than I do now), I used some "waterless" car wash solution for a couple of years. Not because of water restrictions, but because I was up north and was washing my car outdoors in near freezing weather. The "waterless" stuff worked pretty good, and got the car clean with just a gallon of water. Some say it's hard on the paint, but just about anything can swirl the finish if you aren't careful.
 
You may want to try a "California Duster" kind of gizmo to see if that helps keep some of the dirt off.

#3 of 10 Re: Blizzard Pearl finish [eighthnote] by mdhutton

Aug 13, 2009 (6:40 pm)

Replying to: eighthnote (Aug 13, 2009 8:14 am)
I have an '08 HL LTD with the Blizzard Pearl finish. When washing yourself, if you do nothing else, make sure you use microfiber wash mits and towels - even the best chamois cloth will microscopically scratch the paint, which you paid extra for. Be generous too - I use two mits to wash and no less than 4-5 towels to dry. Wash and dry your mits and towels between each use. I use Armor All's Ultra Shine Wash and Wax.
 
If you're taking it to be washed, touchless washes are the only thing I trust, but their soaps can be harsh over time. Air-drying is also a must, and then I towel dry the rest. I won't let anything touch the finish. I even go out of my way to instruct my dealer to NOT do the complimentary wash when I'm in for scheduled maintenance.
 
Perhaps I'm a little overboard, perhaps not....but this is what has worked for me.

#4 of 10 Re: Blizzard Pearl finish [eighthnote] by steven1357

Aug 14, 2009 (2:10 pm)

Replying to: eighthnote (Aug 13, 2009 8:14 am)
I don't currently have a HIghlander Limited Blizzard Pearl, but expect to get one when the 2010s come out.
 
Just curious, does the owner's manual say anything about this?

#5 of 10 Re: Blizzard Pearl finish [steven1357] by eighthnote

Aug 14, 2009 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: steven1357 (Aug 14, 2009 2:10 pm)
The manual does not speak specifically about the blizzard pearl finish. I'm thinking about going to the Toyota dealer and speaking to someone there about how to maintain the finish.

#6 of 10 Re: Blizzard Pearl finish [mdhutton] by eighthnote

Aug 15, 2009 (7:57 pm)

Replying to: mdhutton (Aug 13, 2009 6:40 pm)
Thanks for the tips! Didn't have a clue about the microfiber mits and towels but will certainly investigate that. Your response makes me even more justified of making sure the finish on the car stays as good as possible, even in the FL sun! Thanks again!!

#7 of 10 Re: Blizzard Pearl finish [eighthnote] by steven1357

Aug 19, 2009 (2:21 pm)

Replying to: eighthnote (Aug 13, 2009 8:14 am)
This June 2008 video may help you.
 
http://video.consumerreports.org/services/player/bcpid1886192484?bctid=162843396- - 8
 
Also, here is a June 2009 written update but with the same June 2008 video.
 
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2005/dos-and-donts-of-wash- ing-your-car-1205/overview/index.htm

#9 of 10 Paint Issues by mja3

Jul 01, 2012 (7:17 pm)

Have a 2011 Toyota Highlander with 25K miles. Just noticed that the rear quarter panel black paint color is fading out and developing small white spots. Has anyone had a similar experience?

#10 of 10 Blizzard Pearl Paint by roadrunner70

Jul 12, 2012 (9:31 am)

I have a 2012 w/ blizzard pearl. I have a small chip on the front. I purchased dupli color touch up paint and found it to have little pigment and not very accurate color wise. It looks grayer than the paint. I then went to Toyota and purchased their touch up and it was the same. Seems impossible to use touch up paint on this color. The counter man told me, as did a bumper touch up specialist, that the paint has both the pearl and the color. It is difficult to touch up, and more expensive to professionally repair due to the two part paint components.
 
Does anyone have advice on th this?
 
Be warned, its a beautiful color, but can't be touched up.
Thanks. RR70

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