Hi Scott,
I am from Toronto. I have just bought a brand new RAV4 a couple of weeks back. I want to keep this car for longtime. I got done rust protection spray treatment. Now, I am in the market for something for paint protection. I can see a lot of people offering Ceramic coating and protection film but they charge fortune. I nee your advise How can I keep my car looking new and shiny without spending this much?
I've found Nu Finish in the orange container to be a good, long lasting, reasonably priced non-wax polish. Scotty recommends it!
@c-inake
I like NuFinish. I have used it for years on my cars.
Best way to protect your paint for the long haul..........garage it! Sun, rain and salt are all bad. Parked outside for years on end is hardest on paint due to UV breakdown. My wifes 99 VW passat was always garaged and that clear coat only started to peal 17 years later when it started to remain outside 24/7 at about 16 years of age. They had poor clear coat and many started to peel by 7-10 years after always being outside and not protected. Just an example
The only product that will protect from stone chips is the film. I agree that it is insanely expensive and some say it will yellow over time
Dont tailgate is the best advise to avoid chips
Well, … since it’s winter, don’t wash your car - just rinse it through with clean water whenever temperature goes above freezing. Don’t use car washes - they recycle water and so the water is always salty. During warmer months, just rinse it, … than wash it, next, using wash and wax liquid - I use Simonize brand, but I’m sure there are others. But primarily, don’t fuss about clean car!
Once a year, however, I suggest using Nu Finish car polish. Other than that, … just keep up with maintenance. Primarily, change fluids much more often than what Toyota call for, …
Best,
F.S., … who looks after ‘19 RAV4 Trail in his spare time!
You can ceramic coat your paint every 6 months by using a spray ceramic coating (Adam's polishes, Meguiar's, etc.). It's like spray on wax, but it's infused with ceramic. I highly recommend this because ceramic coats provide strong hydrophobic properties, preventing water stains and dirt from adhering to the actual surface of the paint. They last way longer compared to wax. By the time I get home when it stops raining, my car looks completely dry because all the water just slides right off!
