Brand new 2023 4Runner. I'd like to apply an undercoating myself. What is your opinion on using CRC 06026 Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz?
See this video which is where I learned about this product: https://youtu.be/lyWHF4NoNVk?si=-Q30XFDvbFmjD7D5
Thank you all!
Brand new 2023 4Runner.
Why would you do it on a brand new Toyota? Isn't it already coated?
I'm not sure if it is already coated from the factory, but it seems like a good practice to prevent rust developing from the get go.
Take a look and see if it is or not. My 5 years old Auris is factory-undercoated. As @hixster mentioned, and Scotty several times, Toyota implements rust protection during manufacturing process.
it seems like a good practice to prevent rust developing from the get go.
That practice begins at the factory with Toyota. Their frames don't typically need anything special as they're built well. This goes for a unibody or body-on-frame construction. While I'm a fan of Project Farm and his testing methods, all of these spray-on products suffer from the same issue, they just don't last very long. Scotty has mentioned a pressure washer add-on which basically allows you to wash the underside of your vehicle. IMO - Rinsing the road salt and debris off your undercarriage is likely the best 'rust preventative' you'll find. I also realize there are certain situations where it's not practical to wash though. An example would be an area where snowfall alone would prevent one from regular washes. In these situations I see nothing wrong with the spray-on undercoating approach.
Thank you Hixster.
I agree with you. Now is the time to begin your corrosion prevention. You can't wait until rust begins and then try to arrest it.
If you live in an area where you have snow and they salt the roads you have to get proactive and prevent rust from starting.
You aren't going to get the rust prevention you need using spray cans no matter how good the product.
For example, here's a professional (Eric O) applying Fluid Film in a shop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epkeq3VIFEE
You won't be able to get that kind of coverage using spray cans.
If I had a brand new 4Runner I'd see if there was a Krown Rust Prevention franchise in my area.
And since your 4Runner is brand new, you'd qualify for their guarantees.
Here's a link to their website where you can see locations and pricing.
And again, here's Eric O taking his own Toyota Tundra to a Krown franchise to have it rust proofed
1st video is the sales pitch from the Krown guy and Q&A from Eric.
2nd video is the application process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSg0yvwcbXA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKmM5IByVCQ
Interesting. They don't mask off the brake pads and rotors, so those gets sprayed as well. I thought that was a no no when undercoating. They also got spray on the exhaust system, which will smell as it gets hot, but will eventually go away. Finally, they drill holes, which most likely would void my warranty I would think. What are your thoughts on their process?
Eric did a "5 Months Later" video after the Krown application
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He addresses your brake rotor/pads question at 17 minutes into the video. ((he says, no problem))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9YDe02cW5Q
Krown says their process won't void any manufacturer's warranty. This is from the FAQ section of the link to their website which I provided in my first response.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si0cKmXWmrw
So I'd contact Toyota first and ask them about your warranty concern. As for my thoughts on their process I haven't seen a more thorough application process so I'm impressed
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Of course you should do your own research and come to your own conclusion.
Thank you jack62.
I use the CRC heavy duty marine corrosion inhibitor, aka Cosmoline on all my cars. I live in the catskill mountains near Albany New York. The roads are like driving on salt once the snow starts falling.
So far it holds up well. I buy used cars, and spray it on before winter. The initial coating takes a bit to get it done, but then each year I just check for any rust, and touch it up. The only places that usually need an extra bit are places that road debris hits, like wheel wells. So far I am happy with it.
As for using it on a brand new Toyota, I may not. Monitor it each year, and if any rust starts to form, I would clean it off and slather it in cosmoline.
Thank you nlord.