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I just purchased a 2022 MDX and we are liking all aspects of it except for one concern. The issue is the exterior rear of the vehicle and how dirty it gets. Specifically, it shows dirt and water residue to a level of severity that seem extreme. I spoke to the dealership salesperson and he suggested that I order the Zurich Coating (at $499). When I compare the hood, sides, top surfaces to the rear surface it seems like maybe Acura did not finish (clearcoat??) that panel. Of course, I could apply wax already but it seems premature given that the vehicle was built 3 weeks ago and has been in my possession for one week. With that background, anyone having a similar issue? Any experience with Zurich...does it repel rain and road residue? Is clearcoating exterior surfaces part of Acura's manufacturing process? If clearcoating is part of their process, is there a way to verify that it was applied? Thanks, msucubs
I purchased my CPO red/ebony 18 RLX with 7200 miles back in Dec/2019. It had Zurich shield coating from the original owner. The coating either didn't work or the owner/dealership jacked it all up during wash/dry because there were swirl and spider web marks all over the clearcoat. I had the RLX color corrected and applied XPEL Ultimate Plus paint protective film (PPF) on the entire painted surface (self healing with scratches in sunlight, 10 year warranty, UV protection, hydrophobic properties like ceramic coating). The paint still looks pristine after +2 years since.
As a rule of thumb any detailing thing offered by the dealer is not worth the money and/or not applied well.
The first thing is to figure out is there a paint defect from the factory. If so that's a warranty issue. If not then either it's a design issue that you'll have to live with or you can have a ceramic coating applied which will help keep it cleaner. You may be able to do both by having a detailer (not from the dealer) examine the paint and see what they think and if the paint is fine then have them apply a coating.
As an example my former Range Rover Sport's design made it so the tailgate got really dirty quickly, and that was a design feature that every vehicle had, not just mine. I'm picking up my MDX tomorrow so I can't speak for the current design but I know with some SUV's it happens.
Enjoy the new MDX starting tomorrow. I had a TL S-Type years ago and enjoyed it.
Let me know how your experience goes and I hope you don't have any issues with the exterior. I am going to take mine back to the dealer and have them simply look at. I agree with your advice to not have them do additional work unless it is a warranty issue.
On a similar note my parents’ old 1998 Explorer had a clear coat issue where they didn’t apply it to the top of the driver’s door. With time it developed a whiteish discoloration (it was red paint) and Ford repainted it under warranty.
I have experienced what you're referring to in your post. I consider it more of a minor nuisance than anything. I have a theory as to why. While we don't really get much cold weather here at the southeastern NC coast, we have had several night below freezing since I purchased my MDX in late 2021. One thing I noticed on cold mornings is that while the exhaust was still quite visible upon acceleration, said exhaust hugs the rear hatch and rear window. I am of the opinion that this has to do with the aerodynamics of the vehicle. It would seem to help explain what you're referring to.
Ceramic coatings are great. Don't pay your dealer for one. Use an experienced detailer.
The only issue with ceramic coating is maintenance to keep that pristine shine. Ceramic coating can scratch way easier than the normal clear coat on the MDX. You have to use touchless car wash only if you don't hand wash. I have to use microfiber wash mitts, two bucket method to wash, foam cannon, ceramic soaps w/ or w/o ceramic boosters, and drying with microfiber to keep from scratching the ceramic coating. Touchless car wash does not clean as well and you have to hand microfiber wash to clean 100%.
You still need to do the exact same cleaning and color correction procedures to apply PPF and ceramic coating. You can add ceramic coating on top of PPF; but, you can't add PPF on ceramic coating. My 19 MDX Fathom Blue Pearl has a combo of PPF and ceramic coating (still working perfectly after +3 years):
- Suntek Ultra PPF: entire hood, both front fenders, front bumper, LEDs/fogs, pillars on either side of windshield, and rear bumper.
- Exoshield PPF on front windshield
- CQuartz Finest Ceramic coating: on top of PPF, rest of painted surfaces, windows, rims, and interior
- Ceramic Pro applied for interior surfaces
It helped protect my MDX during a road trip to PNM from New Mexico during Xmas/New Years. What my MDX looked like at the kid's place in Portland, OR, in the morning after it snowed the night before.
What my MDX looked like once I got back to NM after two weeks and +4500 miles of winter muck and snow:
Next day after a hand wash. I had to dump and use fresh soapy water 4 times and two microfiber wash mitts.
Thanks for the info. I am in Michigan with plenty of cold weather and I have noticed the exhaust against the rear of the vehicle. You may be on to something. Probably nothing can be done as it would be a design issue but I will mention it to the dealership and see what they say. msucubs
I just purchased a 2022 MDX and we are liking all aspects of it except for one concern. The issue is the exterior rear of the vehicle and how dirty it gets. Specifically, it shows dirt and water residue to a level of severity that seem extreme. I spoke to the dealership salesperson and he suggested that I order the Zurich Coating (at $499). When I compare the hood, sides, top surfaces to the rear surface it seems like maybe Acura did not finish (clearcoat??) that panel. Of course, I could apply wax already but it seems premature given that the vehicle was built 3 weeks ago and has been in my possession for one week. With that background, anyone having a similar issue? Any experience with Zurich...does it repel rain and road residue? Is clearcoating exterior surfaces part of Acura's manufacturing process? If clearcoating is part of their process, is there a way to verify that it was applied? Thanks, msucubs
There really is no issue in that sense, the panel should be clear coated otherwise the color would look terribly off and matte as base color does not have the same luster as clear coat.
The rear hatch staying dirty is common to many SUV's When you are driving all the dirt and debris from the road is pulled up by the tires and aerodynamics going under and over the car. The air is at it's lowest pressure/velocity behind the car at the tailgate area and rear window area as there is little no airflow.
Blue represents slower/lower pressure:
All the dirt on the car and road will collect on the areas with the lowest pressure/velocity no matter the car. Same with all the exhaust being expelled at the rear. No matter the car you'll always find the rear covered in more dirt due to this.
Best way to make it easy to clean is use a good sealant product for the paint. Carnuba waxes melt/wear very quickly. Latest trend is ceramic coating which can last a long time and take a beating, but do take time to be applied properly.
The color is Acura's Liquid Carbon. I think this might be a new color in the line-up. It is sharp and we got it with the Expresso interior. Thanks for the clear coat explanation. I feel like the color is a match with the rest of the vehicle but to the touch the rear panel feels less smooth/polished/waxed.
Regarding SUV's in general, I've not had an SUV this particular size/design. My only experience was a Toyota Sequoia and it did not have an issue with dirt retention...thus my concern.
The info provided by you and others on this message board is all appreciated and has been helpful in understanding what may be going on. I will be looking into the ceramic coating option.
There really is no issue in that sense, the panel should be clear coated otherwise the color would look terribly off and matte as base color does not have the same luster as clear coat.
The rear hatch staying dirty is common to many SUV's When you are driving all the dirt and debris from the road is pulled up by the tires and aerodynamics going under and over the car. The air is at it's lowest pressure/velocity behind the car at the tailgate area and rear window area as there is little no airflow.
Blue represents slower/lower pressure:
All the dirt on the car and road will collect on the areas with the lowest pressure/velocity no matter the car. Same with all the exhaust being expelled at the rear. No matter the car you'll always find the rear covered in more dirt due to this.
Best way to make it easy to clean is use a good sealant product for the paint. Carnuba waxes melt/wear very quickly. Latest trend is ceramic coating which can last a long time and take a beating, but do take time to be applied properly.
What color car do you have?
Great pic of the higher and lower pressure areas, esp with most all SUV's. This has been a talked about issue for many yrs. The extended roof spoilers to move air down and across
the rear hatch area was supposed to "help" that issue, but, doesn't really. It's an issue that all of us SUV owners will half to put up with. Quality waxing, etc, helps to clean it off, but,
it will still be there...maybe slightly less messy.
The color is Acura's Liquid Carbon. I think this might be a new color in the line-up. It is sharp and we got it with the Expresso interior. Thanks for the clear coat explanation. I feel like the color is a match with the rest of the vehicle but to the touch the rear panel feels less smooth/polished/waxed.
Regarding SUV's in general, I've not had an SUV this particular size/design. My only experience was a Toyota Sequoia and it did not have an issue with dirt retention...thus my concern.
The info provided by you and others on this message board is all appreciated and has been helpful in understanding what may be going on. I will be looking into the ceramic coating option.
msucubs
Great choice on color combo! With all the dirt/debris settling there, it's very common for the paint to feel rough and gritty. You can fix this by removing the contaminants; either chemically or physically. I like to do both 1x a year on the whole car. Physically you can remove the dirt/debris using a clay bar or clay mitt. You can google search more about automotive detailing clay and see how it's used. Chemically I use Car Pro's Iron-X to help dissolve metal contaminants from brake pads and other metallic debris that embeds in the paint. It stinks but works incredibly well. I also use the Carpro Cquartz Ceramic Coating DIY kit.
Originally Posted by Colorado Guy AF Ret.
Great pic of the higher and lower pressure areas, esp with most all SUV's. This has been a talked about issue for many yrs. The extended roof spoilers to move air down and across
the rear hatch area was supposed to "help" that issue, but, doesn't really. It's an issue that all of us SUV owners will half to put up with. Quality waxing, etc, helps to clean it off, but,
it will still be there...maybe slightly less messy.
Absolutely, most SUV's have a very dirty hatch area. It's not fun when you are in a light colored dress pants and end up getting soot from the rear bumper on your trousers....
you can always find a good ceramic coating like Gtechniq crystal serum or carpro cquartz and self apply on the rear end. They are pretty easy especially if only doing one area. Dirt just does not want to stick on to them and what does is pretty easy to hose off every now and then...
