ggravant

In addition to cleaning the tires and wheels, I also typically try to wash the wheel wells when I am washing a car. I will even spray a light coating of matte tire shine on them if they are fairly visible. It is not that big a deal either way, but I was curious if anyone knows why they used that carpet like material on the RX. I did search a bit and some people did comment on it possibly being a dirt magnet, but I was trying to figure out the possible advantage of using that material might be. Maybe it hides dirt better???

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I think it's just a better sound deadener

ggravant

That makes sense. I wonder if they could have made side facing the wheels smooth and the side facing the body have the carpet material on it ...

RXSF

It is supposed to help with tire noise, and especially during the times when you run over the little pebbles/rocks/tar and they bounce around in the tire well.

ggravant

That does seem like it would help with that - although removing hot gooey tar might be more of a challenge if that ever happens. Have they been using that material for several years, or is it something more recent?

TripleL

I have this material in my 06 IS and it does do what its designed to do very well as it looks the same now as it did new. As for cleaning I gave up I just rinse it really well after I clean my wheels. Its a dark black and a dull carpet look so it fades into the background nicely.

kitlz

The felt-like material is new for 3rd gen. I miss the days of the plastic liner. It was easier to clean. I use the hose to rinse it now but I know it's still dirty. Leaf bits are the worst. That new liner is relatively thin. But I guess it does a better job at noise supression than rocks hitting the plastic.

ggravant

As opposed to light black?

Thanks for the feedback - I will just give it a scrub and be done with it.

stw2046

Stems from leaves are still sticking after 3 washes. Tried wheel brush it but the result was not so satisfying....
It'd be nice if it was made with high density foam alike.

fr0mastaj

I noticed this too when I first got the car. Thought it was the weirdest thing - seems like it would be a dirt/debris magnet. Haven't had it long enough to see how it holds up...

RXSF

^^ its horrible after a rain storm. Its not that bad on the RX because of the general high ground clearance, but this is also a "Feature" on my C class. Its horrible, leaves, small twiggy plant things get caught and they dont fall away even with a forceful spray of water.