5th-Gen Maxima Detailing Tips

a) Headlight Haze

This is a known problem on ’02-’03 Maximas. It seems as though the headlight cover has a haze on the inside of it. The cover is a sealed cover and is extremely difficult to remove.If you do open it up at some point, a plastic polish should be able to remove the haze.

b) Anniversary Edition Door Sills

These are prone to scratching if you use too harsh a metal polish on them. You might want to consider something like Mother’s or Nevr-Dull or Luster Lace.

c) Fuel Filler Door

Nissan, in its infinite wisdom , did not put a splash guard for the fuel filler line in the 5th Gen Maximas. As a result, the fuel door area can accumulate a lot of dirt. If you are washing one of these cars, it would be a good idea to wash this area to get rid of any accumulated dirt. For 2000-2001 model years, there is a TSB for it. For 2002-2003, we have to live with cleaning the crud as the parts for the ’00-’01 TSB do not fit ours.

Another thing about the 5th Gen Maxima is the six spoke SE Rims.
The design of those rims lends itself to easier cleaning of some parts behind the rim face. I use an old sheepswool mitt to go behind there and clean those areas I can access with my hand.

The tightest area is around the brake caliper and using a flexible brush to get behind the wheel in that spot is a good idea.Not using a brush can result in lacerations due to sharp metal projections.

Since these wheels are clearcoated, claying them is a very good idea to remove brake dust and contaminants. Also, putting a glaze like Meguiar’s #20 or Klasse Sealant Glaze adds a leverl of protection against brake dust.

The seven spoke GLE rims will require a flexible brush since the spaces are tighter (unless you have small hands). These rims are aluminum but are also clearcoated like the SE rims.

Tips provided by:Prinz