BODY
238Check the condition of your vehicle’s paint and trim. If you
find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up
immediately to prevent corrosion from starting. If the chips or
scratches have gone through the bare metal, have a qualified
body shop make the repair.
Check the interior of your vehicle. Water and dirt can
accumulate under the floor mats and could cause corrosion.
Occasionally check under the mats to make sure the area is
dry. Be particularly careful when transporting chemicals,
cleansers, fertilizers, salt, etc. These should be transported in
proper containers. If a spill or leak should occur, immediately
clean and dry the area.
Do not park your vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated
garage. If you wash your vehicle in the garage, or if you drive
it in covered with water or snow, your garage may be so damp
it will cause corrosion. Even if your garage is heated, a wet
vehicle can corrode if the ventilation is poor.
WASHING AND WAXING
Wash your vehicle in the shade when the body is not hot
to the touch. Use a mild car-wash soap and rinse it well.
Dirt can cause small scratches in the paint and the chemicals
in some dirt and air pollutants can cause deterioration of the
paint and trim. Therefore, frequent washing is recommended.
If you park or drive your Lexus near the ocean or on salted
roads, it is especially important to prevent corrosion.
Automatic car washes use a wide variety of equipment for both
cleaning your car and applying waxes and sealants. Certain
types of brushes used, as well as the overall washing
procedure itself, can scratch the paint’s surface. Damage will
be more apparent on darker colors. Before using an automatic
car wash, be sure to review with the car wash management the
type of equipment and washing process used to ensure that
they will not adversely affect your vehicle’s paint finish.
The following is the proper procedure for car washing by hand.
1. Begin by rinsing all loose dirt off the vehicle with a hose. If
the underside has picked up mud or road salt, use a hard,
direct stream from a hose to remove it.
2. Wash with a commercial car-wash product available at your
Lexus dealer or auto parts store. Follow the manufacturer’s
mixing instructions carefully. Dip your sponge or cloth into the
wash bucket frequently and do not rub too hard − let the soap
and water remove the dirt.
To clean aluminum wheels, use only a mild soap or neutral
detergent.
