1997 Lexus ES300 gas type

BODY
239 4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft
cotton towel. Do not rub or press hard ± you might scratch
the paint.
Automatic car wash
Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but
remember that the paint can be scratched by some type of
brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the washing process
itself. Scratching reduces paint durability and gloss,
especially on darker colors. The manager of the car wash
should be able to advise you whether the process is safe for
the paint on your vehicle.
Waxing your Lexus
Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the
original beauty of your Lexus' finish.
1. Always wash and dry the vehicle before you begin
waxing, even if you are using a combined cleaner and wax.
2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has
become extremely weathered, use a car±cleaning polish,
followed by a separate wax. Carefully follow the
manufacturer 's instructions and precautions. Be sure to
polish and was the chrome trim as well as the paint.
3. Wax the vehicle again when water does not bead but
remains on the surface in large patches.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
CAUTION!
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water, or allow
water to get onto the floor when cleaning the vehicle
interior or exterior. Water may get into audio
components or other electrical components above
or under the floor carpet (or mat) and cause a
malfunction; and it may cause body corrosion.
Leather Interior
Remove dirt using a soft cloth dampened with 5% solution
of neutral detergent for wool. Then thoroughly wipe off all
traces of detergent with a clean damp cloth.
After cleaning or whenever any part of the leather gets wet,
dry with a soft clean cloth. Allow the leather to dry in a
ventilated shaded area.
NOTICE

If a stain should fail to come out with a neutral
detergent, apply a cleaner that does not contain an
organic solvent.

Never use organic substances such as benzine,
alcohol or gasoline, or alkaline or acid solutions
for cleaning the leather as these could cause
discoloring.

BODY
240

Use of a nylon brush or synthetic fiber cloth, etc.
may scratch the fine grained surface of the leather.

Mildew may develop on soiled leather upholstery.
Be especially careful to avoid oil spots. try to keep
your upholstery always clean.

Long exposure to direct sunlight may cause the
leather surface to harden and shrink. Keep your
vehicle in a shaded area, especially in the summer.

The interior of your vehicle is apt to heat up on hot
summer days, so avoid placing on the upholstery
items made of vinyl or plastic or containing was as
these tend to stick to leather when warm.

Improper cleaning of the leather upholstery could
result in discoloration or staining.
Synthetic Leather Areas (Dash)
The synthetic leather areas may be easily cleaned with
a mild soap or detergent and water.
First vacuum over the upholstery to remove loose dirt. Then,
using a sponge or soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the
synthetic leather. After allowing it to soak in for a few minutes
to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt and wipe off the soap with
a clean damp cloth. If all the dirt does not come off, repeat
the procedure. Commercial foaming±type cleaners are also
available which work well. Follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline or window
cleaner on the interior.

BODY
241
Carpets, Windows and Seat Belts
Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove as much dirt as
possible. Several types of foam cleaners are available;
some are in aerosol cans and others are powders or liquids
which you mix with water to produce a foam. To shampoo the
carpets, use a sponge or brush to apply the foam. Rub in
overlapping circles. Do not apply water ± the best results are
obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible. Read the
shampoo instructions and follow them closely.
The seat belts may be cleaned with mild soap and water
or with lukewarm water.
Use a cloth or sponge. As you are cleaning, check the belts
for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
NOTICE

Use a good foam±type shampoo to clean the
carpets.

Do not use dye or bleach on the belts±it may
weaken them.

The windows may be cleaned with any household
window cleaner.

When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be
careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.
Air Conditioning Control Panel, Car Audio,
Instrument Panel, Console Panel, and
Switches
Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning.
Soak a clean soft cloth in water or lukewarm water then
lightly wipe off any dirt.
NOTICE

Do not use organic substances (solvents,
kerosene, alcohol, gasoline, etc.) or alkaline or
acidic solutions. These chemicals can cause
discoloring, staining or peeling of the surface.

If you use cleaners or polishing agents, make sure
their ingredients do not include the substances
mentioned above.

If you use a liquid car freshener, do not spill the
liquid onto the vehicle's interior surfaces. It may
contain the ingredients mentioned above.
Immediately clean any spill using the method
mentioned above.
If you have any questions about the cleaning of your
Lexus, your local Lexus dealer will be pleased to
answer them.