Dirt can cause minor scratches, and chemicals in the dust or airborne particles can detract from the finish and appearance. Therefore, thorough washing is required. If your Toyota is in a maritime climate or drives on salted roads, this is especially important to reduce corrosion.
Start by rinsing off any stubborn dirt with a hose. If the bottom is dirty, remove deposits of dirt and salt with a strong directed jet.
Wash your vehicle using a commercially available car wash. Strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions for these products. Do not use harsh household cleaners, detergents, benzine, or other solvents. Moisten rags and sponges used for washing frequently and do not scrub too hard; let the soapy water remove the dirt.
If your vehicle is equipped with a vinyl roof, use a mild foaming agent and a soft brush. A simple wash is not enough for cleaning.
Tires with white decorative sidewalls should be cleaned with a stiff brush or household steel sponge.
To clean the wheel plastic caps, use a sponge or soft cloth dampened with plenty of water.
To clean aluminum wheels, use a mild soap or neutral detergent. Don't forget to wipe and wash unvarnished surfaces with it as well. Next, don't forget to clean the aluminum wheels after driving on salted roads in the winter.
Then thoroughly rinse the car. If detergent residue has dried on the varnish, stains remain. On a hot day, it may be that every part of the car needs to be rinsed immediately after washing.
Dry the car with a dry cloth or dry towel. The main task in this case is to remove excess water so that water spots do not form when air-drying. When doing this, do not rub or press too hard, so as not to scratch the varnish.
If scratches or peeling of varnish are found during wiping, immediately coat such places to avoid corrosion of the metal.
Polishing and waxing your vehicle will help keep it looking its original beauty.
Before carrying out such operations, be sure to wash and dry the car; even if you use a preservative. Adhering tar can be removed with turpentine. To remove insects and wood sap, use warm water and car detergent. You can use commercially available special tools.
Do not use gasoline or strong solvents that may be poisonous or damage your vehicle.
Use a good quality polish and wax. If the varnish is very badly damaged, first use a cleaning polish and then wax.
Strictly observe the instructions and safety measures given by the manufacturer.
Make sure that the chrome parts, like the varnish, are polished and waxed.
Wax the car again if the water does not repel, that is, it spreads over a large area over the surface.
To maintain the original good appearance of the bumpers, observe the following rules:
- Do not spill brake fluid or battery electrolyte on the bumper. Rinse these fluids off the bumper immediately with water.
- The upper surface of the bumper is soft. Therefore, carefully remove dirt. The bumper must not be treated with an abrasive cleaner.
- Protect the bumper from high temperatures. Remove it before drying new varnish.
To repair minor paint damage and scratches, use Toyota Special Repair Paint.
Apply varnish as soon as damage is discovered to prevent corrosion. Use a paintbrush for clean repair paint and mix the varnish well. Gently, barely noticeable, apply varnish so that it only gets to the place where it was absent. Apply as little paint as possible - don't sweep the brush around the damaged area or scratch.