check lexus LS400 1994 Keys and Doors / 1994 LS400: BODY

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.

BODY
240

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 wax 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 and sun visors)
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.
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.
If you have any questions about the cleaning of your
Lexus, your local Lexus dealer will be pleased to answer
them.