wheel Lexus ES300 1997 Service Procedures And Specifications: Body

BODY
236
SPECIFICATIONS
±DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Overall length 4830 mm (190.2 in.)
Overall width 1790 mm (70.5 in.)
Overall height 1395 mm (54.9 in.)*
Wheelbase 2670 mm (105.1 in.)
Tread ± Front 1545 mm (60.8 in.)
± Rear 1520 mm (59.5 in.)
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage) 410 kg (900 lb.)
*: Unladen vehicle
±FUEL TANK
Capacity 70 L (18.5 gal., 15.4 Imp.gal.)

BODY
237
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
FROM CORROSION
Proper care of your Lexus can help ensure long±term
corrosion prevention.
The most common causes of corrosion to your vehicle
are:

The accumulation of road salt, dirt and moisture in
hard±to±reach areas under the vehicle.

Chipping of paint or undercoating caused by minor
accidents or by stones and gravel.
The following conditions will cause or accelerate
corrosion of your vehicle, so it is important to keep your
vehicle, particularly the underside, as clean as possible
and to repair any damage to paint or protective coatings
as soon as possible.

The presence of road salt or dust control chemicals, salt in
the air near the sea coast, industrial air pollution.

High humidity, especially at temperatures just above
freezing point.

Certain parts of your vehicle are wet or damp for an
extended period of time, even though other parts of the
vehicle are dry.

Components of the vehicle which are prevented from
quick±drying due to lack of proper ventilation are exposed
to high temperature.To help prevent corrosion on your Lexus, follow these
guidelines:
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing. In addition,
observe the following points.

If you drive on salted roads in the winter or if you live near
the ocean, you should hose off the undercarriage at least
once a month to minimize corrosion.

High pressure water or steam is effective for cleaning the
vehicle's underside and wheel housings. Pay particular
attention to these areas as it is difficult to see all the mud
and dirt. It will do more harm than good to simply wet the
mud and debris without removing them. The lower edge of
doors, rocker panels and frame members have drain holes
which should not be allowed to clog with dirt as trapped
water in these areas can cause corrosion.

Wash the underside of the vehicle thoroughly when winter
is over.
See ªWashing and waxingº for more tips.
Check 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.

BODY
238Check 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
Washing your Lexus by hand
Work in the shade and wait until the vehicle body is not
hot to the touch.
1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Remove any mud or
road salt from the underside of the vehicle or in the wheel
wells.
2. Wash with a mild car±wash soap, mixed according to the
manufacturer 's instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt and keep
it wet by dipping it frequently into the wash water. No not rub
hard ± let the soap and water remove the dirt.
Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral
detergent.
Urethane bumpers and side moldings: Wash carefully.
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper and side
molding faces are soft.
Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are
marked safe for painted surfaces.
NOTICE
Do not use gasoline or strong solvents, which may
be toxic or cause damage.
3. Rinse thoroughly ± dried soap can cause streaking. In
hot weather you may need to rinse each section right after
you wash it.