Handwash Your Lexus to Maintain Optimal Appearance

“What’s the proper way to wash and wax my Lexus, and how often should I do it?”

For the inside story, I spoke with Joseph DiDonato, the Collision Training Administrator for the Technical & Body Training Department at Lexus College. DiDonato provides training on finish repair to dealer technicians, and also works with aftermarket paint manufacturers to ensure that replacement coatings meet exacting Lexus quality requirements.

“A lot of people neglect the finish because they’re not aware of the replacement cost,” says DiDonato. “Refinishing an entire vehicle can run into the thousands of dollars if they’re not keeping general maintenance up.”

Let’s consider the finish on your Lexus. At the base is a primer/sealer that has been formulated for flexibility; this elasticity makes it more responsive and provides greater protection. Special chip-resistant coatings are added to areas subject to high wear, such as on the hood and around the wheels.

Over the primer you may have anywhere from six to twelve layers of paint. The number of layers is a function of color; solid colors require fewer coatings, while metallic and pearlescent colors require more. Atop the paint is a protective layer of high-quality urethane clear coat, one that DiDonato proudly notes is 50 percent thicker on a Lexus than that found on typical vehicles.

All of this combines to make the finish on your Lexus among the most durable in the industry. And regular washing and waxing will help protect it even further. But there’s a right way to do it.

For starters, hand-washing is the way to go. (Lexus owner’s manuals warn that commercial car wash facilities may scratch your Lexus.) The idea is to hand-wash your vehicle regularly to remove grime and contaminants that can abrade or mar the finish, and apply a high-quality paste/hardened wax only periodically, as needed—primarily for UV protection.

As far as the mechanics of washing a Lexus, DiDonato recommends using “a ph-neutral car wash soap, applied with a wool mitt or soft sponge.” The benefit of ph-neutral soaps is that they clean away grime without stripping existing wax from the finish, enabling you to go longer between wax applications. By contrast, harsh soaps such as dish detergent will immediately strip away the wax, thereby necessitating a reapplication.

Speaking of wax, how do you know when it’s time to apply a fresh layer? DiDonato explains that when you wash your Lexus, the water should roll off the finish “like water off a duck’s back.” If the water clings—drying and leaving spots—that means you’re due for a fresh wax.

How frequently should you wash and wax your Lexus? That depends on where you live. Urban areas with more airborne particulates (aka smog) require more frequent washing. Similarly, if you live near the ocean, remove the extra salt condensation often.

“In big city areas, I’d say wash regularly, on a weekly basis,” says DiDonato. “When you notice that you don’t have the beading, or the rolling of the water off the vehicle, then wax as well. But if you’re using a ph-neutral soap, it may be a few months before you need to reapply the wax.”

One final note: In taking care of your vehicle, Lexus feels it’s important to take care of the planet as well. That means being aware of any local water use or runoff requirements. For example, where I live there’s a great deal of concern about the harmful effects that soap and road grime can have if allowed to drain untreated into the storm sewer. For that reason, at my city’s recommendation, I wash my car in the yard, letting the water drain onto the lawn and soil, which act as a kind of biofilter.

—CLARK HEIDEGER, LEXUS AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

Resource:  http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/magazine/articles/Vehicle-Insider/Ask-Lexus-Car-Wash

Regular Car Checks Recommended During High Summer Temperatures

Staying on top of your car's systems during the height of summer can help ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car's battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir.

As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges.

The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it's important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner's manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle's tires.

"It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The council reminds motorists that the vehicle's exterior also can be damaged by sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution. To protect the paint and finish, vehicles should be washed weekly and waxed every six months.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visithttp://www.carcare.org/.

Source: Car Care Council