Lexus ES-300 2001 Manual page 496

To help prevent corrosion on your Lexus, follow
these guidelines:
Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing. In
addition, observe the following points.
D 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.
D 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.
D Wash the underside of the vehicle thoroughly when
winter is over.
See "Washing and waxing" on page 480 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.
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.
Keep your vehicle in a well ventilated garage or a
roofed place. 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.
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