Maintenance and Care. Cleaning and Protecting the Vehicle Exterior

The electric rear window sunshade on the Lexus GS (4th generation, L10, 2016–2020) provides enhanced comfort and better heat protection for rear passengers. This chapter describes operation by switch or when engaging reverse gear, which automatically retracts the shade. Safety warnings on preventing pinching and on caring for the mechanism are particularly highlighted. This keeps the system durable and supports the premium character of the Lexus GS in everyday situations.

Follow these steps to protect the vehicle and keep it in good condition:

• Rinse the body, wheel housings and underbody with plenty of water to remove all dirt and dust. Work from top to bottom.
• Wash the body with a sponge or a soft cloth such as a chamois.
• For stubborn dirt, use car cleaner and rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
• Wipe off the water.
• Wax the vehicle when the water-repellent coating wears off.

If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the body is cold.

■ Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts (GS F)

CFRP parts are used for the components shown in the illustration.

• CFRP parts may discolor when exposed to ultraviolet rays for long periods. Lexus recommends parking your vehicle in a place without direct sunlight.
• Do not use wax containing abrasives.
• CFRP parts may be scratched when using an automatic car wash.

■ Self-healing coating*

The body is coated with a self-healing clear coat that resists minor scratches, such as those caused by car washes.

• The coating remains effective for 5 to 8 years after leaving the factory.
• The original condition of the body surface is restored at different speeds depending on the scratch depth and outside temperature. Restoration time can be shortened by warming the coating by pouring warm water over it.
• Deep scratches caused by keys, coins, etc. cannot be smoothed out.
• Do not use wax containing abrasives.

*: CFRP parts (GS F) do not have a self-healing coating.

■ Automatic car washes

• Fold in the mirrors before washing the vehicle. Start washing at the front of the vehicle. Be sure to unfold the mirrors again before driving.
• Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and damage the paint.
• The rear spoiler (if equipped) may not be washable in some automatic car washes. There is also an increased risk of vehicle damage.

■ High-pressure car washes

• Do not direct the car wash nozzles too close to the windows.
• Before entering a car wash, make sure the fuel filler door is properly closed.

■ Notes on the Smart Entry and Start System

If the door handle gets wet while the electronic key is within range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. To prevent this when washing the vehicle, follow these steps:

• Place the key at least 2 m away from the vehicle while it is being washed. (Make sure the key cannot be stolen.)
• Activate the battery-saving function of the electronic key to deactivate the intelligent access and start system.

■ Alloy wheels

• Remove dirt immediately with a neutral cleaner. Do not use hard brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or aggressive chemical cleaners.

  Use the same mild cleaner and wax as for the paint.

• Do not use cleaner on the wheels when they are hot, for example after long drives on a warm day.
• Rinse the cleaner off the wheels immediately after use.

■ Brake caliper paint (GS200t with orange brake calipers for F SPORT models and GS F)

• If you use cleaner, use a neutral cleaner.

  Do not use hard brushes or abrasive cleaners, as they will damage the coating.

• Do not use cleaner on the brake calipers when they are hot.
• Rinse the cleaner off immediately after use.

■ Bumpers

Do not use abrasive cleaners for cleaning.

■ Water-repellent coating on the front side windows

• The following precautions can extend the effectiveness of the water-repellent coating.

Regularly remove all dirt, etc. from the front side windows. Do not allow dirt and dust to build up on the windows over long periods. Clean the windows as soon as possible with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use wax or abrasive glass cleaners to clean the windows. Do not use metal objects to remove condensation.

• The water-repellent coating can be renewed when its effect diminishes.

  Contact a Lexus dealer or authorized repairer, or another qualified and properly equipped repair shop.

WARNING

■ When washing the vehicle

Do not wash the inside of the engine compartment with water. Otherwise, electrical components, etc. could catch fire.

■ When cleaning the windshield (vehicles with windshield wipers with rain sensor)

Turn off the "AUTO" mode of the windshield wipers to prevent the wipers from being activated. If "AUTO" mode is selected, the wipers may start operating unexpectedly in the following situations, which may result in pinched hands and other serious injuries, as well as damage to the wiper blades.

• When the upper area of the windshield where the rain sensor is located is touched by hand
• When a wet cloth or similar object is brought near the rain sensor
• When something strikes the windshield
• When you touch the rain sensor housing directly or something strikes the rain sensor

■ Precautions regarding the exhaust pipes and the diffusers on the rear bumper

The exhaust gases cause the exhaust pipes and the diffusers on the rear bumper to become very hot.

When washing the vehicle, do not touch the exhaust pipes and the diffusers on the rear bumper until they have cooled sufficiently, as this may cause burns.

■ Precaution regarding the rear bumper with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) (if equipped)

If the paint on the rear bumper is chipped or scratched, the system may not function properly. In this case, contact a Lexus dealer or authorized repairer, or another qualified and properly equipped repair shop.

NOTICE

■ Applying coatings to the body (GS F)

Do not apply any coating to the body; otherwise, the paint may be damaged and its service life reduced.

■ How to prevent paint deterioration and corrosion of the body and components (aluminum wheels, etc.)

• Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:

After driving along the coast / After driving on roads salted for snow or ice / When tar spots, pollen or tree resin are on the paint / When dead insects, insect residue or bird droppings are on the paint / After driving in areas contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron dust or chemical substances / When the vehicle is heavily soiled with dust or mud / If liquids such as benzene or gasoline have been spilled onto the paint

• If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
• If you want to store the wheels, remove all dirt and select a dry storage location to prevent corrosion of the wheels.

■ Cleaning the exterior lights

• Be careful when washing. Do not use organic substances or a hard brush.

  The surfaces of the lights could be damaged.

• Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.

  Wax can damage the lenses.

■ When using an automatic car wash (vehicles with windshield wipers with rain sensor)

Turn off the "AUTO" mode of the windshield wipers to prevent the wipers from being activated. If "AUTO" mode is selected, the wipers may start operating, which may damage the wiper blades.

■ When using a high-pressure car wash

• Do not aim the high-pressure water jet directly at the camera or the area around the camera when washing the vehicle. Impact from high-pressure water may impair the function of the system.
• Do not hold the nozzle tip close to boots (covers made of rubber or synthetic resin), connectors or the following components. The components could be damaged if high-pressure water hits them.

Powertrain Components / Suspension Components / Steering Components / Brake Components

• GS F: Do not aim the high-pressure washer nozzle at the areas shown in the illustration, as high-pressure water could damage the oil coolers.

Proper care of the body of the Lexus GS GRL1 is essential for preserving its value and high-quality appearance of this sports sedan. With the right cleaning and care, from gentle hand washing to the use of special waxes, the paint remains in the best condition. The self-healing coating in particular helps minimize minor scratches.

The care recommendations for aluminum wheels, brake calipers or CFRP parts show that the Lexus GS (4th generation) is designed for longevity and quality. Regular care also protects the vehicle from environmental influences.

These measures emphasize the premium character of the Lexus GS 2016–2020 and help the vehicle keep its shine for years.