In a recent article published by Clark Hedger -- Lexus automotive editor--on Lexusdrivers.com, Lexus drivers were given some helpful hints when it comes to keeping their Lexus in great condition throughout multiple washes. We are happy to feature this article on our blog as these hints can apply to more than just Lexus vehicles.. These are helpful, especially since the weather has been so nice around here, maybe some of you are out washing your cars a little more than expected for this time of year. Read on, and enjoy!
Q: “What’s the proper way to wash and wax my Lexus, and how often should I do it?”
A: To get 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
