1996 Toyota 4Runner Owners Manual - Page 175

Washing and waxing your Toyota Washing your Toyota 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. Do not rub hard-let the soap and water remove the dirt. Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent. Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces. 4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft cotton towel. Do not rub or press hard-you might scratch the paint. Automatic car wash Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but remember that the paint can be scratched by some type of brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the washing process itself. Scratching reduces paint durability and gloss, especially on darker colors. The manager of the car wash should be able to advise you whether the process is safe for the paint on your vehicle. Waxing your Toyota Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the original beauty of your Toyota's finish. 1. Always wash and dry the vehicle before you begin waxing, even if you are using a combined cleaner and wax. 2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has become extremely weathered, use a car-cleaning polish, followed by a separate wax. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions and precautions. Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim as well as the paint. 3. Wax the vehicle again when water does not bead but remains on the surface in large patches. 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. 169