2007 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 401

1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Remove any mud or road salt from the underside of the vehicle or 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. Plastic wheel ornaments: The plastic wheel ornaments are damaged easily by organic substances. If any organic substances splash an ornament, be sure to wash them off with water and check if the ornament is damaged. Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent. Plastic bumpers: Wash carefully. Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper faces are soft. Exterior lights: Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub them with a hard brush. This may damage the surfaces of the lights. Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces. 3. Rinse thoroughly-dried soap can cause streaking. In hot weather you may need to rinse each section right after you wash it. 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. NOTICE To prevent damage to the antenna, make sure to remove it before driving through an automatic car wash. Waxing your Toyota Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the original beauty of your Toyota's finish. Apply wax once a month or if the vehicle surface does not repel water well. 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. Exterior lights: Do not apply wax on the surfaces of the lights. Wax may cause damage to the lenses. If you accidentally put wax on the light surfaces, wipe or wash it off. NOTICE z Do not use organic substances (gasoline kerosene, benzine or strong solvents) which may be toxic or cause damage. z Do not scrub any part of the vehicle with a hard brush, which may cause damage. Automatic car wash Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but remember that the paint can be scratched by some types 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. 384