Lexus RC-F (2022 year). Manual in english — page 15

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6

6-1. Maintenance and care

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

Wipe it off with a soft cloth damp-
ened with neutral detergent diluted
to approximately 1%.



Wring out any excess water from
the cloth and thoroughly wipe off
remaining traces of detergent and
water.

It is recommended that regular mainte-
nance should be performed for areas
that are frequently touched to maintain
quality.

■

Routine maintenance

This maintenance is most effective if
performed regularly (around once per
month).

1

Soak a cloth in lukewarm water
(approximately 40°C [104°F]),
wring it out thoroughly and then
wipe the entire body.

Wipe carefully so that the pile is not dishev-

eled. Be sure to prepare a clean cloth.

Once you have wiped the part with the

cloth, rinse it until it is completely clean

before using the cloth again.

2

Once it has dried, use a lint brush
or the like to comb the pile.

■

When cleaning the artificial
leather (Alcantara®)



If liquid is spilled onto the surface,
apply tissue paper or the like to
absorb the liquid.



If any substance such as mud or cof-

fee dries and becomes stuck to the
surface, use a lint brush or the like to
lightly brush the dirty area and
remove the substance. Then, it is
recommended to clean the dried
substance from the surface using a
vacuum cleaner.



For oil-based substances, use a dry
cloth or tissue paper to wipe off the
substance as much as possible,
while being careful not to spread it.

If the substance still cannot be
removed, use the following procedure
to remove it.

1

Liquid substances: Soak a cloth in
lukewarm water (approximately
40°C [104°F]), wring itout thor-
oughly and then wipe the dirty area
from the outside inward.

Wipe carefully so that the pile is not dishev-

eled. Be sure to prepare a clean cloth and

use the clean portion of it to clean the sur-

face.
Oil-based substances: Dab a cloth soaked

in benzene, lukewarm water or pure ethyl

alcohol (for drinking) within the dirty area

from the outside inward, and then dab a

dry cloth on the dirty area to absorb the

substance.

2

If the pile on the surface is disheve-
led, use a lint brush or the like to
lightly brush the surface, and then
allow the surface to dry completely.

■

To remove substances adhered to
the pile

To clean dust or other adhered sub-
stances, use a lint brush or the like to
lightly brush the area and remove the
substance. If the substance still cannot

Cleaning the artificial leather
(Alcantara

®*

) areas (if

equipped)

256

6-1. Maintenance and care

be removed, use adhesive tape to
remove it.

*

: Alcantara

®

is a registered trademark of

Alcantara S.p.A.

NOTICE

■

When driving

Areas that are frequently touched are

more likely to attract dirt. Ensure that

your hands are clean before touching

anything.

■

To prevent damage to artificial

leather (Alcantara®)

Observe the following precautions to

avoid damage to and deterioration of

artificial leather (Alcantara®):

●

Do not apply excessive force

●

Do not dig your nails into it

●

Do not rub it with your hands

●

Do not touch it if your hands are dirty

■

When using adhesive tape

If a strong adhesive tape is used, there is

a possibility that the surface of the carpet

could be damaged.

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6-2. Matte paint care guide (if equipped)

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6-2.Matte paint care guide (if equipped)

Illustrations in this manual are simplified for explanation and may not represent the actual
vehicle.

Top coat (clear): A transparent coating which protects the lower layers of paint.
Some clear coats enhance the appearance through improved color depth or
gloss.
Top coat (base): Paint which gives the vehicle body its color.
Intermediate coat: Enhances the top coat finish and durability.
Primer: Enhances the rust resistance of steel parts of the vehicle body. Primer is
also applied to the inner side of vehicle body and structural components.

Basic knowledge about matte clear coat

The body of a vehicle is painted with layers of several different coatings to
enhance its durability and appearance. The top layer is called a clear coat.

Unlike a normal clear coat, which enhances the glossy appearance of the base
paint, matte clear coat gives the base paint a non-glossy finish with a unique
texture.

In order to ensure the longevity of the matte clear coat and its texture, special
care must be taken when cleaning the vehicle.

Basic paint structure

A

B
C
D

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6-2. Matte paint care guide (if equipped)



Normal clear coat



Cross section

Light
Clear
Base



Enlarged surface



Matte clear coat



Cross section

Light
Matting agent
Clear
Base



Enlarged surface

Illustrations in this manual are simpli-
fied for explanation and may not repre-
sent the actual vehicle.
Glossiness of a surface is seen by the
human eyes by a difference in the
amount of light that reflects off the sur-
face.
A surface painted with normal clear
coat is flat and smooth. As the amount
of light that reflects off the surface is
large, the vehicle body will appear
glossy.
A surface painted with a matte clear
coat is slightly uneven due to the added
matting agent. As the light shining on
an uneven surface is diffused signifi-
cantly, the amount of light reflected is
small, making the vehicle body look not
glossy, with a unique texture.

Difference between general
clear coat and matte clear coat

A
B
C

A
B
C
D

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6-2. Matte paint care guide (if equipped)

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If the painted surfaces of the vehicle
are dirty, wash the vehicle immediately.
(Washing your vehicle



P.261)

Dirt

Due to the slight unevenness, matte
clear coat surfaces are more likely to
trap dirt and other foreign matter com-

pared to normal clear coat surfaces.
If dirt or foreign matter is left on the
vehicle, it may settle into the textured
surface of the matte clear coat, making
it more difficult to remove. Additionally,
as the surface of the matte clear coat
will become more flat when dirty, the
vehicle body will start to look glossy,
ruining the textured finish.
Therefore, make sure to clean the vehi-
cle regularly and not allow dirt to
remain on the vehicle for extended
periods of time.
If dirt or foreign matter is allowed to
settle and cannot be cleaned off with
normal washing, it will be necessary to
remove the dirt with the upper layer of
the textured finish and then to repaint
the entire part.
Ask any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any relia-
ble repairer for details.

Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior

A

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6-2. Matte paint care guide (if equipped)

■

Materials that may become difficult to

remove

The following are likely to settle into the

vehicle body and should be cleaned off

immediately.

●

Rain water, sea water, and other liquids

that may cause water stains

●

Sand, pollen, volcanic ash, and other par-

ticulate matter

●

Dead insects, bird droppings, etc.

●

Sap, leaves, flowers, etc.

●

Mud, snow, anti-freezing agents, and

other road debris

●

Gasoline, engine oil, asphalt, and other

oily materials

■

Do not apply a coating to the vehicle

Do not apply a coating to the vehicle body,

as it will form a film over the painted sur-

faces, filling the matte clear coat surface,

making it more flat. As a result, it will

become more glossy, possibly permanently

losing its matte properties.

Take care in order to not damage the
painted surfaces.
When minor damage occurs to a vehi-
cle with a normal clear coat, it can be
repaired by polishing it or using touch

up paint. In contrast, a matte clear coat
cannot be repaired using these meth-
ods.
If these methods are used the uneven-
ness of the matte clear coat may be

Repair of paint damage

261

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6-2. Matte paint care guide (if equipped)

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removed or filled in. In either case, the
surface will become more flat, making
it appear more glossy, possibly perma-
nently losing its matte properties.
In order to maintain the matte finish
when repairing damage, it will be nec-
essary to repaint the entire part.



Working from top to bottom, liber-
ally apply water to the vehicle body,
wheel wells and underside of the
vehicle to remove any dirt and dust.



Wash the vehicle body using a
sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.



For hard-to-remove marks, use car
wash soap and rinse thoroughly with
water.



Wipe away any water.

Washing your vehicle

Washing the vehicle by hand is rec-
ommended.

How to wash your vehicle

NOTICE

■

Avoiding damage to the painted sur-

faces

Observe the following precautions.

Otherwise, the painted surfaces of your

vehicle may be damaged and perma-

nently lose their matte properties.

●

When washing the vehicle, do not use

a brush.

●

Do not use rubbing or polishing com-

pounds (ex. scratch remover).

●

Do not rub the vehicle body.

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6-2. Matte paint care guide (if equipped)

■

General washing tips (



P.261)

■

If the vehicle body is dirty (



P.259)

Question: What should I do if any of the following have attached to the vehicle?

NOTICE

●

Do not attach a stickers to or vinyl

wrap the vehicle body.

●

Before attaching a magnet (sign, etc.)

to the vehicle body, make sure to wash

and thoroughly dry the area of the

vehicle body where the magnet is to

be attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions about the matte clear coat and
their answers:

Washing the vehicle

Question

Answer

Can the vehicle be washed?

Yes. The vehicle should be washed immediately if it is dirty.

Can the vehicle be washed
frequently?

Is there anything I should be
careful about when washing
the vehicle?

Make sure to start by rinsing the entire vehicle with plenty
of water from top to bottom.

Item

Answer

Leaves, flowers, branches,
etc.

Remove immediately.
They may scratch the matte clear coat and if they are
allowed to remain on the vehicle, dirt may settle into the
matte clear coat, making it more flat. As a result, it will
become more glossy, possibly permanently losing its matte
properties.

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■

Vehicle washing products (



P.261)

Sand, pollen, and other par-
ticulate matter

Wash off with water immediately.
If the contaminants are allowed to remain on the vehicle,
they may settle into the matte clear coat, making it more
glossy, possibly causing it to permanently lose its matte
properties.

Asphalt (tar)

Water repellent glass coating

Remove immediately.
Even if removed, depending on the contaminant, the matte
clear coat may be damaged, possibly permanently losing its
matte properties.

Glass treatment remover

Tire cleaner

Gasoline

Oil

Washer fluid

Question

Answer

What should I use to wipe off
dirt?

Use a soft chamois cloth.

What should I use to dry the
vehicle?

Can I use a water stain
remover?

Lexus does not recommend the use of water stain remov-
ers, as they may damage the matte clear coat.

Can the vehicle be waxed?

No. Do not wax the vehicle or apply a coating to the vehicle
body, as they may cause the matte clear coat to lose its
matte texture.

Can a coating be applied to
the vehicle body?

Can I use an iron remover?

No, as it may cause the matte clear coat to lose its matte
texture

Can I use tar and pitch
remover?

No, as they may damage the matte clear coat.

Can I use a matte paint
cleaner/wax?

Lexus does not recommend the use of matte paint cleaners
or waxes, as they may cause the matte clear coat to lose its
matte texture.

Item

Answer

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6-2. Matte paint care guide (if equipped)

■

Body coatings

■

Repairing the vehicle body (



P.260)

Are there genuine Lexus
vehicle washing products
available for matte paint?

No. Use a soft chamois cloth for cleaning the vehicle body.

Are there any vehicle wash-
ing product brands that Lexus
recommends?

No. Use a soft chamois cloth for cleaning the vehicle body.

Question

Answer

Can a body coating available
at a Lexus dealer be applied?

No, as it may cause the matte clear coat to lose its matte
texture.

Can an aftermarket body
coating be applied?

Lexus does not recommend applying a coating to the vehi-
cle body, as it may cause the matte clear coat to lose its
matte texture.

Can an aftermarket body
coating designed for matte
paint be applied?

Lexus does not recommend applying a coating to the vehi-
cle body, as it may cause the matte clear coat to lose its
matte texture.

Question

Answer

Can damage to the paint be
repaired?

In order to maintain the matte finish when repairing paint
damage, it is necessary to repaint the entire part. Consult
any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer.

Can I use rubbing or polish-
ing compound (ex. scratch
remover)?

No. Using a rubbing or polishing compound or touch up
paint may damage the matte clear coat. In order to maintain
the matte finish when repairing paint damage, it is neces-
sary to repaint the entire part. Consult any authorized
Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

Can I use touch up paint?

Question

Answer

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■

Attaching accessories and other objects to the vehicle

Question

Answer

Can a sticker or vinyl wrap be
attached to the vehicle body?

No. They may damage matte clear coat when they are
installed and may cause the matte clear coat to lose its
matte texture when they are removed.

Can a magnet be attached to
the vehicle body?

Yes. Make sure to wash and thoroughly dry the area around
where the magnet is to be attached before attaching it.

266

6-3. Maintenance

6-3.Maintenance

■

Where to go for maintenance service?

In order to maintain your vehicle in the best

possible condition, Lexus recommends that

maintenance service operations as well as

other inspections and repairs be carried out

by authorized Lexus retailers or Lexus

authorized repairers, or any reliable repair-

ers. For repairs and services covered by

your warranty, please visit an authorized

Lexus retailer or repairer, who will use gen-

uine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties

you may encounter. There can also be

advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus

retailers or repairers for non-warranty

repairs and services, as members of the

Lexus network will be able to expertly assist

you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized

repairer, or any reliable repairer will per-

form all of the scheduled maintenance on

your vehicle reliably and economically due

to their experience with Lexus vehicles.

Scheduled maintenance should be
performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance sched-
ule.

For details about maintenance items and
schedules, refer to the “Lexus Service
Booklet” or “Lexus Warranty Booklet”.

What about do-it-yourself mainte-
nance?

Many of the maintenance items are easy to
do yourself if you have a little mechanical
ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance
tasks require special tools and skills. These
are best performed by qualified techni-
cians. Even if you’re an experienced
do-it-yourself mechanic, we recommend
that repairs and maintenance be con-
ducted by any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer. Any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer will keep a record of maintenance,
which could be useful should you ever
require Warranty Service. Should you
choose to select a qualified and equipped
professional other than an authorized
Lexus repairer to service or maintain your
vehicle, we recommend that you request
that a record of maintenance be kept.

■

Does your vehicle need repairs?

Be on the alert for changes in performance

and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate

service is needed. Some important clues

are:

●

Engine missing, stumbling or pinging

Maintenance requirements

To ensure safe and economical driv-
ing, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance are essential. Lexus
recommends the maintenance
below.

WARNING

■

If your vehicle is not properly main-

tained

Improper maintenance could result in

serious damage to the vehicle and possi-

ble death or serious injury.

■

Handling of the battery

Battery posts, terminals and related

accessories contain lead and lead com-

pounds which are known to cause brain

damage. Wash your hands after han-

dling. (



P.276)

Scheduled maintenance

Do-it-yourself maintenance

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6-3. Maintenance

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●

Appreciable loss of power

●

Strange engine noises

●

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However,

water dripping from the air conditioning

system after use is normal.)

●

Change in exhaust sound (This may indi-

cate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.

Drive with the windows open and have

the exhaust system checked immedi-

ately.)

●

Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal

when cornering, uneven tire wear

●

Vehicle pulls to one side when driven

straight on a level road

●

Strange noises related to suspension

movement

●

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feel-

ing brake pedal, pedal almost touches the

floor, vehicle pulls to one side when brak-

ing

●

Engine coolant temperature continually

higher than normal (



P.70)

If you notice any of these clues, take your

vehicle to any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer as soon as possible. Your vehicle

may need adjustment or repair.

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6-4. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6-4.Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service pre-
cautions

If you perform maintenance by
yourself, be sure to follow the cor-
rect procedure as given in these
sections.

Maintenance

Items

Parts and tools

Battery condition
(



P.276)

• Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional

wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)

• Distilled water

Engine coolant
level(



P.275)

• “Toyota Super Long

Life Coolant” or a
similar high quality
ethylene gly-
col-based non-sili-
cate, non-amine,
non-nitrite and
non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid
organic acid tech-
nology
“Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant” is
pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50%
deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for

adding coolant)

Engine oil level
(



P.273)

• “Toyota Genuine

Motor Oil” or equiv-
alent

• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for

adding engine oil)

Fuses (



P.291)

• Fuse with same

amperage rating as
original

Light bulbs
(



P.294)

• Bulb with same num-

ber and wattage rat-
ing as original

• Phillips-head screw-

driver

• Flathead screw-

driver

• Wrench

Radiator and con-
denser (



P.276)



Tire inflation pres-
sure (



P.285)

• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air

source

Washer fluid
(



P.278)

• Water or washer

fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter
use)

• Funnel (used only for

adding water or
washer fluid)

WARNING

The engine compartment contains many

mechanisms and fluids that may move

suddenly, become hot, or become elec-

trically energized. To avoid death or seri-

ous injury, observe the following

precautions.

■

When working on the engine com-

partment

Items

Parts and tools

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WARNING

●

Keep hands, clothing and tools away

from the moving fans and engine drive

belt.

●

Be careful not to touch the engine,

radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right

after driving as they may be hot. Oil

and other fluids may also be hot.

●

Do not leave anything that may burn

easily, such as paper and rags, in the

engine compartment.

●

Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose

an open flame to fuel or the battery.

Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.

●

Be extremely cautious when working

on the battery. It contains poisonous

and corrosive sulfuric acid.

●

Take care because brake fluid can

harm your hands or eyes and damage

painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your

hands or in your eyes, flush the

affected area with clean water imme-

diately.

If you still experience discomfort, consult

a doctor.

■

When working near the electric cool-

ing fans or radiator grille

Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION

ON mode, the electric cooling fans may

automatically start to run if the air condi-

tioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-

ture is high. (



P.276)

■

Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or

falling material, fluid spray, etc. from get-

ting in your eyes.

NOTICE

■

If you remove the air cleaner filter

Driving with the air cleaner filter

removed may cause excessive engine

wear due to dirt in the air.

■

If the fluid level is low or high

It is normal for the brake fluid level to go

down slightly as the brake pads wear or

when the fluid level in the accumulator is

high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it

may indicate a serious problem.

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6-4. Do-it-yourself maintenance

1

Pull the hood lock release lever.

The hood will pop up slightly.

2

Pull up the auxiliary catch lever and
lift the hood.

Hood

Opening the hood

WARNING

■

Pre-driving check

Check that the hood is fully closed and

locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may

open while the vehicle is in motion and

cause an accident, which may result in

death or serious injury.