2022-2025 Toyota Wheel Film for Brake Rotor Rust Prevention

Why This Matters: Protecting Your New Toyota's Brake Rotors

Toyota has implemented a new procedure, detailed in Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0038-24, to protect brake rotors from rust. This bulletin outlines the use of a specialized wheel film, replacing previous cardboard anti-rust covers, to shield the disc brake rotors from environmental elements and initial rust formation during transit and storage. The goal is to ensure your new 2022-2025 Toyota arrives in pristine condition, free of cosmetic rust on the brake components.

This Toyota wheel film is designed to stay on the vehicle for as long as possible, providing continuous protection until the point of customer delivery. Understanding its purpose and proper handling is key for both dealers and new vehicle owners.

Important Instructions for Dealers and Owners

The Technical Service Bulletin provides critical guidelines regarding the handling of this protective wheel film. These instructions are vital to ensure the film performs its intended function and is removed correctly without causing damage.

• Film Retention: "Retain the wheel film on the disc wheel during vehicle display and storage." This means the film should not be removed prematurely while the vehicle is awaiting sale or being showcased.
• Storage After Pre-Delivery Service (PDS): "If the vehicle will be stored after Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), do NOT remove the wheel film right away." The film continues to protect the rotors even after initial dealer preparation.
• Final Removal: The Toyota wheel film should only be removed "just prior to the delivery to customers." This ensures maximum protection up to the point you take ownership of your vehicle.

Wheel Film Removal Guide

When the time comes to remove the wheel film, follow these steps outlined in the bulletin:

1. Firmly hold the outer end of the wheel film.
2. Carefully pull OFF the wheel film.

Tips for Cold Weather Removal:

Removing the wheel film when ambient temperatures are below 0°C (32°F) can cause it to tear. To make removal easier in cold conditions, Toyota recommends warming the film above 0°C (32°F) using one of the following methods:

• Splash hot water directly onto the wheel film.
• Warm the wheel film with a cotton cloth soaked in hot water.
• Use a heat gun to warm the wheel film, but be careful to "Do NOT overheat the film and wheel."
• Warm the wheel film with an infrared heater (lamp) for paint, again ensuring you "Do NOT overheat the film and wheel."
• Use a steam car wash to warm the wheel film.
• Park the vehicle indoors (e.g., in a garage) for an extended period to allow it to warm up naturally.

Cleaning Adhesive Residue and Disposal

After removing the Toyota wheel film, you might find some adhesive residue on the disc wheel. If this occurs:

• Remove the residue with a soft cloth dipped in ethyl alcohol (ethanol).
• Crucially, "Do NOT use paint thinner to remove the adhesive residue," as this could damage the wheel finish.

For disposal, the polyethylene film should be handled according to local laws. Toyota notes that polyethylene film will not generate harmful gases when burned.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11006150