2021-2025 Toyota Vehicles Paint Protection Washing Schedule

Why This Matters: Protecting Your Toyota's Paint Finish

Acid rain, a common environmental phenomenon, poses a significant threat to your vehicle's paint finish. It forms when airborne chemicals and particles mix with rainwater, dew, or high humidity, creating acidic compounds. When these contaminants settle on a painted surface, particularly horizontal areas like the hood, roof, and trunk lid, they can cause substantial damage.

This damage manifests as actual etching of the paint, appearing as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets evaporate on the vehicle's surface, the concentration of the acid intensifies, leading to deeper and more rapid damage. Dark-colored cars are especially susceptible to this accelerated corrosion due to increased heat absorption from direct sunlight.

Important Warnings

Toyota emphasizes the critical need for timely action to prevent paint damage:

• NOTICE: "Wash vehicles as soon as possible following an acid rain or industrial fallout occurrence. Damage to paint can start within minutes AFTER contact under these conditions."
• NOTE: "Review local weather on an app or website to check rain acidity levels after precipitation."

Recommended Washing Schedule for Paint Protection

To mitigate the risk of acid rain damage, particularly for new vehicles stored outdoors in areas prone to high acid rain frequency or concentration, Toyota recommends a specific washing schedule. This schedule is designed to help maintain the quality of the vehicle's paint finish.

General Weather Conditions Ambient Temperature Washing Frequency:

• For temperatures between 60° – 85°F (15.5° – 29°C), a minimum of once per week is recommended.
• For temperatures above 86°F (30°C), the recommendation is a minimum of twice per week.

Rain, Heavy Dew, or Fog Conditions Ambient Temperature Washing Frequency:

• For temperatures between 60° – 85°F (15.5° – 29°C), washing every other day is recommended.
• For temperatures above 86°F (30°C), washing every day is recommended.

It is also recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used for washing to prevent water spotting.

What Owners Should Know

While this bulletin primarily addresses dealer responsibilities for new vehicles, the principles apply to all Toyota owners. Understanding the risks of acid rain and industrial fallout can help you protect your vehicle's finish. For instance, if you own a 2021 Toyota Camry and live in an area with frequent acid rain, adopting a proactive washing schedule can preserve its appearance.

Being aware of local weather conditions and potential acid rain events is key. Following a consistent washing routine, especially after precipitation, can significantly reduce the likelihood of paint damage. This approach helps maintain your vehicle's aesthetic appeal and resale value. The guidance provided for the Toyota Camry washing schedule is applicable to a wide range of Toyota models from 2021 to 2025.

Supersession Information

This bulletin, T-SB-0039-24, supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO92-005. The entire bulletin has been updated, and Service Bulletin No. BO92-005 is now considered obsolete. Any previous printed versions of the superseded bulletin should be discarded.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11006151