Toyota bZ4X Owner's Manual: Cleaning and protecting theb vehicle exterior

Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning and Protecting Your 2025 Toyota bZ4X Exterior

Maintaining the exterior of your 2025 Toyota bZ4X ensures both longevity and aesthetic appeal. Follow these essential care techniques to protect your vehicle’s finish and preserve its condition.

Recommended Cleaning Procedure

• Begin by applying ample water to the body, wheel wells, and underside to eliminate dirt, debris, and road grime.
• Using a soft cloth or sponge, such as a chamois, gently wash the vehicle’s surface.
• For stubborn stains, employ car wash soap and rinse thoroughly to prevent streaking.
• Remove excess water immediately to avoid water spots.
• Apply wax periodically, especially when the waterproof coating deteriorates, to restore the protective layer.

If water ceases to bead on the surface, it’s an indicator that waxing is needed-apply it only when the vehicle body is cool.

Understanding the Self-Restoring Coat

The 2025 Toyota bZ4X features an advanced self-restoring coating designed to withstand minor surface scratches from regular washing.

• This coating remains effective for approximately 5 to 8 years from the vehicle’s manufacture date.
• The restoration process varies based on the scratch depth and ambient temperature.
• Applying warm water accelerates the recovery time.
• Deep scratches from sharp objects like keys or coins are not repairable via the self-restoring mechanism.
• Refrain from using wax products containing abrasives, as they may damage the coating.

Automatic Car Wash Considerations

• Before entering an automatic wash:

• Fold the mirrors to prevent damage.
• Disable the power back door feature, if applicable.

• Start the cleaning cycle from the front to prevent excessive water pressure on sensitive components.
• Restore the mirrors to their normal position before driving.
• Be aware that the brushes in automatic washes may cause micro-scratches on the vehicle’s surface.
• The rear spoiler might not be suitable for some car washes, as improper handling could lead to damage.
• For specific shift position handling in N-mode, refer to your owner's manual.

Using High-Pressure Car Washes

To avoid water infiltration into the cabin, do not hold the nozzle near door gaps or windows. Continuous spraying at these areas may compromise the vehicle’s sealing and lead to leaks.

Smart Key System Considerations

• If washing the vehicle while the electronic key is within range, unintended locking and unlocking may occur.

• To prevent this, keep the key at least 6 ft (2 m) away from the vehicle during washing.
• Alternatively, set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the smart key system temporarily.

• If the key remains inside and the door handle gets wet, the system may activate an alert. Lock all doors to silence the alarm.

Caring for Wheels and Wheel Ornaments

• Immediately remove dirt using a neutral detergent.
• Rinse thoroughly after application.
• To prevent surface damage:

• Avoid acidic, alkaline, or abrasive cleaning agents.
• Do not scrub with hard brushes.
• Never apply detergent to hot wheels following extended driving.

Painted Brake Caliper Maintenance

• Use only neutral detergent to clean calipers-abrasive cleaners may damage the paint.
• Avoid applying detergent when the brake calipers are hot.
• Wash residue immediately after application.

Preventing Brake Pad & Caliper Rust

If parked after washing without drying the brakes, rust may form, causing them to stick. To prevent this:

• Drive slowly and press the brakes several times before parking.

Proper Care for Bumpers

Avoid scrubbing bumpers with abrasive cleaning solutions to maintain their integrity.

Handling Plated Surfaces

For stubborn dirt, follow these cleaning steps:

• Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild solution (approximately 5%) of neutral detergent mixed with water.
• Dry the surface thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth to prevent moisture stains.
• For oil removal, alcohol-based wipes or specialized cleaners are effective.

Proper maintenance of your vehicle’s exterior helps retain its sleek appearance and structural integrity. The 2025 Toyota bZ4X incorporates innovative protective coatings and materials designed to sustain its longevity, ensuring a smooth finish that withstands environmental exposure.

WARNING

When washing the vehicle

Do not apply water to the inside of the motor compartment. Doing so may cause the electrical components, etc. to catch fire.

When cleaning the windshield

Set the wiper switch to off.

If the wiper switch is in "AUTO", the wipers may operate unexpectedly in the following situations, and may result in hands being caught or other serious injuries and cause damage to the wiper blades.

1. Off
2. "AUTO"

• When the upper part of the windshield where the raindrop sensor is located is touched by hand
• When a wet rag or similar is held close to the raindrop sensor
• If something bumps against the windshield

Essential Safety & Care Guidelines for the 2025 Toyota bZ4X Exterior

Maintaining the exterior of your vehicle is not just about aesthetics-it ensures the integrity of various advanced systems that contribute to safety and performance. Here’s how to properly clean and protect key components of your 2025 Toyota bZ4X.

Precautions for Rain Sensors & Exterior Components

• Avoid directly touching or bumping the rain sensor body, as this may affect its accuracy.

Protecting Front and Rear Bumpers

Damage to the bumper paint can interfere with several crucial safety systems. If chipping or scratches occur, consult your Toyota dealer promptly to avoid system malfunctions.

• Key affected systems include:

• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
• Parking Support Brake (PKSB)
• Intuitive Parking Assist

Additionally, avoid spilling substances like benzene or gasoline on the paint surface. If paint damage is present, arrange for immediate repairs.

Wheel and Paint Protection Measures

• To prevent wheel corrosion, remove accumulated dirt and store wheels in a low-humidity environment.

Cleaning Exterior Lights

• Use caution while cleaning headlights and taillights.
• Avoid organic solvents and hard brushes, as these can damage the lens coating.
• Do not apply wax to light surfaces, as it may cause discoloration or clouding.

Automatic Car Wash Considerations

• Set the wiper switch to the off position before washing-otherwise, wipers may activate in "AUTO" mode, potentially causing damage.

High-Pressure Car Washing Guidelines

• Avoid spraying water directly at the vehicle’s camera or radar sensors, as high-pressure streams can disrupt these components.
• Do not spray water on the radar sensor behind the sensor cover, as this could cause system malfunctions.

High-Pressure Washer Precautions

• Do not aim high-pressure nozzles directly at rubber or resin components (such as traction-related, suspension, steering, and brake parts).
• Maintain a distance of at least 11.9 in. (30 cm) between the nozzle and the vehicle’s body to prevent deforming resin materials.
• Do not continuously spray the lower windshield area-water infiltration into the air conditioning system intake could cause operational issues.
• Avoid washing the underside of the vehicle with high pressure, as water entering the traction battery may lead to EV system failure.
• Exercise caution near the charging port lid-water exposure could damage the charging inlet.

Aluminum Parts Care

• When cleaning the hood, apply only gentle pressure. Excessive force may dent the aluminum panel.

By following these proper cleaning and maintenance procedures, you can protect the exterior of your 2025 Toyota bZ4X while preserving the functionality of its advanced safety systems. Routine upkeep ensures a sleek appearance, optimal performance, and long-term durability.