’04 MATRIX_U (L/O 0307)
237
2004 MATRIX from Oct. ’03 Prod. (OM12861U)
Check  the  interior  of  your  vehicle.  Wa-
ter  and  dirt  can  accumulate  under  the
floor  mats  and  could  cause  corrosion.  Oc-
casionally  check  under  the  mats  to  make
sure  the  area  is  dry.  Be  particularly  care-
ful  when  transporting  chemicals,  cleans-
ers,  fertilizers,  salt,  etc;  these  should  be
transported  in  proper  containers.  If  a  spill
or  leak  should  occur,  immediately  clean
and  dry  the  area.
Use  mud  shields  on  your  wheels.  If  you
drive  on  salted  or  gravel  roads,  mud
shields  help  protect  your  vehicle.  Full−size
shields,  which  come  as  near  to  the  ground
as  possible,  are  the  best.  We  recommend
that  the  fittings  and  the  area  where  the
shields  are  installed  be  treated  to  resist
corrosion.  Your  Toyota  dealer  will  be
happy  to  assist  in  supplying  and  installing
the  shields  if  they  are  recommended  for
your  area.
Keep  your  vehicle  in  a  well  ventilated
garage  or  a  roofed  place.  Do  not  park
your  vehicle  in  a  damp,  poorly  venti-
lated  garage.  If  you  wash  your  vehicle  in
the  garage,  or  if  you  drive  it  covered  with
water  or  snow,  your  garage  may  be  so
damp  and  it  will  cause  corrosion.  Even  if
your  garage  is  heated,  a  wet  vehicle  can
corrode  if  the  ventilation  is  poor.
Washing  your  Toyota
Keep  your  vehicle  clean  by  regular
washing.
The  following  cases  may  cause  weakness
to  the  paint  or  corrosion  to  the  body  and
parts.  Wash  your  vehicle  as  soon  as  pos-
sible.
! When  driving  in  a  coastal  area
! When  driving  on  a  road  sprinkled  with
antifreeze
! When  having  coal  tar,  tree  sap,  bird
droppings  and  carcass  of  an  insect
! When  driving  in  the  areas  where  there
is  a  lot  of  smoke,  soot,  dust,  iron  dust
and  chemical  substances
! When  the  vehicle  becomes  remarkably
dirty  with  dust  and  mud
Hand−washing  your  Toyota
Work  in  the  shade  and  wait  until  the
vehicle  body  is  not  hot  to  the  touch.
CAUTION
When  cleaning  under  floor  or  chassis,
be  careful  not  to  injure  your  hands.
1. Rinse  off  loose  dirt  with  a  hose.  Re-
move  any  mud  or  road  salt  from  the
underside  of  the  vehicle  or  in  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  sub-
stances  splashes  an  ornament,  be  sure  to
wash  it  off  with  water  and  check  if  the
ornament  is  damaged.
CAUTION
Do  not  attach  the  heavily  damaged
plastic  wheel  ornament.  It  may  fly  off
the  wheel  and  cause  accidents  while
the  vehicle  is  moving.
Washing  and  waxing  your
Toyota