Body - Acid Rain Paint Damage Prevention/Repair

TITLE: ACID RAIN PAINT FINISH DAMAGE - PREVENTION & REPAIR

SECTION: EXTERIOR

BULLETIN # 165

MODELS: ALL TOYOTA LEXUS and SCION

DATE: MARCH 2008

Condition & Cause

'Acid Rain' is the result of rainwater and other forms of airborne moisture mixing with atmospheric impurities, often referred to as industrial fallout. The mixing forms varying degrees of corrosive acidic compounds that can settle on exposed surfaces. Depending on geographic location, concentration level, and length of exposure; vehicle paint finish damage can occur. Horizontal surfaces such as roof, hood, and trunk panels are most vulnerable.

Prevention of Finish Damage

While Toyota, Lexus, and Scion paint finishes are engineered to look great and provide long-term durability, if not cared for properly they can sustain damage as a result of acid rain exposure. Exposure can occur at any time in the life-cycle of a vehicle, be it transport, storage, or consumer use.

Dealers should refer to the Toyota Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual,

Policy No.2.3 for information on Storage and Protection of New Vehicles.

Detailed information is also provided on proper finish care in the Owner's Manual of all models.

In brief, following washing and wax application recommendations should keep paint looking good.

Inspection & Repair

Acid rain damage can usually be identified visually and by touch. Stains look similar to hard-water spotting however, advanced stages of damage result in etching and depressions from the corrosive effect. Lightly rubbing a finger across a suspected acid rain stain may help to confirm etching.

University of Toyota e-learning course E257- Vehicle Delivery Quality- Paint Finish Repair, provides detailed information on paint finish types, damage assessment methods, and repair techniques. And, Collision Repair & Refinish T101 and L101 'Paint Finish Repair' provide hands-on training. There is no substitute for a good training experience. Visit (www.crrtraining.com) for more information about hands-on training.