During their development phase, Lexus vehicle designs are extensively tested in extreme environmental conditions, which include lengthy performance evaluations in desert environments (prototypes have been known to visit Death Valley). But even Lexus vehicles can use a little TLC during long stretches of hot, sunny weather, so we’re providing some expert tips:

1. Avoid cleaning vehicle surfaces in direct sunlight: This is the number one warm weather tip from Lexus detailer Paul Anguiano, and by “surfaces” he means exterior paint, bumpers, and mirrors, as well as all interior materials such as trim, upholstery, and plastic components.

“When temperatures rise, cleaning chemicals and soaps can fade these surfaces, and direct sunlight, especially on hot days, can add to these surfaces’ temperatures,” Anguiano explains. “Lexus detailers recommend that you always let the exterior and interior cool down in a garage or carport before doing any cleaning, and then feel the surfaces with your hand to see if they’re still warm. If so, wait another few minutes before applying the cleaner.”

2. Turn off your rain-sensing windshield wipers: “It sounds counterintuitive to be thinking about windshield wipers during dry periods, but I advise guests to turn off their rain-sensing feature in the summer,” says Lexus Certified Master Technician John Dascher. “Summertime is insect time and bugs can activate the sensor, causing wipers to turn on and smear insects and road dust over the dry windshield.”

Dascher also recommends summer as a time to replace your wipers. Why? Chances are they’ve just finished months of heavy lifting in wetter fall-to-spring conditions.

After weeks of dry, dust-accumulating weather, a sudden summer downpour requires the wipers to suddenly work like an Olympic sprinter to keep visibility high, and new wipers can handle better than those you’ve been working hard during the snowy and rainy seasons.

3. Protect your leather: If you drive a Lexus vehicle with leather trim or leather seat surfaces, avoid exposing the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods. Simply make a point to park the vehicle in the shade or a garage whenever you can, since over time UV light can lighten

leather surfaces and reduce their inherent moisture levels, both of which reduce the like-new feel.

Another recommendation: during warm, sunny periods, never place items made of vinyl or plastic, or containing wax, on leather surfaces, as these materials can stick to a leather surface if the vehicle interior heats up significantly.

4. Consider additional exterior protection: If it’s available for your Lexus model as an exterior accessory, Lexus Paint Protection Film by 3M™* is especially useful for summer road trips. It helps protect specific vehicle areas against light road debris, such as small rocks, plus its transparent layers are designed to help protect against the gradual exterior-aging effects of UV radiation.

5. Check your fluids between recommended maintenance visits: “This is more of a basic precaution, but it’s prudent during the hottest months to frequently check that your coolant and washer fluid reservoirs are full,” says Dascher. “This is because your vehicle can use these fluids more quickly in hot conditions. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, just drop by your Lexus dealership for a check between recommended maintenance intervals.”