Toyota detailing in Abu Dhabi, from the Land Cruiser to the Camry

Each Toyota on UAE roads has a different job, and that shapes what it needs.

• Land Cruiser: the 3.5-litre version comes with leather seats, the 4.0-litre with fabric-suede. A hybrid version pairs a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor. Weekend dune trips make the underbody the first job.
• Land Cruiser Prado: sold on 18-inch alloy wheels, with a cool box in the centre console. Spilled drinks in that box turn sour quickly in summer.
• Land Cruiser 70: the three-door hard top runs 16-inch matte-black aluminium wheels. Matte wheels are cleaned but never polished or waxed.
• Land Cruiser FJ: a new part-time 4x4 with dark grey metallic alloy wheels and roof rails. Sand collects around the rails and their mounts.
• Hilux: the listed grades wear 17-inch steel wheels and body stripes. Stripes are decals, so pressure jets stay well back from their edges.
• Camry, Corolla and RAV4: daily family cars, offered with hybrid power. The Camry Hybrid adds a panoramic sunroof, whose seals need gentle rinsing.
• GR Supra: 19-inch black forged wheels and red-black Alcantara sport seats. Alcantara flattens if it is scrubbed, so it gets a soft brush.

Toyota also sells the fully electric bZ4X Touring in the UAE. Its paint and cabin are detailed like any other Toyota, with water kept off the charging port.

Toyota’s manual says to rinse from top to bottom with plenty of water, including the wheel wells and the underside. The body is then washed with a sponge or a soft cloth, such as a chamois.

It warns that brushes in automatic car washes may scratch the surface and harm the paint. High-pressure nozzles should not come close to the windows, and the fuel door must be shut first.

The same page lists times to wash straight away. These include driving near the coast, tree sap or dead insects on the paint, and heavy dust or mud.

Chips should be repaired quickly, or corrosion may set in, and wax goes on once water stops beading on a cool body. For lasting protection, many owners choose a ceramic coating, and sun-faded paint usually needs a machine polish first.

Trapped sand and debris underneath can cause a breakdown or even a fire, according to Toyota. Its Land Cruiser 200 manual says to check the underbody for grass, paper, rags, stones and sand after rough terrain.

The manual also warns that sand and mud in brake drums and around the discs may reduce braking. Toyota advises checking the brakes straight after driving in sand, mud or water.

The Multi-terrain Monitor cameras need care too. Toyota says to rinse a dirty lens with water and wipe it with a soft cloth, without rubbing hard. A scratched lens cannot give a clear picture.

After the underbody is clean, rust proofing adds a layer against salt and moisture. It suits cars that see beach driving as well as dunes.

For leather, Toyota suggests a soft cloth dampened with a diluted solution of about 5% neutral wool detergent. All traces of detergent are then wiped off, and the leather dries in a shaded, ventilated spot.

• Synthetic leather: vacuum it, apply a mild soap solution, leave it a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
• Carpets: use a foaming cleaner rubbed in overlapping circles, keeping the carpet as dry as possible.
• Seat belts: clean them with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Instrument panel: no polish wax, because a shiny dashboard can reflect in the windscreen and block your view.

Toyota recommends cleaning the interior at least twice a year. Liquids must not reach electrical parts or airbag wiring. A professional interior detail controls the moisture, and worn driver’s seats can go to car upholstery.

Toyota says to clean aluminium wheels with a neutral detergent, never hard brushes, abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals. Detergent should not go on hot wheels after a long summer drive, and it must be rinsed off straight away.

The lights need equal care: Toyota warns against organic solvents, hard brushes and wax on the lenses, since wax can damage them. Bumpers and side mouldings are not scrubbed with abrasive cleaners either.

Older Toyotas often have hazy, yellow lenses after years of sun. Headlight restoration clears them, and rim repair deals with kerbed alloys.

Sun, sand and busy family use show first on paint, lights and the rear seats. The table matches each sign of wear with the fix that most often works.

A Land Cruiser used every weekend in the dunes needs underbody care most. A Corolla that parks outside all day usually needs paint and headlight work first.

Toyota's manual warns that the brushes in automatic washes may scratch the paint. A careful hand wash avoids those marks.

They are vacuumed first, then treated with a mild fabric cleaner and very little water so the soft surface stays even.

Yes. Work trucks usually need a deep interior clean, an underbody rinse and attention to the load bed.

Yes. Cloudy lenses on older Toyotas can usually be restored and then sealed against the sun, which costs far less than new units.

No. Toyota says organic solvent, car wax, window cleaner and glass coat should not stay on the camera. Rinse the lens with water and dab it with a soft cloth.