Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Underbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and snow removal and solvents used for dust control may collect on the underbody. If not removed, they will speed up rusting and deterioration of such underbody parts as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust system, even though these parts may be coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and wheel housings with lukewarm or cold water at the end of each winter. Try also to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas because they easily hide mud and dirt.
It will do more harm than good to wet down the road grime without removing it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels, and frame members have drain holes that should not be clogged. Water trapped there will cause rusting.
| WARNING
Dry off brakes that have become
wet by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. Increased stopping distance or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking could result in a serious accident. Light braking will indicate whether the brakes have been aff ected. |
Bright-Metal Maintenance
Use tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
To prevent corrosion on brightmetal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a ...
Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
CAUTION
Do not use any detergent other than
mild detergent. Before using any
...
Other materials:
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Removal/Installation [Mzr 2.0, Mzr 2.5]
CAUTION:
When replacing the CMP sensor, make sure there is no foreign material on
it such as metal shavings. If it is installed with foreign material, the sensor
output signal will malfunction resulting from fluctuation in magnetic flux and
cause a deterioration in engine control.
...
Brake Hose (Rear) Removal/Installation [Mzr 2.0, Skyactiv G 2.0]
CAUTION:
If the brake hose is installed to the caliper on the vehicle, the tool cannot
be installed correctly resulting in brake fluid leakage due to improper installation.
Therefore, remove the caliper and brake hose as a single unit when removing
the brake hose, and tighten the br ...
Cooling System Cap Inspection [Mzr 2.0, Mzr 2.5]
WARNING:
Never remove the cooling system cap or loosen the radiator drain plug while
the engine is running, or when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding engine
coolant and steam may shoot out and cause serious injury. It may also damage
the engine and cooling system.
Tu ...
