Mazda 3 manuals

Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Exterior Care

The paintwork on your Mazda represents the latest technical developments in composition and methods of application.

Environmental hazards, however, can harm the paint's protective properties, if proper care is not taken.

Here are some examples of possible damage, with tips on how to prevent them.

Etching Caused by Acid Rain or Industrial Fallout

Occurrence

Industrial pollutants and vehicle emissions drift into the air and mix with rain or dew to form acids. These acids can settle on a vehicle's finish. As the water evaporates, the acid becomes concentrated and can damage the finish.

And the longer the acid remains on the surface, the greater the chance is for damage.

Prevention

It is necessary to wash and wax your vehicle to preserve its finish according to the instructions in this section. These steps should be taken immediately after you suspect that acid rain has settled on your vehicle's finish.

Damage Caused by Bird Dropping, Insects, or Tree Sap

Occurrence

Bird droppings contain acids. If these are not removed they can eat away the clear and color base coat of the vehicle's paintwork.

When insects stick to the paint surface and decompose, corrosive compounds form.

These can erode the clear and color base coat of the vehicle's paintwork if they are not removed.

Tree sap will harden and adhere permanently to the paint finish. If you scratch the sap off while it is hard, some vehicle paint could come off with it.

Prevention

It is necessary to have your Mazda washed and waxed to preserve its finish according to the instructions in this section. This should be done as soon as possible.

Bird droppings can be removed with a soft sponge and water. If you are traveling and these are not available, a moistened tissue may also take care of the problem. The cleaned area should be waxed according to the instructions in this section.

Insects and tree sap are best removed with a soft sponge and water or a commercially available chemical cleaner.

Another method is to cover the affected area with dampened newspaper for one to two hours. After removing the newspaper, rinse off the loosened debris with water.

Water Marks

Occurrence

Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can contain harmful minerals such as salt and lime. If moisture containing these minerals settles on the vehicle and evaporates, the minerals will concentrate and harden to form white rings. The rings can damage your vehicle's finish.

Prevention

It is necessary to wash and wax your vehicle to preserve its finish according to the instructions in this section. These steps should be taken immediately after you find water marks on your vehicle's finish.

Paint Chipping

Occurrence

Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown in the air by another vehicle's tires hits your vehicle.

How to avoid paint chipping

Keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of having your paint chipped by flying gravel.

NOTE

Follow all label and container directions when using a chemical cleaner or polish.

Read all warnings and cautions.

Appearance Care
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Maintaining the Finish
Washing CAUTION When the wiper lever is in the position and the ignition is switched ON, the wipers may move automatically in the following cases: If the winds ...

Other materials:

Seat Belt Precautions
Seat belts help to decrease the possibility of severe injury during accidents and sudden stops. Mazda recommends that the driver and all passengers always wear seat belts. (U.S.A. and Canada) All of the seat belt retractors are designed to keep the lap/shoulder belts out of the way when no ...

Rear Power Window Regulator Removal/Installation
1. Fully lower the rear door glass. 2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.. 3. Remove the rear door trim.. 4. Remove the service hole cover. 5. Remove the rear door speaker.. 6. Remove the glass guide.. 7. Remove the rear power window motor.. 8. Remove the rear door glass.. 9. ...

Oil Cooler Removal/Installation [FS5 A EL]
1. Remove the battery cover.. 2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 3. Remove the air cleaner component.. 4. Remove the aerodynamic under cover NO.2.. 5. Drain the ATF.. 6. Drain the engine coolant.. 7. Remove in the order indicated in the table. 1 Water ...

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