Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Maintaining the Finish

Mazda 3 Owners Manual / Maintenance and Care / Appearance Care / Exterior Care / 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 windshield above the rain sensor is touched or wiped with a cloth.
If the windshield is struck with a hand or other object from either outside or inside the vehicle.

Keep hands and scrapers clear of the windshield when the wiper lever is in the position and the
ignition is switched ON as fi ngers could be pinched or the wipers and wiper blades damaged when the wipers activate automatically.
If you are going to clean the windshield, be sure the wipers are turned off completely (when it is most likely that the engine is left running) this is particularly important when clearing ice and snow.
Do not spray water in the engine compartment. Otherwise, it could result in engine-starting problems or damage to electrical parts.
When washing and waxing the vehicle, be careful not to apply excessive force to any single area of the vehicle roof or the antenna. Otherwise, you could dent the vehicle or damage the antenna.

To help protect the finish from rust and deterioration, wash your Mazda thoroughly and frequently, at least once a month, with lukewarm or cold water.

If the vehicle is washed improperly, the paint surface could be scratched. Here are some examples of how scratching could occur.

Scratches occur on the paint surface when:

The vehicle is washed without first rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter.
The vehicle is washed with a rough, dry, or dirty cloth.
The vehicle is washed at a car wash that uses brushes that are dirty or too stiff.
Cleansers or wax containing abrasives are used.

NOTE

Mazda is not responsible for scratches caused by automatic car washes or improper washing.
Scratches are more noticeable on vehicles with darker paint finishes.

To minimize scratches on the vehicle's paint finish:

Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter using lukewarm or cold water before washing.
Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water and a soft cloth when washing the vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
Rub gently when washing or drying the vehicle.
Take your vehicle only to a car wash that keeps its brushes well maintained.
Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax that contain abrasives.

CAUTION Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated or anodized aluminum parts. This may damage the protective coating; also, cleaners and detergents may discolor or deteriorate the paint.

Pay special attention to removing salt, dirt, mud, and other foreign material from the underside of the fenders, and make sure the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors and rocker panels are clean.

Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, industrial fallout, and similar deposits can damage the finish if not removed immediately. When prompt washing with plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap made for use on vehicles.

Thoroughly rinse off all soap with lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow soap to dry on the finish.

After washing the vehicle, dry it with a clean chamois to prevent water spots from forming.

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.

When using an automatic car wash

Retract the door mirrors.
The automatic car wash brushes could reduce the paint lustre or hasten paint deterioration.

When using a high water pressure car wash

High water temperature and high water pressure car washers are available depending on the type of car wash machine. If the car washer nozzle is put too close to the vehicle, the force of the spray could damage or deform the molding, affect the sealability of parts, and allow water to penetrate the interior.

Keep a sufficient space (30 cm (12 in) or more) between the nozzle and the vehicle.

In addition, do not spend too much time spraying the same area of the vehicle, and be very careful when spraying between gaps in doors and around windows.

Waxing

Your vehicle needs to be waxed when water no longer beads on the finish.

Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body, wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.

Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Waxes containing abrasive will remove paint and could damage bright metal parts.
Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colors.
When waxing, coat evenly with the sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.

NOTE A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar materials will usually also take off the wax. Rewax these areas even if the rest of the vehicle does not need it.

Repairing Damage to the Finish

Deep scratches or chips on the finish should be repaired promptly. Exposed metal quickly rusts and can lead to major repairs.

CAUTION If your Mazda is damaged and needs metal parts repaired or replaced, make sure the body shop applies anticorrosion materials to all parts, both repaired and new. This will prevent them from rusting.

Exterior Care

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Customer Assistance (Canada)
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