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:
Liftgate Latch Switch Inspection
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable..
2. Remove the following parts:
a. Liftgate upper trim.
b. Liftgate side trim.
c. Liftgate lower trim.
d. Liftgate latch and lock actuator.
3. Press the latch in using a flathead screwdriver to inspect the latch lever
condition.
4. Verify ...
Forced Ignition On [With Advanced Keyless Entry And Push Button Start System]
NOTE:
In order to perform a forced ignition ON, the M-MDS (IDS) is necessary. If
the servicing is being done outside of an Authorized Mazda dealership, contact
an Authorized Mazda dealership for instructions.
The forced ignition ON procedure forces a power supply to each part w ...
Head Restraints
Your vehicle is equipped with head
restraints on all outboard seats and the
rear center seat * . The head restraints
are intended to help protect you and the
passengers from neck injury.
WARNING
Always drive with the head restraints
installed when seats are being used and
make s ...
