Paint Surface Care

Washing

CAUTION

When the windshield wiper lever is in the position and the
ignition switch is in the ON position, the wipers may start automatically in the following cases:

• When the windshield is touched or wiped with a cloth above the rain sensor.
• When the windshield is struck by a hand or other object from the outside or inside.

Do not touch the windshield with your hand or use a scraper when the ignition switch is in the ON position and the wiper control lever is in the position,
because automatically started wipers may cause finger injuries or be damaged.

If you intend to clean the windshield, make sure the wipers are completely switched off, especially when removing ice or snow, while the engine is running.

Do not spray water into the engine compartment.

Otherwise, you may have problems starting the engine or damage electrical components.

When washing and waxing the vehicle, take care not to apply excessive force to any part of the roof or the antenna.

Otherwise, you may dent the roof or damage the antenna.

To protect the painted surfaces from rust and damage, wash the vehicle thoroughly and frequently, at least once a month, with lukewarm or cold water.

If the vehicle is not washed properly, the painted surface may be scratched. Examples of when scratching may occur are given below.

Scratching of the paint surface may occur when:

• The vehicle is washed without first rinsing off dust or other dirt.
• The vehicle is washed with a rough, dry or dirty cloth.
• The vehicle is washed in a car wash that uses dirty or overly hard brushes.
• Cleaning agents or wax contain abrasive materials.

CAUTION

• Mazda is not responsible for scratches caused by automatic car washes or caused by improper washing.

• Scratches are more visible on vehicles finished in dark paint.

To minimize scratching of the painted surfaces of the vehicle:

• Before washing, rinse dust and other dirt off the vehicle using lukewarm or cold water.
• When washing the vehicle, use plenty of lukewarm or cold water and a soft cloth. Do not use nylon cloths.
• When washing or drying the vehicle, wipe it gently.
• Wash the vehicle only in car washes that maintain their brushes properly.
• Do not use cleaning agents or waxes containing abrasive materials.

CAUTION

• Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners or strong detergents containing alkaline or caustic compounds to clean chrome or anodized parts. They may damage the protective coating. In addition, cleaners and detergents may cause discoloration or damage to the paint.
• (With detachable antenna) To avoid damaging the antenna, remove it before entering a car wash or driving under low obstacles.

Pay particular attention to removing salt, dirt, dust, mud and all other contaminants from the wheel arches, and make sure the drain holes at the bottom edge of the doors and sills are clear.

Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, industrial pollution and similar deposits on the paint may damage it if not removed immediately. If a quick rinse with running water is not effective, use a mild car wash shampoo.

Rinse off all shampoo residue thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow shampoo to dry on the painted surfaces.

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

WARNING

To dry wet brakes, drive very slowly, easing off the accelerator and lightly applying the brake pedal until the system works normally again. Driving with wet brakes compromises safety. Longer stopping distances or pulling to one side when braking may cause a serious accident. A light brake application will show whether the brakes are wet.

When using an automatic car wash

• Fold in the outside mirrors.
• Brushes in automatic car washes can reduce paint gloss or accelerate deterioration of the paint finish.

Pressure washing

Some washing equipment uses high-pressure, high-temperature water. If the nozzle of the machine gets too close to the vehicle, the force of the water jet may damage or deform body parts, affect the integrity of components and allow water to get inside. Keep the washing nozzle at a sufficient distance from the vehicle (at least 30 cm). Also, do not wash one spot for too long, and carefully wash the gaps between the doors and the areas around the windows.

Waxing

The vehicle should be waxed only when there are no water droplets on the painted surfaces.

Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing. In addition to the body, wax the metal trim to restore its shine.

1. Use waxes that do not contain abrasive materials.

Waxes containing abrasive materials remove paint and may dull metal parts.

2. Use high-quality natural waxes suitable for metallic, mica and solid paint finishes.

3. When waxing, apply an even layer of wax with a sponge or soft cloth.

4. Buff the wax off with a soft cloth.

CAUTION

Spot removers used to remove oil, tar and similar substances usually also remove wax. Re-wax these surfaces, even if the other surfaces of the vehicle do not need it.