Exterior care

Your Mazda's paint finish is produced using the latest technologies, both in terms of the materials used and the application methods.

However, if the paint is not properly maintained, environmental influences may damage its protective properties.

Below are some examples of possible damage and recommendations on how to prevent it.

Etching caused by acid rain or industrial pollution

Explanation

Industrial pollution and pollution from vehicle exhaust emissions float in the air and mix with rain or dew, forming acids. These acids may settle on the vehicle's painted surfaces. As the water evaporates, the acids become more concentrated and can damage the painted surfaces.

The longer acids remain on the surface, the greater the risk of damage.

Prevention

Prevention: To protect painted surfaces, it is necessary to wash and wax the vehicle, in accordance with the instructions given in this chapter.

Perform these steps immediately after you notice acid rain has settled on the painted surfaces of the vehicle.

Damage caused by bird droppings, insects or tree sap

Explanation

Bird droppings contain acids. If not removed, they can cause loss of gloss and discoloration of the vehicle's paint finish.

When insects strike a painted surface, their decomposing remains form corrosive compounds. If not removed, they can cause etching, loss of gloss and discoloration of the vehicle's paint finish.

Tree sap hardens and bonds firmly to the paint layer. If you try to scrape it off, you may remove part of the paint layer along with it.

Prevention

To protect the painted surfaces, it is necessary to wash and wax your Mazda as described 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 travelling, a moistened wet wipe can also solve the problem. The cleaned surface should then be waxed as described in this section.

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

Another method is to cover the soiled surface with a moistened newspaper for about 1 to 2 hours. After removing the newspaper, rinse off any remaining residue with water.

Water spots

Explanation

Rain, fog, dew and even tap water may contain harmful minerals such as salt and lime. If moisture containing these minerals settles on the vehicle and evaporates, the minerals concentrate and harden into white spots. These spots can damage the vehicle's painted surface.

Prevention

Prevention: To protect painted surfaces, it is necessary to wash and wax the vehicle, in accordance with the instructions given in this chapter.

Perform these steps immediately after noticing water spots on the vehicle's painted surfaces.

Paint chipping

Explanation

Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown up by the wheels of another vehicle strikes your vehicle.

How to avoid paint chipping

Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead reduces the possibility of paint chips caused by gravel thrown up from its wheels.

CAUTION

• The chipping zone changes with vehicle speed. For example, when driving at 90 km/h, the chipping zone is 50 m.

• At low temperatures, the vehicle's paint becomes harder. This increases the possibility of chipping.

• Paint chips can lead to rust forming on your Mazda's surface. Before this happens, repair the damaged areas using Mazda touch-up paint as described in this section. Failure to repair may lead to serious corrosion on the damaged surface and costly repairs.

When using chemical cleaners or polishing compounds, follow all instructions on the packaging. Read all notes and warnings.