Exterior Care

The paint process used on your Mazda incorporates the latest technical developments in paint composition and application methods.

However, if proper care is not provided, the environment may affect the protective properties of the paint.

Some examples of possible damage and advice on how to avoid it are given below.

Damage Caused by Acid Rain or Chemical Fallout

Occurrence

Industrial pollutants and vehicle exhaust emissions mix with rain or moisture in the air to form acid fallout. These acids can settle on the vehicle's finish. As the water evaporates, the acid concentration increases and can damage the finish.

The longer this acid remains on the surface, the greater the risk of damage.

Prevention

Wash and wax the vehicle, following the instructions in this section, to protect its finish.

This should be done as soon as you suspect acid fallout has settled on the vehicle.

Damage Caused by Bird Droppings, Insects or Tree Sap

Occurrence

Bird droppings contain acids. If not removed, they can attack the clear coat and color layer of the vehicle's paint.

When insects stick to the painted surface and decompose, corrosive compounds form. If not removed, they can erode the clear coat and color layer of the vehicle's paint.

Tree sap will harden and stick to the finish.

Trying to remove hardened sap may remove paint.

Prevention

Wash and wax the vehicle, following the instructions in this section, to protect its finish.

This should be done as soon as possible.

Bird droppings can be removed with a soft sponge and water. If a sponge is not available while traveling, a wet paper tissue can also be used.

The cleaned area should be waxed following the instructions in this section.

Insects and tree sap can be removed with a soft sponge and water or with a commercially available cleaner.

You can also cover the affected area with a wet newspaper for one to two hours. Then remove the newspaper and rinse off any remaining residue with water.

Water Spots

Occurrence

Rain, fog, humidity and even tap water may contain harmful minerals, such as salt and deposits. If moisture containing minerals settles on the vehicle and then evaporates, the minerals concentrate and harden to form white spots. These spots can damage the vehicle's finish.

Prevention

Wash and wax the vehicle, following the instructions in this section, to protect its finish.

This should be done as soon as you notice water spots on the vehicle's finish.

Paint Chipping

Occurrence

Paint chipping occurs when stones thrown up by the tires of other vehicles land on your vehicle.

To Prevent Paint Chipping

Keep an adequate distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead to reduce the risk of paint chipping from flying stones.

NOTE

• The paint chipping risk zone varies with vehicle speed. For example, at 90 km/h, the paint chipping risk zone is 50 meters (164 feet).
• When it is cold, the vehicle's finish hardens. This increases the risk of paint chipping.
• Paint chipping may lead to rust forming on your Mazda. To prevent this, repair the damage using Mazda touch-up paint, as described in this section. Otherwise, the rust may spread and lead to costly repairs.

Always read all instructions on the label when using any cleaning or polishing chemical. Also read all warnings and notes.

Finish Care

Washing

WARNING

When the wiper lever is in the AUTO position and the switch is set to ON, the wipers may operate automatically in the following cases:

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

Keep hands and scrapers away from the windshield when the wiper lever is in the AUTO position and the ignition switch is ON, as your fingers could be pinched, or the wiper arms and blades could be damaged when they operate automatically.

When cleaning the windshield, make sure to turn the wipers off completely, especially when removing ice and snow, when the engine is running.

• Do not spray water into the engine compartment. Otherwise, it may cause engine starting problems or damage electrical circuit components.

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

If the vehicle is not washed properly, the paint may be scratched. The following are some examples of situations in which scratches can occur.

Scratches can occur if:

• The vehicle is washed before dust or other foreign matter is rinsed off.
• The vehicle is washed with a rough, dry or dirty cloth.
• The vehicle is washed in an automatic car wash whose brushes are dirty or too hard.
• Cleaners or waxes containing abrasives are used.

NOTE

• Mazda cannot be held responsible for scratches caused by an automatic car wash or improper washing.
• Scratches will be more visible on vehicles with dark paint.

To reduce scratches on the vehicle paint:

• Rinse off dust or other foreign matter with lukewarm or cold water before washing.
• Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water and a soft cloth to wash the vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
• Wipe without applying pressure when washing or drying the vehicle.
• Wash the vehicle only in a car wash whose brushes are well maintained.
• Do not use cleaners or waxes containing abrasives.

WARNING

Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners or strong detergents containing strongly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome or anodized aluminum parts. This may damage the protective layer and cause discoloration or deterioration of the finish.

Be sure to remove salt, dust, mud and other debris from under the fenders, and make sure the drain holes at the bottom edges of the doors and rocker panels are clean.

Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemical fallout and other deposits can damage the finish if not removed immediately. When plain water washing is not effective, use a mild automotive soap.

Rinse off the soap thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water. Do not let soap dry on the finish.

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

WARNING

Dry out wet brakes by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes repeatedly until braking returns to normal:

Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. A longer stopping distance or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking may cause a serious accident. Lightly applying the brakes will show whether they have been affected by water.

When washing a car with high-pressure water

Car washes with hot water at high temperature and pressure are available, depending on the type of car wash equipment. If the car wash nozzle is placed too close to the vehicle, the force of the spray can damage or deform the moulding, affect the sealing of parts and allow water to enter the interior. Keep a sufficient distance (30 cm or more) between the nozzle and the vehicle. Also, do not spend too much time spraying the same area of the vehicle, and be very careful when spraying between the gaps in the doors and around the windows.

Waxing

The vehicle should be waxed when water no longer beads up on painted surfaces.

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

1. Use a wax that does not contain abrasives.

Otherwise, it may remove the paint and damage the bright metal parts.

Use a good quality natural wax designed for metallic, mica or solid colors.

When waxing, apply an even coat using the supplied sponge or a soft cloth.

Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.

NOTE

When using a cleaner to remove oil, tar or other deposits, the wax is also removed. Wax these surfaces again, even if the vehicle does not need waxing.

Repairing Finish Damage

Any deep scratch or chip in the finish should be repaired as soon as possible. Any exposed metal will rust and lead to major repairs.

WARNING

If this Mazda vehicle is damaged and requires metal panels to be repaired or replaced, make sure the body repair shop applies rust-preventive treatment to all parts, both repaired and new.

This is to prevent them from rusting.

Care of Bright Metal Parts

• Use a cleaner to remove tar and insects. Never use a knife or other tool.
• To protect bright metal surfaces against corrosion, apply wax or chrome protectant and rub until the surface shines.
• In winter or in coastal areas, cover bright metal parts with a thicker coat of wax or preservative. If necessary, coat these parts with non-corrosive petroleum jelly or another protective product.

WARNING

Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners or strong detergents containing strongly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome or anodized aluminum parts. This may damage the protective layer and cause discoloration or deterioration of the finish.

Underbody Care

Chemicals and calcium used to remove ice and snow, as well as dust-control products, can build up on the underbody. If not removed, they will cause premature corrosion and deterioration of underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and exhaust system, even if these parts are covered with rust-preventive coating.

Rinse the underbody and fenders with lukewarm or cold water at the end of each winter. If possible, also do this once a month.

Pay attention to these areas, as it is difficult to see the mud and dirt that accumulates there. If the accumulated dirt is wet, be sure to remove it, otherwise it will have the opposite effect.

The lower edge of the doors, the rocker panels and the frame members have drain holes that must be kept clear. Water that collects in them will cause the vehicle to rust.

WARNING

Dry out wet brakes by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes repeatedly until braking returns to normal:

Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. A longer stopping distance or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking may cause a serious accident. Lightly applying the brakes will show whether they have been affected by water.

Aluminum Wheel Care

A protective coating is applied to aluminum wheels. Special care is required to protect this finish layer.

WARNING

Use only a mild detergent.

Before using a detergent, check its ingredients. Otherwise, the product may discolor or stain aluminum wheels.

NOTE

• Do not use abrasive cleaners, polishing paste, solvents or wire brushes to clean aluminum wheels. These cleaning agents may damage the finish layer.
• Always use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the wheels.

Rinse the wheels thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water.

To prevent corrosion, be sure to also clean the wheels after driving on dusty roads or roads treated with road salt.

Avoid washing the vehicle in an automatic car wash that uses high-speed or hard brushes.

If aluminum wheels lose their shine, wax them.

Plastic Parts Care

• When cleaning the plastic lenses of the lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene, rectified alcohol, paint thinner, strongly acidic detergents or strongly alkaline detergents. Otherwise, these chemicals may discolor or damage the surfaces, which may cause a significant loss of function. If plastic parts are accidentally exposed to any of these chemicals, rinse them immediately with water.
• If plastic parts such as bumpers are accidentally exposed to chemicals or fluids such as gasoline, oil, engine coolant or battery fluid, the paint may discolor, stain or flake. Immediately remove such chemicals or fluids by wiping with a soft cloth.
• High-pressure car wash stations using hot water are available, depending on the type of high-pressure washer. If the washing nozzle is held too close to the vehicle or directed at one area for a prolonged time, the plastic parts may deform or the paint may be damaged.
• Do not use wax containing compounds (polishing compound). Otherwise, the paint may be damaged.
• In addition, do not use a power tool or air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the frictional heat generated may deform plastic parts or damage the paint.