Appearance Care; Cleaning Plastic Parts; Cleaning Rustproofing- Page 291

Appearance Care

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Cleaning Plastic Parts

Some vehicle trim parts are plastic. These
may include the outside door handles, the
side view mirror, exterior nameplates
and the bumper. Use a mild detergent
to remove dirt, wax buildup and other
deposits from these parts. Do not clean
plastic parts with fuel or other petroleum-
based cleaners.

Because your vehicle’s side moldings are
painted in lacquer, do not use thinners or
solvents to clean them.

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Cleaning Rustproofing

If you rustproof your vehicle after you
buy it, inspect its plastic and rubber
parts for overspray, drips, and runs. If the
rustproofing is not removed from these
parts, the parts may become distorted or

deteriorated. To remove rustproofing,
clean with a hi-flash, naphtha-wetted
cloth. Then wipe the area completely dry.

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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 anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.

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Bright-Metal Maintenance

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Use tar remover to remove road tar
and insects. Never do this with a knife
or similar tool.

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To prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome preser-
vative and rub it to a high luster.

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During cold weather or in coastal
areas, cover bright-metal parts with a
coating of wax or preservative heavier
than usual. It would also help to coat
them with noncorrosive petroleum
jelly or some other protective com-
pound.