Owner Maintenance; Replacing Windshield Wiper ; Wiper Blades- Page 262

8-24

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Contamination of either the windshield or 
the blades with foreign matter can reduce 
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are 
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments 
used by some commercial car washes.

If the blades are not wiping properly, 
clean the window and blades with a good 
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse 
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if 
necessary.

▼

Replacing Windshield Wiper 
Blades

When the wipers no longer clean well, the 
blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.

1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade 

assembly to expose the plastic locking 
clip.
Slide the assembly downward; then lift 
it off the arm.

Wiper Blades

•

Hot waxes applied by automatic car 
washers have been known to affect 
the wiper

’

s ability to clean windows.

•

To prevent damage to the wiper 
blades, don

’

t use gasoline, 

kerosene, paint thinner, or other 
solvents on or near them.

•

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

•

If the windshield above the rain 
sensor is touched.

•

If the windshield above the rain 
sensor is wiped with a cloth.

•

If the windshield is given a 
shock.

•

If the rain sensor is given a shock 
from inside the vehicle.

Be careful not to pinch hands or 
fingers as it may cause injury, or 
damage the wipers. When washing or 
servicing your Mazda, make sure the 
wiper lever is in the OFF position.

CAUTION

To prevent damage to the wiper arms 
and other components, don

’

t move the 

wipers by hand.

To prevent damage to the windshield, 
don

’

t let the wiper arm fall on it.

CAUTION

Push

Plastic locking clip

CAUTION

J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition3.book  Page 24  Monday, February 9, 2004  8:41 PM

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