Appearance Care; Maintenance and Care- Page 409

6–65

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

 Maintaining the Finish

            Washing

CAUTION

¾

  When the wiper lever is in the AUTO 

position and the ignition is switched ON, 
the wipers may move automatically in 
the following cases:

¾

  If the windshield above the rain 

sensor is touched or wiped with a 
cloth.

¾

  If the windshield is struck with a hand 

or other object from either outside or 
inside the vehicle.

  Keep hands and scrapers clear of the 

windshield when the wiper lever is in 
the AUTO position and the ignition is 
switched ON as fi ngers could be pinched 
or the wipers and wiper blades damaged 
when the wipers activate automatically.

  If you are going to clean the windshield, 

be sure the wipers are turned off  
completely (when it is most likely 
that the engine is left running) this is 
particularly important when clearing ice 
and snow.

¾

  Do not spray water in the engine 

compartment. Otherwise, it could result 
in engine-starting problems or damage 
to electrical parts.

¾

  When washing and waxing the vehicle, 

be careful not to apply excessive force to 
any single area of the vehicle roof or the 
antenna. Otherwise, you could dent the 
vehicle or damage the antenna.

  To help protect the fi nish from rust 
and deterioration, wash your Mazda 
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a 
month, with lukewarm or cold water.

  If the vehicle is washed improperly, the 
paint surface could be scratched. Here are 
some examples of how scratching could 
occur.

  Scratches occur on the paint surface when:

y

 The vehicle is washed without fi rst 

rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter.

y

 The vehicle is washed with a rough, dry, 

or dirty cloth.

y

 The vehicle is washed at a car wash that 

uses brushes that are dirty or too stiff.

y

 Cleansers or wax containing abrasives 

are used.

   NOTE

y

  Mazda is not responsible for scratches 

caused by automatic car washes or 
improper washing.

y

  Scratches are more noticeable on 

vehicles with darker paint fi nishes.

  To minimize scratches on the vehicle's 
paint fi nish:

y

 Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter 

using lukewarm or cold water before 
washing.

y

 Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water 

and a soft cloth when washing the 
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.

y

 Rub gently when washing or drying the 

vehicle.

y

 Take your vehicle only to a car wash 

that keeps its brushes well maintained.

y

 Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax 

that contain abrasives.