Wiper Blades; Owner Maintenance; Maintenance and Care- Page 444

6–32

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Wiper Blades

CAUTION



  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, 

do not use gasoline, kerosene, paint 

thinner, or other solvents on or near 

them.



  When the wiper lever is in the AUTO 

position and the ignition is switched ON, 

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 struck with a hand 

or other object.



  If the rain sensor is struck with a hand 

or other object 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 the 

vehicle, make sure the wiper lever is in 

the OFF position.

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.

CAUTION

To prevent damage to the wiper arms 

and other components, do not try to 

sweep the wiper arm by hand.

NOTE

When raising both windshield wiper arms, 

raise the driver's side wiper arm first. 

When lowering the wiper arms, slowly 

lower the wiper arm from the passenger's 

side first while supporting it with your 

hand. Forcefully lowering the wiper arms 

could damage the wiper arm and blade, 

and may scratch or crack the windshield.

1.  Raise the wiper arm.

2.  Open the clip and slide the blade 

assembly in the direction of the arrow.

Mazda3_8FL6-EA-16F_Edition2.indb   32

2016/08/10   17:38:41