Appearance Care; Exterior Care; Maintenance and Care- Page 212

8-40

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F

Follow 

all 

label and container directions 

when using a chemical cleaner or polish. 
Read all warnings and cautions.

▼

Maintaining the Finish

Washing

To help protect the finish 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:

•

The vehicle is washed without first 
rinsing off dirt and other foreign 
matter.

•

The vehicle is washed with a rough, 
dry, or dirty cloth.

•

The vehicle is washed at a car wash 
that uses brushes that are dirty or too 
stiff.

•

Cleansers or wax containing abrasives 
are used.

To minimize scratches on the vehicle’s 
paint finish:

•

Rinse off any dirt or other foreign 
matter using lukewarm or cold water 
before washing.

•

Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water 
and a soft cloth when washing the 
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.

•

Rub gently when washing or drying the 
vehicle.

•

Take your vehicle only to a car wash 
that keeps its brushes well maintained.

•

Don’t use abrasive cleansers or wax 
that contain abrasives.

Pay special attention to removing salt, 
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from 
the underside of the wings, and make sure 
the drain holes in the lower edges of the 
doors and rocker panels are clean.

Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, 
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can 
damage the finish if not removed 
immediately. When prompt washing with 
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap 
made for use on vehicles.

Exterior Care

NOTE

•

Mazda is not responsible for 
scratches caused by automatic car 
washes or improper washing.

•

Scratches are more noticeable on 
vehicles with darker paint finishes.

Don’t use steel wool, abrasive 
cleaners, or strong detergents 
containing highly alkaline or caustic 
agents on chrome-plated or anodized 
aluminum parts. This may damage the 
protective coating; also, cleaners and 
detergents may discolor or deteriorate 
the paint.

CAUTION

J76Y.book  Page 40  Wednesday, March 27, 2002  5:04 PM