Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Exterior Care
The paintwork on your Mazda represents the latest technical developments in composition and methods of application.
Environmental hazards, however, can harm the paint's protective properties, if proper care is not taken.
Here are some examples of possible damage, with tips on how to prevent them.
Etching Caused by Acid Rain or Industrial Fallout
Occurrence
Industrial pollutants and vehicle emissions drift into the air and mix with rain or dew to form acids. These acids can settle on a vehicle's finish. As the water evaporates, the acid becomes concentrated and can damage the finish.
And the longer the acid remains on the surface, the greater the chance is for damage.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your vehicle to preserve its finish according to the instructions in this section. These steps should be taken immediately after you suspect that acid rain has settled on your vehicle's finish.
Damage Caused by Bird Dropping, Insects, or Tree Sap
Occurrence
Bird droppings contain acids. If these are not removed they can eat away the clear and colour base coat of the vehicle's paintwork.
When insects stick to the paint surface and decompose, corrosive compounds form. These can erode the clear and colour base coat of the vehicle's paintwork if they are not removed.
Tree sap will harden and adhere permanently to the paint finish. If you scratch the sap off while it is hard, some vehicle paint could come off with it.
Prevention
It is necessary to have your Mazda washed and waxed to preserve its finish according to the instructions in this section. This should be done as soon as possible.
Bird droppings can be removed with a soft sponge and water. If you are travelling and these are not available, a moistened tissue may also take care of the problem. The cleaned area should be waxed according to the instructions in this section.
Insects and tree sap are best removed with a soft sponge and water or a commercially available chemical cleaner.
Another method is to cover the affected area with dampened newspaper for 1 to 2 hours. After removing the newspaper, rinse off the loosened debris with water.
Water Marks
Occurrence
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can contain harmful minerals such as salt and lime. If moisture containing these minerals settles on the vehicle and evaporates, the minerals will concentrate and harden to form white rings. The rings can damage your vehicle's finish.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your vehicle to preserve its finish according to the instructions in this section. These steps should be taken immediately after you find water marks on your vehicle's finish.
Paint Chipping
Occurrence
Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown in the air by another vehicle's tyres hits your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping
Keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of having your paint chipped by flying gravel.
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The paint chipping zone varies with the speed of the vehicle. For example, when travelling at 90 km/h (56 mph), the paint chipping zone is 50 m (164 ft).
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In low temperatures a vehicle's finish hardens. This increases the chance of paint chipping.
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Chipped paint can lead to rust forming on your Mazda. Before this happens, repair the damage by using Mazda touch-up paint according to the instructions in this section. Failure to repair the affected area could lead to serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Follow all label and container directions when using a chemical cleaner or polish. Read all warnings and cautions.
Maintaining the Finish
Washing
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Before lifting the windscreen wiper blades off the windscreen, always follow the procedure for moving the windscreen wiper blades. Otherwise, a wiper blade, wiper arm, or the bonnet could be damaged.
Refer to the Replacing Windscreen Wiper Blades (Search) section for the procedure on how to move the windscreen wiper blades to the service position.
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When the wiper lever is in the AUTO position and the ignition is switched ON, the wipers may move automatically in the following cases:
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If the windscreen above the rain sensor is touched or wiped with a cloth.
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If the windscreen is struck with a hand or other object from either outside or inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the windscreen when the wiper lever is in the AUTO position and the ignition is switched ON as fingers could be pinched or the wipers and wiper blades damaged when the wipers activate automatically.
If you are going to clean the windscreen, 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.
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Do not spray water in the engine compartment. Otherwise, it could result in engine-starting problems or damage to electrical parts.
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When washing and waxing the vehicle, be careful not to apply excessive force to any single area of the vehicle roof. Otherwise, you could dent the vehicle.
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Make sure that the fuel-filler flap is closed and lock the doors. Otherwise, the fuel-filler flap may be forcefully opened by water pressure causing damage to the vehicle or fuel-filler flap.
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:
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The vehicle is washed without first rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter.
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The vehicle is washed with a rough, dry, or dirty cloth.
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The vehicle is washed at a car wash that uses brushes that are dirty or too stiff.
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Cleansers or wax containing abrasives are used.
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Mazda is not responsible for scratches caused by automatic car washes or improper washing.
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Scratches are more noticeable on vehicles with darker paint finishes.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's paint finish:
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Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter using lukewarm or cold water before washing.
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Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water and a soft cloth when washing the vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
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Rub gently when washing or drying the vehicle.
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Take your vehicle only to a car wash that keeps its brushes well maintained.
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Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax that contain abrasives.
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Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated or anodised aluminium parts. This may damage the protective coating; also, cleaners and detergents may discolour or deteriorate the paint.
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.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow soap to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a clean chamois to prevent water spots from forming.
Dry off brakes that have become wet by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes several times until the brake performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. Increased stopping distance or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking could result in a serious accident. Light braking will indicate whether the brakes have been affected.
When using an automatic car wash
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Retract the door mirrors.
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The automatic car wash brushes could reduce the paint lustre or hasten paint deterioration.
When using a high water pressure car wash
High water temperature and high water pressure car washers are available depending on the type of car wash machine. If the car washer nozzle is put too close to the vehicle, the force of the spray could damage or deform the molding, affect the sealability of parts, and allow water to penetrate the interior. Keep a sufficient space (30 cm (12 in) or more) between the nozzle and the vehicle. In addition, do not spend too much time spraying the same area of the vehicle, and be very careful when spraying between gaps in doors and around windows.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body, wax the metal trim to maintain its lustre.
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Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Wax containing abrasives will remove paints and could damage bright metal parts.
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Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colours.
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When waxing, coat evenly with the sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
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Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar materials will usually also take off the wax. Rewax these areas even if the rest of the vehicle does not need it.
Paint Damage Touch-up
Repair damage to the finish caused by stone chipping, damage during parking etc., by using Mazda touch-up paint before rust begins to form. First, remove the dirt and grease with a clean soft cloth.
If rust has already begun to form:
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Remove rust completely with sandpaper.
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Wipe with a clean soft cloth.
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Apply rust preventive primer to the area.
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After drying it completely, apply a suitable top coat material to the area.
Of course there will be no problem if you assign the work to an expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer).
Cavity Protection
Cavities are treated for protection at the factory, but additional protective treatment after the vehicle has been put into use will extend the life of the body.
Consult an expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer) concerning this additional precaution.
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 preservative and rub it to a high lustre.
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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 compound.
Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated or anodised aluminium parts. This may result in damage to the protective coating and cause discolouration or paint deterioration.
Undercoating
This special coating is applied to the critical parts of the underside to protect vehicles from damage caused by chemicals or stones. This coating is liable to be damaged with time. Check this coating periodically.
Should repairs be necessary, consult an expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer). They are well informed on how repairs should be made.
Aluminium Wheel Maintenance (Some Models)
A protective coating is provided over the aluminium wheels. Special care is needed to protect this coating.
Do not use any detergent other than mild detergent. Before using any detergent, verify the ingredients. Otherwise, the product could discolour or stain the aluminium wheels.
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Do not use a wire brush or any abrasive cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on aluminium wheels. They may damage the coating.
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Always use a sponge or soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse the wheels thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels after driving on dusty or salted roads to help prevent corrosion.
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Avoid washing your vehicle in an automatic car wash that uses high-speed or hard brushes.
Plastic Part Maintenance
Interior Care
Interior Care
Do not spray water into the vehicle cabin:
Spraying water into the vehicle cabin is dangerous as electrical devices such as the audio and switches could get wet resulting in a malfunction or vehicle fire.
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Do not wipe the interior using alcohol, chlorine bleach, or organic solvents such as thinner, benzene, and petrol. Otherwise, it may cause discolouration or stains.
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Rubbing hard with a stiff brush or cloth may cause damage.
If the vehicle interior becomes soiled by any of the following, wipe it off immediately using a soft cloth.
Leaving it uncleaned could cause discolouration, stains, cracks, or peeling of the coating, and it will make it hard to wipe off later.
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Beverage or fragrance
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Grease or oil
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Soiling
Seat Belt Maintenance
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Clean the soiled area by lightly dabbing it with a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with water.
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Wipe off the remaining detergent using a cloth soaked in clean water and wrung out well.
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Before retracting seat belts which have been pulled out for cleaning, dry them off thoroughly and make sure there is no remaining moisture on them.
If a seat belt appears frayed or has abrasions, have it replaced by an expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer):
If a seat belt is used under such a condition, it cannot function at its full capacity which could result in serious injury or death.
Use a mild detergent to remove soiling from a seat belt:
If organic solvents are used for cleaning the seat belts or they become stained or bleached, there is the possibility of them becoming weakened and as a result, they may not function at their full capacity which could cause serious injury or death.
Clean seat belts diligently if they get dirty. Leaving them uncleaned will make it difficult to clean them later, and it may affect the smooth retracting of the seat belt.
Vinyl Upholstery Maintenance
Remove dust and dirt from the vinyl upholstery using a brush or vacuum.
Remove soiling from vinyl upholstery using a leather and vinyl upholstery cleaner.
Upholstery and Synthetic Leather Maintenance
Fabric
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Clean the soiled area by lightly dabbing it with a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with water.
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Wipe off the remaining detergent using a cloth soaked in clean water and wrung out well.
Synthetic leather
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Remove dust and sand using a vacuum cleaner.
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Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with water.
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Wipe off the remaining detergent using a cloth soaked in clean water and wrung out well.
Leather Upholstery Maintenance (Some Models)
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Remove dust and sand using a vacuum cleaner.
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Wipe off the soiled area with a soft cloth and a suitable, special cleaner or a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent (about 5%) diluted with water.
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Wipe off the remaining detergent using a cloth soaked in clean water and wrung out well.
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Remove moisture with a dry, soft cloth and allow the leather to further dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area. If the leather gets wet such as from rain, remove the moisture and dry it as soon as possible.
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Because genuine leather is a natural material, its surface is not uniform and it may have natural scars, scratches, and wrinkles.
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To maintain the quality for as long as possible, periodical maintenance, about twice a year, is recommended.
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If the leather upholstery comes into contact with any of the following, clean it immediately.
Leaving it uncleaned could cause premature wear, mold, or stains.
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Sand or dirt
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Grease or oil, such as hand cream
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Alcohol, such as in cosmetic or hair dressing items
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If the leather upholstery gets wet, promptly remove moisture with a dry cloth. Remaining moisture on the surface may cause deterioration such as hardening and shrinkage.
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Exposure to direct sunlight for long periods may cause deterioration and shrinkage. When parking the car under direct sunlight for long periods, shade the interior using sunshades.
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Do not leave vinyl products on the leather upholstery for long periods. They may affect the leather quality and colouring. If the cabin temperature becomes hot, the vinyl may deteriorate and adhere to the genuine leather.
Plastic Part Maintenance
Do not use polishing agents.
Depending on the product ingredients, they could cause discolouration, stains, cracks or peeling of the coating.
Instrument Panel Top (Soft pad) Maintenance
Extremely soft material is used for the soft pad surface. If the soft pad surface is rubbed harshly with a dry cloth, it could result in the surface being damaged and leaving white scratch marks.
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Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with water.
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Wipe off the remaining detergent using a cloth soaked in clean water and wrung out well.
Active Driving Display Maintenance
The dust-proof sheet has a coating. When cleaning, do not use a hard or rough-surface cloth, or cleaning detergent. In addition, if a chemical solvent gets on the active driving display, wipe it off immediately. The dust-proof sheet could be damaged and the surface coating could be scratched. Use a fine, soft cloth such as those used for cleaning eyeglasses.
Panel Maintenance
If a panel becomes soiled, wipe it off with a soft cloth soaked in clean water and thoroughly wrung out.
If some areas require further cleaning, use the following procedure:
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Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent (approx. 5 %) diluted with water.
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Wipe off the remaining detergent using a cloth soaked in clean water and wrung out well.
Be particularly careful when cleaning shiny surface panels and metallic parts such as plating as they can be scratched easily.
Cleaning the Window Interiors
If the windows become covered with an oily, greasy, or waxy film, clean them with glass cleaner. Follow the directions on the container.
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Do not scrape or scratch the inside of the window glass. It could damage the thermal filaments and the aerial lines.
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When washing the inside of the window glass, use a soft cloth dampened in lukewarm water, gently wiping the thermal filaments and the aerial lines.
Use of glass cleaning products could damage the thermal filaments and the aerial lines.
