Appearance Care

Washing

 

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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:

  • If the windscreen above the rain sensor is touched or wiped with a cloth.

  • 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.

• Do not spray water in the engine compartment. Otherwise, it could result in engine-starting problems or damage to electrical parts.

• When washing and waxing the vehicle, be careful not to apply excessive force to any single area of the vehicle bonnet. Otherwise, you could dent the vehicle.

• Do not use automatic car washing machines and car washing devices using high water pressure.

• 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.

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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.

 

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

• Scratches are more noticeable on vehicles with darker paint finishes.

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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.

• 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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.

   Wax containing abrasives will remove paints and could damage bright metal parts.

2. Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colours.

3. When waxing, coat evenly with the sponge supplied or a soft cloth.

4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.

 

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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.

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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:

1. Remove rust completely with sandpaper.

2. Wipe with a clean soft cloth.

3. Apply rust preventive primer to the area.

4. 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).

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.

• Use tar remover to remove road tar and insects. Never do this with a knife or similar tool.

• To prevent corrosion on bright-metal surfaces, apply wax or chrome preservative and rub it to a high lustre.

• 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.

 

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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 result in damage to the protective coating and cause discolouration or paint deterioration.

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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.

A protective coating is provided over the aluminium wheels. Special care is needed to protect this coating.

 

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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.

• 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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The convertible top is made of a special high-grade material, but if it's not taken good care of, hardening, staining, and loss of lustre will result. Maintain it under these guidelines.

Washing

Do not wait until the convertible top gets really dirty before cleaning it. Dirt that's there too long will cause deterioration.

1. Before washing, remove dust and coarse particulate with a soft brush.

2. Gently clean the convertible top with a synthetic neutral detergent, lots of water, and a soft brush.

3. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all the soap.

4. Wipe it as dry as you can before the water dries on it.

5. Then allow it to dry completely before lowering it.

 

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• Automatic and high-pressure car washes are harmful to a convertible top. Avoid them.

• Do not spray water directly on the area where the window glass and the convertible top meet. This would probably cause water to enter the cabin.

• Do not spray water directly on the seam area of the body and the convertible top as it could result in water penetrating the cabin and boot.

  

• Some leather treatment products can ruin the convertible top's gloss. Be careful of the one you choose.

• Test on an inconspicuous, small corner of the convertible top if you are not sure.

• Do not wipe the convertible top using alcohol, chlorine bleach, or organic solvents such as thinner, benzene, or petrol. Otherwise, they may cause discolouration or stains.

• Do not get any car wax on the convertible top.

  If you do, remove it with a good leather cleaner or mild detergent (about 5% solution).

• Too much treatment on the convertible top can be as damaging as too little. Follow the manufacturer's directions.

  Do not overdo it!

• Let the convertible top dry completely before lowering after applying treatment or dressing.

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Drain filter cleaning procedure

 

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If leaves or other matter block the drain filter, water may enter the vehicle.

Clean the drain filter at least once a year.

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1. Check the position of the drain filter A with your hand from behind the bow.

   

2. Remove the drain filter A while pressing the tab.

   

3. Remove drain filter B out of the opening after removing drain filter A.

   

4. Remove foreign matter such as leaves accumulated in drain filter A and drain filter B.

5. Install in the reverse order of removal.

 

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When installing the drain filter, make sure that the drain filter is securely attached to its designated position by pushing it until the tab locks. Water may enter the vehicle if the drain filter is not secured to its designated position.

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Washing

To help protect the retractable hardtop's finish, use a soft cloth or sponge to wash it.

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

 

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• Do not use an automatic car wash.

• Do not spray water directly on the area where the window glass and the retractable hardtop meet. This would probably cause water to enter the cabin.

• Do not use strong soap, chemical detergents, or hot water, and do not wash the retractable hardtop in direct sunlight or when the surface is warm.

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Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow soap to dry on the finish.

Waxing

Wax the retractable hardtop when water no longer beads on the paint. Always wash and dry it before waxing.

 

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• Wiping off dust or dirt with a dry cloth will scratch the finish.

• Do not use abrasive wax. This may damage the protective coating and discolour or deteriorate the paint.

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A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar materials will usually also take off the wax. Rewax these areas.

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Drainage outlet cleaning procedure

There are drainage outlets on the left and right of the lower side of the rear window.

 

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If leaves or other foreign matter block the drainage outlets, water may enter the cabin. Clean the drainage outlets at least once every 6 months.

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1. Continue pressing the retractable hardtop switch in the open direction until the rear roof is raised up from the fully closed position.

   Refer to Opening the Roof (Search).

   

2. Remove your finger from the retractable hardtop switch after the rear roof is raised up.

3. Make sure the drainage outlets are visible.

    

   

4. Switch the ignition OFF.

    

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   Verify that the ignition is switched off:

   Closing the roof with the ignition not switched off is dangerous as the motors could turn on suddenly and cause injury resulting from hands or fingers being pinched in the mechanism.

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5. Remove leaves and other foreign matter accumulated in the drainage outlet.

    

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   When cleaning the drainage outlets, be careful not to touch the roof links or the framework of the rear roof. Otherwise, you could get injured.

   

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6. After cleaning the drainage outlets, continuously press the retractable hardtop switch in the close direction to close the rear roof.

   Refer to Closing the Roof (Search).

    

   

7. Pour about 200 ml (200 cc) of water at once into each of the left and right drainage outlets to wash away small particles of foreign matter inside the drainage path.

    

   

    

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   Use washer fluid instead of water in cold weather.

   If water is used, the water may freeze inside the drainage path blocking the path.

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• When cleaning the plastic lenses of the lights, do not use petrol, paraffin, rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline detergents. Otherwise, these chemical agents can discolour or damage the surfaces resulting in a significant loss in functionality. If plastic parts become inadvertently exposed to any of these chemical agents, flush with water immediately.

• If plastic parts such as the bumpers become inadvertently exposed to chemical agents or fluids such as petrol, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid, it could cause discolouration, staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any such chemical agents or fluids using a soft cloth immediately.

• High water temperature and high water pressure car washers are available depending on the type of high pressure car washer device. If the car washer nozzle is put too close to the vehicle or aimed at one area for an extended period of time, it could deform plastic parts or damage the paint.

• Do not use wax containing compounds (polish). Otherwise, it could result in paint damage.

• In addition, do not use an electrical or air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the frictional heat generated could result in deformation of plastic parts or paint damage.