Get Maintenance and Care -> Appearance Care Guide for Mazda 2 SUV First Generation (2002-2007)

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Damage Caused by Bird Dropping,

Insects, or Tree Sap

Exterior Care

The paintwork on your Mazda represents

the latest technical developments in

composition and methods of application.

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.

Environmental hazards, however, can

harm the paint's protective properties, if

proper care is not taken.

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.

Here are some examples of possible

damage, with tips on how to prevent them.

Etching Caused by Acid Rain or

Industrial Fallout

Occurrence

Tree sap will harden and adhere

permanently to the paint ¿nish. If you

scratch the sap off while it is hard, some

vehicle paint could come off with it.

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 ¿nish. As the water evaporates,

the acid becomes concentrated and can

damage the ¿nish.

And the longer the acid remains on the

surface, the greater the chance is for

damage.

Prevention

It is necessary to have your Mazda washed

and waxed to preserve its ¿nish according

to the instructions in this section. This

should be done as soon as possible.

Prevention

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.

It is necessary to wash and wax your

vehicle to preserve its ¿nish 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 ¿nish.

Another method is to cover the affected

area with dampened newspaper for one to

two hours. After removing the newspaper,

rinse off the loosened debris with water.

6

–67

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Water Marks

Occurrence

NOTE

ꢀ ꢀ

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).

In low temperatures a vehicle's ¿nish

hardens. This increases the chance of

paint chipping.

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.

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 ¿nish.

ꢀ ꢀ

Prevention

It is necessary to wash and wax your

vehicle to preserve its ¿nish according to

the instructions in this section. These steps

should be taken immediately after you ¿nd

water marks on your vehicle's ¿nish.

Paint Chipping

Occurrence

Follow all label and container directions

when using a chemical cleaner or polish.

Read all warnings and cautions.

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 Àying

gravel.

6

–68

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

To help protect the ¿nish from rust

Maintaining the Finish

W a s h i n g

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.

CAUTION

ꢀ ꢀ

When the wiper lever is in the

position and the ignition is switched

ON, the wipers may move

Scratches occur on the paint surface when:

automatically in the following cases:

ꢀ ꢀ

The vehicle is washed without ¿rst

ꢀ ꢀ

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.

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.

ꢀ ꢀ

ꢀ

Keep hands and scrapers clear of the

windscreen when the wiper lever is

in the

position and the ignition

NOTE

is switched ON as ¿ngers could be

pinched or the wipers and wiper

blades damaged when the wipers

activate automatically.

ꢀ ꢀ

Mazda is not responsible for

scratches caused by automatic car

washes or improper washing.

Scratches are more noticeable on

vehicles with darker paint ¿nishes.

ꢀ ꢀ

ꢀ

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.

To minimize scratches on the vehicle's

paint ¿nish:

ꢀ ꢀ

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 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 roof or the aerial.

Otherwise, you could dent the

vehicle or damage the aerial.

ꢀ ꢀ

Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax

that contain abrasives.

6

–69

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

CAUTION

WARNING

ꢀ ꢀ

Do not use steel wool, abrasive

cleaners, or strong detergents

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.

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.

ꢀ ꢀ

ꢀ

(With detachable aerial)

To prevent damaging the aerial,

remove it before entering a car wash

facility or passing beneath a low

overhead clearance.

When using an automatic car wash

ꢀ ꢀ

Retract the door mirrors.

The automatic car wash brushes could

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.

ꢀ ꢀ

reduce the paint lustre or hasten paint

deterioration.

When using a high water pressure car

wash

Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,

industrial fallout, and similar deposits

can damage the ¿nish if not removed

immediately. When prompt washing with

plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap

made for use on vehicles.

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 suf¿cient 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.

Thoroughly rinse off all soap with

lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow

soap to dry on the ¿nish.

After washing the vehicle, dry it with a

clean chamois to prevent water spots from

forming.

6

–70

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Waxing

Paint Damage Touch-up

Your vehicle needs to be waxed when

water no longer beads on the ¿nish.

Always wash and dry the vehicle before

waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,

wax the metal trim to maintain its lustre.

Repair damage to the ¿nish 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. Use wax which contains no abrasives.

Waxes containing abrasive will remove

paint and could damage bright metal

parts.

1. Remove rust completely with

sandpaper.

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.

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.

NOTE

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.

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.

We recommend that you consult an expert

repairer, we recommend an Authorised

Mazda Repairer concerning this additional

precaution.

6

–71

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Bright-Metal Maintenance

Aluminium Wheel Maintenance^*

ꢀ ꢀ

Use tar remover to remove road tar and

insects. Never do this with a knife or

similar tool.

A protective coating is provided over the

aluminium wheels. Special care is needed

to protect this coating.

ꢀ ꢀ

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.

CAUTION

ꢀ ꢀ

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.

CAUTION

NOTE

ꢀ ꢀ

Do not use a wire brush or any

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.

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.

Avoid washing your vehicle in an

automatic car wash that uses high-

speed or hard brushes.

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.

ꢀ ꢀ

(16-inch wheel vehicle)

If your aluminium wheels lose

ꢀ

lustre, apply wax which contains no

polishing powder.

An expert repairer, we recommend an

Authorised Mazda Repairer are well

informed on how repairs should be made.

Consult an expert repairer, we recommend

an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

*Some models.

6

–72

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Plastic Part Maintenance

Interior Care

ꢀ ꢀ

When cleaning the plastic lenses of

the lights, do not use petrol, paraf¿n,

recti¿ed spirit, paint, thinner, highly

acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline

detergents. Otherwise, these chemical

agents can discolour or damage the

surfaces resulting in a signi¿cant loss

in functionality. If plastic parts become

inadvertently exposed to any of these

chemical agents, Àush with water

immediately.

WARNING

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

¿re.

ꢀ ꢀ

If plastic parts such as the bumpers

become inadvertently exposed to

chemical agents or Àuids such as petrol,

oil, engine coolant, or battery Àuid, it

could cause discolouration, staining,

or paint peeling. Wipe off any such

chemical agents or Àuids 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.

NOTE

ꢀ ꢀ

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.

ꢀ ꢀ

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.

ꢀ ꢀ

Beverage or fragrance

Grease or oil

Soiling

ꢀ ꢀ

6

–73

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Seat Belt Maintenance

Vinyl Upholstery Maintenance

1. Clean the soiled area by lightly dabbing

it with a soft cloth soaked in a mild

detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with

water.

2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.

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 Maintenance

1. Clean the soiled area by lightly dabbing

it with a soft cloth soaked in a mild

detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with

water.

2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.

3. 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.

WARNING

If a seat belt appears frayed or has

abrasions, have it replaced by an

Authorised Mazda Repairer:

If a seat belts is used under such a

condition, it cannot function at its full

capacity which could result in serious

injury or death.

Leather Upholstery Maintenance^*

1. Remove dust and sand using a vacuum

cleaner.

2. 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.

3. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.

4. 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.

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.

NOTE

Clean seat belts diligently if they get

dirty. Leaving them uncleaned will make

it dif¿cult to clean them later, and it may

affect the smooth retracting of the seat

belt.

*Some models.

6

–74

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Plastic Part Maintenance

NOTE

ꢀ ꢀ

Because genuine leather is a natural

CAUTION

material, its surface is not uniform

and it may have natural scars,

scratches, and wrinkles.

Do not use polishing agents.

ꢀ ꢀ

ꢀ

Depending on the product ingredients,

they could cause discolouration, stains,

cracks or peeling of the coating.

To maintain the quality for as long

as possible, periodical maintenance,

about twice a year, is recommended.

If the leather upholstery comes into

contact with any of the following,

clean it immediately.

Instrument Panel Top

Maintenance

Leaving it uncleaned could cause

premature wear, mold, or stains.

1. Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth

soaked in a mild detergent (approx.

5%) diluted with water.

2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.

ꢀ ꢀ

Sand or dirt

ꢀ ꢀ

Grease or oil, such as hand cream

Alcohol, such as in cosmetic or

ꢀ ꢀ

hair dressing items

ꢀ ꢀ

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.

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.

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.

Active Driving Display

Maintenance^*

The combiner and mirror surface have

a special coating. When cleaning it, do

not use a hard cloth, a cloth with a rough

surface, or cleaning detergent. Use a ¿ne-

textured, soft cloth.

If a chemical solvent gets on the combiner

or mirror surface, wipe it off immediately.

Otherwise, they could be damaged and the

surface coating could be scratched.

ꢀ ꢀ

*Some models.

6

–75

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

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:

1. Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth

soaked in a mild detergent (approx. 5

%) diluted with water.

2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.

NOTE

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 ¿lm, clean them with

glass cleaner. Follow the directions on the

container.

CAUTION

ꢀ ꢀ

Do not scrape or scratch the inside of

the window glass. It could damage

the thermal ¿laments and the aerial

lines.

ꢀ ꢀ

When washing the inside of the

window glass, use a soft cloth

dampened in lukewarm water, gently

wiping the thermal ¿laments and the

aerial lines.

ꢀ

Use of glass cleaning products could

damage the thermal ¿laments and the

aerial lines.

6

–76

Maintenance and Care -> Appearance Care for Your Mazda 2 SUV First Generation (2002-2007)

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