Get Maintenance and Care -> Appearance Care Guide for Mazda 3 4 Door First Generation (2004-2009)

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

qDamage Caused by Bird

Dropping, Insects, or Tree Sap

How to Minimize

Environmental Paint

Damage

Occurrence

Bird droppings contain acids. If these

aren't removed they can eat away the clear

and color base coat of the vehicle's

paintwork.

The paintwork on your Mazda represents

the latest technical developments in

composition and methods of application.

When insects stick to the paint surface

and decompose, corrosive compounds

form. These can erode the clear and color

base coat of the vehicle's paintwork if

they are not removed.

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.

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.

qEtching Caused by Acid Rain or

Industrial Fallout

Prevention

Occurrence

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.

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.

Bird droppings can be removed with a

soft sponge and water. If you are traveling

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.

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.

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.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

qWater Marks

NOTE

Occurrence

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The paint chipping zone varies with

the speed of the vehicle. For

example, when traveling at 90 km/h

(56 mph), the paint chipping zone is

50 m (164 ft).

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.

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In low temperatures a vehicle's finish

hardens. This increases the chance of

paint chipping.

Prevention

l

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.

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.

qPaint Chipping

Occurrence

Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown

in the air by another vehicle's tires 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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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Scratches occur on the paint surface

when:

Exterior Care

Follow all label and container directions

when using a chemical cleaner or polish.

Read all warnings and cautions.

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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.

qMaintaining the Finish

Washing

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The vehicle is washed at a car wash

that uses brushes that are dirty or too

stiff.

CAUTION

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Cleansers or wax containing abrasives

are used.

When the wiper lever is in the AUTO

position and the ignition switch is in the

ON position, the wipers may move

automatically in the following cases:

NOTE

l

If the windshield above the rain

sensor is touched.

Mazda is not responsible for

scratches caused by automatic car

washes or improper washing.

l

If the windshield above the rain

sensor is wiped with a cloth.

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Scratches are more noticeable on

vehicles with darker paint finishes.

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If the windshield is struck with a

hand or other object.

To minimize scratches on the vehicle's

paint finish:

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If the rain sensor is struck with a

hand or other object from inside the

vehicle.

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Rinse off any dirt or other foreign

matter using lukewarm or cold water

before washing.

Be careful not to pinch hands or fingers

as it may cause injury, or damage the

wipers. When washing or servicing

your Mazda, make sure the wiper lever

is in the OFF position.

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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.

l

Rub gently when washing or drying the

vehicle.

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.

l

Take your vehicle only to a car wash

that keeps its brushes well maintained.

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Don't use abrasive cleansers or wax

that contain abrasives.

If the vehicle is washed improperly, the

paint surface could be scratched. Here are

some examples of how scratching could

occur.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

CAUTION

WARNING

l

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.

Driving with Wet Brakes:

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.

Dry the brakes by driving very slowly

and applying the brakes lightly until

brake performance is normal.

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To prevent damaging the antenna,

remove it before entering a car wash

facility or passing beneath a low

overhead clearance.

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 luster.

Pay special attention to removing salt,

dirt, mud, and other foreign material from

the underside of the fenders, and make

sure the drain holes in the lower edges of

the doors and rocker panels are clean.

1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.

Waxes containing abrasive will remove

paint and could damage bright metal

parts.

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.

2. Use a good grade of natural wax for

metallic, mica, and solid colors.

3. When waxing, coat evenly with the

sponge supplied or a soft cloth.

Thoroughly rinse off all soap with

lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap

to dry on the finish.

4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.

After washing the vehicle, dry it with a

clean chamois to prevent water spots from

forming.

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 doesn't need it.

8-57

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

qRepairing Damage to the Finish

qUnderbody Maintenance

Deep scratches or chips on the finish

should be repaired promptly. Exposed

metal quickly rusts and can lead to major

repairs.

Road chemicals and salt used for ice and

snow removal and solvents used for dust

control may collect on the underbody. If

not removed, they will speed up rusting

and deterioration of such underbody parts

as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust

system, even though these parts may be

coated with anti-corrosive material.

CAUTION

If your Mazda is damaged and needs

metal parts repaired or replaced, make

sure the body shop applies anti-

corrosion materials to all parts, both

repaired and new. This will prevent

them from rusting.

Thoroughly flush the underbody and

wheel housings with lukewarm or cold

water at the end of each winter. Try also

to do this every month.

Pay special attention to these areas

because they easily hide mud and dirt. It

will do more harm than good to wet

down the road grime without removing

it.

qBright-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 luster.

The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,

and frame members have drain holes that

should not be clogged. Water trapped

there will cause rusting.

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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.

WARNING

Driving with Wet Brakes:

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.

Dry the brakes by driving very slowly

and applying the brakes lightly until

brake performance is normal.

CAUTION

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 result in damage to the

protective coating and cause

discoloration or paint deterioration.

8-58

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

qAluminum Wheel Maintenance

Interior Care

A protective coating is provided over the

aluminum wheels. Special care is needed

to protect this coating.

qDashboard Precautions

Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume

and cosmetic oils from contacting the

dashboard. They'll damage and discolor it.

If these solutions get on the dashboard,

wipe them off immediately.

NOTE

l

Don't use a wire brush or any

abrasive cleaner, polishing

compound, or solvent on aluminum

wheels. They may damage the

coating.

CAUTION

Do not use glazing agents.

l

Only use a mild soap or neutral

Glazing agents contain ingredients

which may cause discoloration,

wrinkling, cracks and peeling.

detergent and always use a sponge or

soft cloth to clean the wheels.

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or

cold water. Also, be sure to clean the

wheels after driving on dusty or

salted roads. This helps prevent

corrosion.

qCleaning the Upholstery and

Interior Trim

Vinyl

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Avoid washing your vehicle in an

automatic car wash that uses high-

speed or hard brushes.

Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl

with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.

Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl

cleaner.

l

If your aluminum wheels lose luster,

wax the wheels.

Leather^í

Real leather isn't uniform and may have

scars, scratches, and wrinkles. Clean it

with a leather cleaner or mild soap.

Wipe it with a damp soft cloth; then dry

and buff it with a dry soft cloth.

Fabric

Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric

with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.

Clean it with a mild soap solution good

for upholstery and carpets. Remove fresh

spots immediately with a fabric spot

cleaner.

^íSome models.

8-59

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

To keep the fabric looking clean and

fresh, take care of it. Otherwise its color

will be affected, it can be stained easily,

and its fire-resistance may be reduced.

WARNING

Damaged Seat Belt:

Using damaged seat belts is

dangerous. In a collision, damaged

belts cannot provide adequate

protection. Have an Authorized Mazda

Dealer replace damaged belts

immediately.

CAUTION

Use only recommended cleaners and

procedures. Others may affect

appearance and fire-resistance.

Piano black panel^í

qCleaning the Window Interiors

The following parts are fitted with panels

that have been treated with a special

coating that resists scratching.

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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Instrument panel side garnish

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Steering wheel (partial)

CAUTION

When the panel needs to be cleaned, use a

soft cloth to wipe off dirt from the surface.

Don't scrape or scratch the inside of the

rear window. You may damage the rear

window defroster grid.

NOTE

Scratches or nicks on the panels

resulting from the use of a hard brush or

cloth may not be repairable.

qCleaning the Lap/Shoulder Belt

Webbing

Clean the webbing with a mild soap

solution recommended for upholstery or

carpets. Follow instructions. Don't bleach

or dye the webbing; this may weaken it.

After cleaning the belts, thoroughly dry

the belt webbing and make sure there is

no remaining moisture before retracting

them.

8-60

^íSome models.

Maintenance and Care -> Appearance Care for Your Mazda 3 4 Door First Generation (2004-2009)

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