Get Maintenance and Care -> Exterior Care Guide for Mazda Mx-5 SUV Fourth Generation (2016-2026)

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 color 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 color 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 finish. 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 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 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.

Prevention

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.

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 1 to 2

hours. After removing the newspaper,

rinse off the loosened debris with water.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care



Water Marks

Occurrence

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 finish.

Follow all label and container directions

when using a chemical cleaner or polish.

Read all warnings and cautions.

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.

Maintaining the Finish

▼

Washing

CAUTION

Paint Chipping

Occurrence

When the wiper lever is in the AUTO

position and the ignition is switched ON,

the wipers may move automatically in

the following cases:

Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown

in the air by another vehicle's tires hits

your vehicle.

If the windshield above the rain sensor

is touched or wiped with a cloth.

If the windshield is struck with a hand

or other object from either outside or

inside the 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.

Keep hands and scrapers clear of the

windshield when the wiper lever is in the

AUTO position and the ignition is

NOTE

switched ON as ꢀngers could be pinched

or the wipers and wiper blades damaged

when the wipers activate automatically.

If you are going to clean the windshield,

be sure the wipers are turned oꢁ



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).



In low temperatures a vehicle's finish

completely (when it is most likely that the

engine is left running) this is particularly

important when clearing ice and snow.

hardens. This increases the chance of

paint chipping.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

NOTE

Do not spray water in the engine

compartment. Otherwise, it could result

in engine-starting problems or damage

to electrical parts.



Mazda is not responsible for scratches

caused by automatic car washes or

improper washing.

Scratches are more noticeable on

vehicles with darker paint finishes.

When washing and waxing the vehicle,

be careful not to apply excessive force to

any single area of the vehicle hood.

Otherwise, you could dent the vehicle.

Do not use automatic car washing

machines and car washing devices using

high water pressure.



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

Make sure that the fuel-ꢀller lid is closed

and lock the doors. Otherwise, the

fuel-ꢀller lid may be forcefully opened by

water pressure causing damage to the

vehicle or fuel-ꢀller lid.



and a soft cloth when washing the

vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.

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.



Take your vehicle only to a car wash

that keeps its brushes well maintained.

Do not 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.

CAUTION

Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,

or strong detergents containing highly

alkaline or caustic agents on

Scratches occur on the paint surface when:

chrome-plated or anodized aluminum

parts. This may damage the protective

coating; also, cleaners and detergents

may discolor or deteriorate the paint.



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.



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.



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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

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.

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.

Thoroughly rinse off all soap with

lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow

soap to dry on the finish.

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 colors.

3. When waxing, coat evenly with the

sponge supplied or a soft cloth.

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.

WARNING

NOTE

Dry oꢀ 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:

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.

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

aꢁected.

Repairing Damage to the Finish

▼

Deep scratches or chips on the finish

should be repaired promptly. Exposed

metal quickly rusts and can lead to major

repairs.

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.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Bright-Metal Maintenance

Underbody Maintenance

▼



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 luster.

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.

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.



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.

CAUTION

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.

Do not 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.

The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,

and frame members have drain holes that

should not be clogged. Water trapped there

will cause rusting.

WARNING

Dry oꢀ 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

aꢁected.

6-61

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Aluminum Wheel Maintenance

Convertible Top (Soft Top)

Maintenance

▼

A protective coating is provided over the

aluminum wheels. Special care is needed

to protect this coating.

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 luster will result. Maintain it under

these guidelines.

CAUTION

Do not use any detergent other than mild

detergent. Before using any detergent,

verify the ingredients. Otherwise, the

product could discolor or stain the

aluminum wheels.

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.

NOTE



Do not use a wire brush or any abrasive

cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent

on aluminum 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.

5. Then allow it to dry completely before

lowering it.

CAUTION

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.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

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 trunk.

Drain filter cleaning procedure

Drain filterA

Drain filterB

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

gasoline. Otherwise, they may cause

discoloration or stains.

NOTE

If leaves or other matter block the drain

filter, water may enter the vehicle.

Clean the drain filter at least once a year.

Do not get any car wax on the

convertible top.

1. Check the position of the drain filter A

with your hand from behind the bow.

If you do, remove it with a good leather

cleaner or mild detergent (about 5%

solution).

Bow

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.

Drain filterA

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

2. Remove the drain filter A while

pressing the tab.

Convertible Top (Retractable

Hardtop) Maintenance

▼

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.

3. Remove drain filter B out of the

opening after removing drain filter A.

CAUTION

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.

4. Remove foreign matter such as leaves

accumulated in drain filter A and drain

filter B.

Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm or cold

water. Do not allow soap to dry on the

finish.

5. Install in the reverse order of removal.

Waxing

CAUTION

Wax the retractable hardtop when water no

longer beads on the paint. Always wash

and dry it before waxing.

When installing the drain ꢀlter, make sure

that the drain ꢀlter is securely attached to

its designated position by pushing it until

the tab locks. Water may enter the vehicle if

the drain ꢀlter is not secured to its

designated position.

CAUTION

Wiping oꢁ dust or dirt with a dry cloth

will scratch the ꢀnish.

Do not use abrasive wax. This may

damage the protective coating and

discolor or deteriorate the paint.

6-64

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

NOTE

2. Remove your finger from the

A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and

similar materials will usually also take off

the wax. Rewax these areas.

retractable hardtop switch after the rear

roof is raised up.

3. Make sure the drainage outlets are

visible.

Drainage outlet cleaning procedure

There are drainage outlets on the left and

right of the lower side of the rear window.

Drainage

outlet

Rear roof

Rear window

Drainage

outlet

Rear roof links

4. Switch the ignition OFF.

WARNING

NOTE

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.

Verify that the ignition is switched oꢀ:

Closing the roof with the ignition not

switched oꢁ is dangerous as the motors

could turn on suddenly and cause

injury resulting from hands or ꢀngers

being pinched in the mechanism.

5. Remove leaves and other foreign

matter accumulated in the drainage

outlet.

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 on page

3-44.

6-65

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

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.

CAUTION

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.

Rear roof

Roof links

CAUTION

6. After cleaning the drainage outlets,

continuously press the retractable

hardtop switch in the close direction to

close the rear roof.

Use washer ꢂuid instead of water in

cold weather.

If water is used, the water may freeze

inside the drainage path blocking the

path.

Refer to Closing the Roof on page

3-44.

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Maintenance and Care -> Exterior Care for Your Mazda Mx-5 SUV Fourth Generation (2016-2026)

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