Exterior Care - Mazda 2009 CX-9 Owner's Manual

CX-9_8Z66-EA-08F_Edition3 Page468
Tuesday, March 31 2009 1:54 PM
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care

Exterior Care

Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
qMaintaining the Finish
Washing
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
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rinsing off dirt and other foreign
matter.
The vehicle is washed with a rough,
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dry, or dirty cloth.
The vehicle is washed at a car wash
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that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
Cleansers or wax containing abrasives
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are used.
NOTE
Mazda is not responsible for scratches
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caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing.
Scratches are more noticeable on vehicles
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with darker paint finishes.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
Rinse off any dirt or other foreign
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matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
8-54
Form No.8Z66-EA-08F
Black plate (468,1)
Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water
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and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
Rub gently when washing or drying the
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vehicle.
Take your vehicle only to a car wash
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that keeps its brushes well maintained.
Don't use abrasive cleansers or wax
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that contain abrasives.
CAUTION
Ø 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.
Ø To prevent damaging the antenna,
remove it before entering a car
wash facility or passing beneath a
low overhead clearance.
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.
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. Don't allow soap
to dry on the finish.