Mazda 2004 Miata MX-5 Owner's Manual page 262

MX-5 Miata_8T72-EA-04G_Edition1 Page262
Wednesday, June 9 2004 3:6 PM
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
qConvertible Top Maintenance
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.
Washing
Don't wait until the 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 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.
CAUTION
Automatic and high-pressure car
l
washes are harmful to a convertible
top. Avoid them.
Don't spray water directly on the
l
area where the window glass and the
top meet. This would probably cause
water to enter the cabin.
í
8-46
Some models.
Form No.8T72-EA-04G
Black plate (262,1)
Appearance(Polyvinyl only)
Dress the top once a month after washing
and drying it well. For best results, use a
water-based leather treatment or vinyl top
dressing. This will help maintain good
appearance and material condition of the
top.
CAUTION
Some leather treatment products can
l
ruin the top's gloss. Be careful of the
one you choose.
Test on an inconspicuous, small
l
corner of the top if you are not sure.
Don't get any car wax on the top.
l
If you do, remove it with a good
leather cleaner.
Too much treatment on the top can
l
be as damaging as too little. Follow
the manufacturer's directions.
Don't overdo it!
Let the top dry completely before
l
lowering after applying treatment or
dressing.
qDetachable Hardtop
í
Maintenance
Washing
To help protect the 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.