Exterior Care - Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual

RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page376
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:53 AM
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
CAUTION
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:
Ø If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
Ø If the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
Ø If the windshield is struck with a
hand or other object.
Ø If the rain sensor is struck with a
hand or other object from inside
the vehicle.
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.
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.
8-44
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (376,1)
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.
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.
Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax
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that contain abrasives.
CAUTION
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 damage
the protective coating; also, cleaners
and detergents may discolor or
deteriorate the paint.