Mazda MX-5 Owner's Manual page 341

MX-5_8V80-EA-06F_Edition1 Page340
Monday, June 12 2006 12:58 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
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
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scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.
Scratches are more noticeable on
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vehicles with darker paint finishes.
8-54
Form No.8V80-EA-06F
Black plate (340,1)
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.
Don't use abrasive cleansers or wax
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that contain abrasives.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive
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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.
To prevent damaging the antenna,
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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.