Scratches Occur On The Paint Surface When; To Minimize Scratches On The Vehicle's Paint Finish - Mazda CX-3 Owner's Manual

Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
To help protect the fi nish 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 fi rst
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.
NOTE
Mazda is not responsible for
scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.
Scratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint fi nishes.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint fi nish:
Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter
using lukewarm or cold water before
washing.
Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
Rub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
Take your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
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CAUTION
Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,
or strong detergents containing highly
alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-
plated or anodised aluminium parts. This
may damage the protective coating; also,
cleaners and detergents may discolour or
deteriorate the paint.
Pay special attention to removing salt, dirt,
mud, and other foreign material from the
underside of the wings, 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 fi nish 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. Do not allow
soap to dry on the fi nish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.