MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2003 Owners Manual

8-43
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Follow all
label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.

Maintaining the Finish
Wa s h i n g
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
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. To minimize scratches on the vehicle’
s
paint finish:
• 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.
• Don
’t use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
Exterior Care
NOTE
• Mazda is not responsible for
scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.
• Scratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes.
•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.
• To prevent damaging the antenna,
retract it before entering a car wash
facility or passing beneath a low
overhead clearance.
CAUTION
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8-44
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
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.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming. Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.

Repairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance is
normal.
WARNING
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas even if
the rest of the vehicle doesn
’t need it.
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced, make
sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.
CAUTION
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8-45
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Bright-Metal Maintenance
• Use tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
• To prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
• During cold weather or in coastal
areas, cover bright-metal parts with a
coating of wax or preservative heavier
than usual. It would also help to coat
them with noncorrosive petroleum jelly
or some other protective compound.


Underbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also to
do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
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 result in
damage to the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.
CAUTION
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance is
normal.
WARNING
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8-46
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.

Convertible 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.
Wa s h i n g
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.
NOTE
•Don
’t use a wire brush or any
abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.
• Only use a mild soap or neutral
detergent and always use a sponge
or soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean
the wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.
• Avoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
• If your aluminum wheels lose
luster, wax the wheels.
•Automatic and high-pressure car
washes are harmful to a convertible
top. Avoid them.
• Don
’t spray water directly on the
area where the window glass and
the top meet. This would probably
cause water to enter the cabin.
CAUTION
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8-47
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
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.

Detachable Hardtop
Maintenance
Wa s h i n g
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. Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm or cold
water. Don
’t allow soap to dry on the
finish.
Wa x i n g
Wax the hardtop when water no longer
beads on the paint. Always wash and dry
it before waxing.
•
Some leather treatment products
can ruin the top
’s gloss. Be careful
of the one you choose.
• Test on an inconspicuous, small
corner of the top if you are not sure.
• Don
’t get any car wax on the top.
If you do, remove it with a good
leather cleaner.
• Too much treatment on the top can
be as damaging as too little. Follow
the manufacturer
’s directions.
Don ’t overdo it!
• Let the top dry completely before
lowering after applying treatment or
dressing.
CAUTION
•Don
’t use an automatic car wash.
• Don
’t use strong soap, chemical
detergents, or hot water, and don ’t
wash the hardtop in direct sunlight
or when the surface is warm.
• Wiping off dust or dirt with a dry
cloth will scratch the finish.
• Don
’t use abrasive wax. This may
damage the protective coating and
discolor or deteriorate the paint.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas.
CAUTION
CAUTION
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8-48
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Dashboard Precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume
and cosmetic oils from contacting the
dashboard. They
’ll damage and discolor
it. If these solutions get on the dashboard,
wipe them off immediately.

Cleaning the Upholstery and
Interior Trim
Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.
Leather
Real leather isn
’t uniform and may have
scars, scratches, and wrinkles. Clean it
with a leather cleaner or mild soap.
If the leather gets wet from rain, remove
the moisture as soon as possible and dry
in a shaded area.
If the seats get wet, promptly remove
moisture with a dry cloth and allow it to
further dry in a shaded area.
If moisture is not removed, it will cause
hardening and shrinkage of the leather.
Do not leave vinyl products on the seats
for long periods as they may affect the
leather quality and coloring. Fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean it with a mild soap solution good
for upholstery and carpets. Remove fresh
spots immediately with a fabric spot
cleaner.
To keep the fabric looking clean and
fresh, take care of it. Otherwise its color
will be affected, it can be stained easily,
and its fire-resistance may be reduced.


Cleaning the Lap/Shoulder Belt
We b b i n g
Clean the webbing with a mild soap
solution recommended for upholstery or
carpets. Follow instructions. Don
’t bleach
or dye the webbing; this may weaken it.
After cleaning the belts, thoroughly dry
the belt webbing and make sure there is
no remaining moisture before retracting
them.
Interior Care
Do not use glazing agents.
Glazing agents contain ingredients
which may cause discoloration,
wrinkling, cracks and peeling.
CAUTION
Use only recommended cleaners and
procedures. Others may affect
appearance and fire-resistance.
Damaged Seat Belt:
Using damaged seat belts is
dangerous. In a collision, damaged
belts cannot provide adequate
protection. Have your Authorized
Mazda Dealer replace damaged belts
immediately.
CAUTION
WARNING
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8-49
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Cleaning the Window Interiors
If the windows become covered with an
oily, greasy, or waxy film, clean them with
glass cleaner. Follow the directions on the
container.
Don ’t scrape or scratch the inside of
the rear window. You may damage the
rear window defroster grid.
CAUTION
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8-50
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
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9-1
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
9
Customer Information and Reporting
Safety Defects
Important consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.
Customer Assistance ................................................................... 9- 2
Customer Assistance (U.S.A.) ................................................. 9- 2
Customer Assistance (Canada) ................................................ 9- 3
Customer Assistance (Puerto Rico) ......................................... 9- 6
Mazda Importer/Distributors .................................................... 9- 7
Importer/Distributor ................................................................ 9- 7
Distributor in Each Area .......................................................... 9- 7
Warranty ...................................................................................... 9- 8
Warranties for Your Mazda ...................................................... 9- 8
Outside the United States and Canada .................................... 9- 9
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and Accessories ......................... 9-10
Cell Phones ................................................................................... 9-11
Cell Phones Warning ............................................................... 9-11
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) .................... 9-12
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) ................... 9-12
Reporting Safety Defects ............................................................ 9-14
Reporting Safety Defects ......................................................... 9-14
Service Publications .................................................................... 9-15
Service Publications ................................................................ 9-15
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9-2
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Customer Assistance
Your complete and permanent satisfaction is our business. We are here to serve you. All
Authorized Mazda Dealers have the knowledge and the tools to keep your Mazda vehicle
in top condition.
If you have any questions or recommendations for improvement regarding the service of
your Mazda vehicle or servicing by Mazda Dealer personnel, we recommend that you take
the following steps:

STEP 1: Contact Your Mazda Dealer
Discuss the matter with an Authorized Mazda Dealer. This is the quickest and best way to
address the issue. If your concern has not been resolved by the CUSTOMER RELATIONS,
SALES, SERVICE, or PARTS MANAGER, then please contact the GENERAL
MANAGER of the dealership or the OWNER.

STEP 2: Call the Mazda National Customer Assistance Center #800
If for any reason you feel the need for further assistance after contacting your dealership
management, call Mazda North American Operations
’ Customer Assistance Center toll-
free at: 1 (800) 222-5500.
In order to serve you efficiently and effectively, please help us by providing the following
information:
1. Your name, address, and telephone number
2. Year and model of vehicle
3. Vehicle Identification Number (17 digits, noted on your registration or title or located on the upper driver ’s side corner of the dash)
4. Purchase date and current mileage
5. Your dealer ’s name and location
6. Your question(s)
If you would like to write a letter, please address it to the following:
Attn: Customer Assistance
Mazda North American Operations
7755 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618-2922
P.O. Box 19734
Irvine, CA 92623-9734
This way, we can be sure to respond to you as efficiently as possible. That is our goal.
If you live outside the U.S.A., please contact your nearest Mazda Distributor.
Customer Assistance (U.S.A.)
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