warning MAZDA MX5 MIATA 2017 Owners Manual

6 –60 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care Water Marks
Occurrence
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt and
lime. If moisture containing these minerals
settles on the vehicle and evaporates, the
minerals will concentrate and harden to
form white rings. The rings can damage
your vehicle's finish.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These steps
should be taken immediately after you find
water marks on your vehicle's finish.
Paint Chipping
Occurrence
Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle's tires hits
your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping
Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances
of having your paint chipped by flying
gravel. NOTE ï‚Ÿ
The paint chipping zone varies with the
speed of the vehicle. For example, when
traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph), the paint
chipping zone is 50 m (164 ft). ï‚Ÿ
In low temperatures a vehicle's finish
hardens. This increases the chance of
paint chipping. ï‚Ÿ
Chipped paint can lead to rust forming
on your Mazda. Before this happens,
repair the damage by using Mazda
touch-up paint according to the
instructions in this section. Failure to
repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
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6 –62 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish: ï‚Ÿ
Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter
using lukewarm or cold water before
washing. ï‚Ÿ
Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth. ï‚Ÿ
Rub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle. ï‚Ÿ
Take your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained. ï‚Ÿ
Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax
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.
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. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish. After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING Dry off brakes that have become
wet by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal:
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.
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.
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 does not need it.
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6 –63 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care Repairing Damage to the FinishDeep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION 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.
Bright-Metal Maintenance ï‚Ÿ
Use tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool. ï‚Ÿ
To prevent corrosion on bright-
metal surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster. ï‚Ÿ
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.
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 result in
damage to the protective coating
and cause discoloration or paint
deterioration. 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.
WARNING Dry off brakes that have become
wet by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal:
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.
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6 –67 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care1. Continue pressing the retractable
fastback switch in the open direction
until the rear roof is raised up from the
fully closed position.
Refer to Opening the Roof on page
3 - 45 .
2. Remove your finger from the
retractable fastback switch after the
rear roof is raised up.
3. Make sure the drainage outlets are
visible.

Drainage
outlet
Rear roof links
4. Switch the ignition OFF.
WARNING Verify that the ignition is switched off:
Closing the roof with the ignition
not switched off is dangerous as the
motors could turn on suddenly and
cause injury resulting from hands
or fingers being pinched in the
mechanism. 5. Remove leaves and other foreign
matter accumulated in the drainage
outlet.
CAUTION When cleaning the drainage outlets,
be careful not to touch the roof links
or the framework of the rear roof.
Otherwise, you could get injured.
Roof links Rear roof
6. After cleaning is finished, continue
pressing the retractable fastback switch
in the close direction to close the rear
roof.
Refer to Closing the Roof on page
3 - 45 .

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6 –68 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care Plastic Part Maintenance ï‚Ÿ
When cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents. Otherwise, these chemical
agents can discolor or damage the
surfaces resulting in a significant loss
in functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately. ï‚Ÿ
If plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately. ï‚Ÿ
High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure
car washer device. If the car washer
nozzle is put too close to the vehicle or
aimed at one area for an extended period
of time, it could deform plastic parts or
damage the paint. ï‚Ÿ
Do not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in
paint damage. ï‚Ÿ
In addition, do not use an electrical or
air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the
frictional heat generated could result
in deformation of plastic parts or paint
damage. Interior Care WARNING Do not spray water into the vehicle
cabin:
Spraying water into the vehicle cabin is
dangerous as electrical devices such as
the audio and switches could get wet
resulting in a malfunction or vehicle
fire.
NOTE ï‚Ÿ
Do not wipe the interior using alcohol,
chlorine bleach, or organic solvents
such as thinner, benzene, and gasoline.
Otherwise, it may cause discoloration
or stains. ï‚Ÿ
Rubbing hard with a stiff brush or cloth
may cause damage.
If the vehicle interior becomes soiled
by any of the following, wipe it off
immediately using a soft cloth.
Leaving it uncleaned could cause
discoloration, stains, cracks, or peeling
of the coating, and it will make it hard to
wipe off later. ï‚Ÿ
Beverage or fragrance ï‚Ÿ
Grease or oil ï‚Ÿ
Soiling
Seat Belt Maintenance
1. Clean the soiled area by lightly dabbing
it with a soft cloth soaked in a mild
detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with
water.
2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
3. Before retracting seat belts which have
been pulled out for cleaning, dry them
off thoroughly and make sure there is
no remaining moisture on them.
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6 –69 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
*Some models.WARNING If a seat belt appears frayed or has
abrasions, have it replaced by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer:
If a seat belts is used under such a
condition, it cannot function at its full
capacity which could result in serious
injury or death.
Use a mild detergent to remove soiling
from a seat belt:
If organic solvents are used for
cleaning the seat belts or they
become stained or bleached, there
is the possibility of them becoming
weakened and as a result, they may
not function at their full capacity
which could cause serious injury or
death.
NOTE
Clean seat belts diligently if they get
dirty. Leaving them uncleaned will make
it difficult to clean them later, and it may
affect the smooth retracting of the seat
belt.
Vinyl Upholstery Maintenance
Remove dust and dirt from the vinyl
upholstery using a brush or vacuum.
Remove soiling from vinyl upholstery
using a leather and vinyl upholstery
cleaner. Upholstery Maintenance 1. Clean the soiled area by lightly dabbing
it with a soft cloth soaked in a mild
detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with
water.
2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
NOTE
Rubbing the interior side of the soft top
vigorously with a stiff brush or cloth may
cause damage.
Leather Upholstery Maintenance *
1. Remove dust and sand using a vacuum
cleaner.
2. Wipe off the soiled area with a soft
cloth and a suitable, special cleaner or
a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent
(about 5%) diluted with water.
3. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
4. Remove moisture with a dry, soft cloth
and allow the leather to further dry in
a well-ventilated, shaded area. If the
leather gets wet such as from rain,
remove the moisture and dry it as soon
as possible.
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6 –71 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care Cleaning the Window InteriorsIf the windows become covered with an
oily, greasy, or waxy film, clean them with
glass cleaner. Follow the directions on the
container.
CAUTION 
Do not scrape or scratch the inside of
the window glass. It could damage the
thermal filaments. 
When washing the inside of the window
glass, use a soft cloth dampened in
lukewarm water, gently wiping the
thermal filaments.
Use of glass cleaning products could
damage the thermal filaments.
Cleaning the Floor MatsRubber floor mats should be cleaned with
mild soap and water only.
WARNING Do not use rubber cleaners, such as tire
cleaner or tire shine, when cleaning
rubber floor mats:
Cleaning the rubber floor mats with
rubber cleaning products makes the
floor mats slippery.
This may cause an accident when
depressing the accelerator, brake, or
clutch (Manual transmission) pedal or
when getting in or out of the vehicle.
After removing the floor mats for cleaning,
always reinstall them securely (page
3 - 52 ).
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7 –1 *Some models.7 If Trouble Arises Helpful information on what to do if a problem arises with the vehicle.
Parking in an Emergency ................... 7-2
Parking in an Emergency
............... 7-2
Flat Tire ................................................ 7-3
Tool Storage
................................... 7-3
Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit
..... 7-5
Changing a Tire
............................ 7-16
Battery Runs Out .............................. 7-23
Jump-Starting
............................... 7-23
Emergency Starting .......................... 7-26
Starting a Flooded Engine
............ 7-26
Push-Starting
................................ 7-26
Overheating ....................................... 7-27
Overheating
.................................. 7-27
When Fuel-Filler Lid Cannot be
Opened ............................................... 7-29
When Fuel-Filler Lid Cannot be
Opened
......................................... 7-29
Emergency Towing ............................ 7-30
Towing Description
...................... 7-30
Tiedown Hooks *
........................... 7-31 Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning
Sounds
................................................ 7-33
If a Warning Light Turns On or
Flashes
.......................................... 7-33
Message Indicated in Multi-
information Display *
.................... 7-45
Message Indicated on Display
..... 7-46
Warning Sound is Activated
......... 7-48
When Trunk Lid Cannot be
Opened
............................................... 7-52
When Trunk Lid Cannot be
Opened
......................................... 7-52
When the Roof Cannot be Closed .... 7-57
When the Roof Cannot be
Closed
.......................................... 7-57
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7 –2 If Trouble Arises
Parking in an Emergency
Parking in an Emergency The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.
Depress the hazard warning flasher and
all the turn signals will flash. The hazard
warning indicator lights in the instrument
cluster flash simultaneously.
NOTE ï‚Ÿ
The turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning lights are on. ï‚Ÿ
Check local regulations about the use of
hazard warning lights while the vehicle
is being towed to verify that it is not in
violation of the law.
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7 –6 If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
WARNINGDo not allow children to touch the tire
sealant: 
Ingestion of tire sealant is
dangerous. In the event tire
sealant is accidentally swallowed,
drink large amounts of water
immediately and seek medical
assistance. 
Tire sealant that comes into contact
with the eyes and skin is dangerous.
If tire sealant enters the eyes or
contacts the skin, flush immediately
with large amounts of water and
seek medical assistance.
NOTE ï‚Ÿ
The tire sealant cannot be reused.
Purchase new tire sealant at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. ï‚Ÿ
The emergency flat tire repair kit cannot
be used in the following cases.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. ï‚Ÿ
The period of effective use for the
tire sealant has expired. (The period
of effectiveness is indicated on the
bottle label.) ï‚Ÿ
The tear or puncture exceeds about 4
mm (0.16 in). ï‚Ÿ
The damage has occurred to an area
of the tire other than the tread. ï‚Ÿ
The vehicle has been driven with
nearly no air remaining in the tire. ï‚Ÿ
The tire has come off the wheel rim. ï‚Ÿ
Damage to the wheel rim has
occurred. ï‚Ÿ
The tire has two or more punctures. Using the Emergency Flat Tire
Repair Kit U.S.A. and Canada
1. Move the vehicle off the right-of-way
to a safe place on a level and hard
surface where the vehicle does not
obstruct traffic.
2. Shift the shift lever to the 1 or Reverse
(R) position for a manual transmission,
and shift the selector lever to the P
position for an automatic transmission.
3. Apply the parking brake with the brake
pedal depressed and turn off the engine.
4. If necessary, flash the hazard warning
lights and set up the roadside
emergency triangle.
5. Unload passengers and cargo and
remove the emergency flat tire repair
kit.
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