MAZDA MX5 MIATA 2017 Owners Manual

6 –59 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Exterior CareThe paintwork on your Mazda represents
the latest technical developments in
composition and methods of application.
Environmental hazards, however, can
harm the paint's protective properties, if
proper care is not taken.
Here are some examples of possible
damage, with tips on how to prevent them.
Etching Caused by Acid Rain or
Industrial Fallout
Occurrence
Industrial pollutants and vehicle emissions
drift into the air and mix with rain or dew
to form acids. These acids can settle on a
vehicle's finish. As the water evaporates,
the acid becomes concentrated and can
damage the finish.
And the longer the acid remains on the
surface, the greater the chance is for
damage.
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
suspect that acid rain has settled on your
vehicle's finish. Damage Caused by Bird Dropping,
Insects, or Tree Sap
Occurrence
Bird droppings contain acids. If these
are not removed they can eat away the
clear and color base coat of the vehicle's
paintwork.
When insects stick to the paint surface and
decompose, corrosive compounds form.
These can erode the clear and color base
coat of the vehicle's paintwork if they are
not removed.
Tree sap will harden and adhere
permanently to the paint finish. If you
scratch the sap off while it is hard, some
vehicle paint could come off with it.
Prevention
It is necessary to have your Mazda washed
and waxed to preserve its finish according
to the instructions in this section. This
should be done as soon as possible.
Bird droppings can be removed with a soft
sponge and water. If you are traveling and
these are not available, a moistened tissue
may also take care of the problem. The
cleaned area should be waxed according to
the instructions in this section.
Insects and tree sap are best removed with
a soft sponge and water or a commercially
available chemical cleaner.
Another method is to cover the affected
area with dampened newspaper for one to
two hours. After removing the newspaper,
rinse off the loosened debris with water.
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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 –61 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care Maintaining the FinishWashing
CAUTION 
When the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases: 
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a
cloth. 
If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is
switched ON as fingers could be pinched
or the wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate automatically.
If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off
completely (when it is most likely
that the engine is left running) this is
particularly important when clearing ice
and snow. 
Do not spray water in the engine
compartment. Otherwise, it could result
in engine-starting problems or damage
to electrical parts. 
When washing and waxing the vehicle,
be careful not to apply excessive force
to any single area of the vehicle hood.
Otherwise, you could dent the vehicle. 
Do not use automatic car washing
machines and car washing devices using
high water pressure. 
Make sure that the fuel lid is closed
and lock the doors. Otherwise, the fuel
lid may be forcefully opened by water
pressure causing damage to the vehicle
or fuel lid.
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: ï‚Ÿ
The vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter. ï‚Ÿ
The vehicle is washed with a rough, dry,
or dirty cloth. ï‚Ÿ
The vehicle is washed at a car wash that
uses brushes that are dirty or too stiff. ï‚Ÿ
Cleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE ï‚Ÿ
Mazda is not responsible for scratches
caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing. ï‚Ÿ
Scratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes.
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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 –64 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care Aluminum Wheel MaintenanceA protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
CAUTION Do not use any detergent other than
mild detergent. Before using any
detergent, verify the ingredients.
Otherwise, the product could discolor
or stain the aluminum wheels.
NOTE ï‚Ÿ
Do not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent
on aluminum wheels. They may damage
the coating. ï‚Ÿ
Always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse the wheels thoroughly with
lukewarm or cold water. Also, be sure
to clean the wheels after driving on
dusty or salted roads to help prevent
corrosion.
Convertible Top (Soft Top)
MaintenanceThe 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.
Washing
Do not wait until the convertible 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 convertible 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.
CAUTION 
Automatic and high-pressure car washes
are harmful to a convertible top. Avoid
them. 
Do not spray water directly on the
area where the window glass and
the convertible top meet. This would
probably cause water to enter the cabin. 
Do not spray water directly on the seam
area of the body and the convertible top
as it could result in water penetrating the
cabin and trunk.

Some leather treatment products can
ruin the convertible top's gloss. Be careful
of the one you choose. 
Test on an inconspicuous, small corner of
the convertible top if you are not sure. 
Do not wipe the convertible top using
alcohol, chlorine bleach, or organic
solvents such as thinner, benzene, or
gasoline. Otherwise, they may cause
discoloration or stains.
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6 –65 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Do not get any car wax on the
convertible top.
If you do, remove it with a good leather
cleaner or mild detergent (about 5%
solution). 
Too much treatment on the convertible
top can be as damaging as too little.
Follow the manufacturer's directions.
Do not overdo it! 
Let the convertible top dry completely
before lowering after applying treatment
or dressing.
Drain filter cleaning procedure
Drain filter
NOTE
If leaves or other matter block the drain
filter, water may enter the vehicle.
Clean the drain filter at least once a year. 1. Check the position of the drain filter
with your hand from behind the bow.
Drain filterBow
2. Remove the drain filter while pressing
the tab.
3. Remove leaves and other matter
accumulated in the drain filter.
4. Reinstall the drain filter in the reverse
order of the removal procedure.
CAUTION When installing the drain filter, make
sure that the drain filter is securely
attached to its designated position by
pushing it until the tab locks. Water
may enter the vehicle if the drain
filter is not secured to its designated
position.
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6 –66 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care Convertible Top (Retractable
Fastback) MaintenanceWashing
To help protect the retractable fastback'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.
CAUTION 
Do not use an automatic car wash. 
Do not spray water directly on the
area where the window glass and the
retractable fastback meet. This would
probably cause water to enter the cabin. 
Do not use strong soap, chemical
detergents, or hot water, and do not
wash the retractable fastback in direct
sunlight or when the surface is warm.
Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm or cold
water. Do not allow soap to dry on the
finish.
Waxing
Wax the retractable fastback when water
no longer beads on the paint. Always wash
and dry it before waxing.
CAUTION 
Wiping off dust or dirt with a dry cloth
will scratch the finish. 
Do not 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.
Drainage outlet cleaning procedure
There are drainage outlets on the left and
right of the lower side of the rear window. Rear roof Drainage
outlet
Rear window
NOTE
If leaves or other foreign matter block
the drainage outlets, water may enter the
cabin. Clean the drainage outlets at least
once a year.
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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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