WASHING YOUR VEHICLE
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the
vehicle on a regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt
are difficult to remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird
droppings should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible.
Deposits not removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's
paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before
entering a car wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper
blades and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades,
windshield and rear window.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
WAXING YOUR VEHICLE
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which
appear coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial
car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades, windshield
and rear window.
Cleaning
218
While operating your vehicle
²Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell or exhaust
fumes in the vehicle.
²Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased
steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in this
straight ahead position.
²Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or ªpullsº to one side
when traveling on a smooth, level road.
²When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel or ªhard to pushº brake pedal.
²If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission occur,
check the transmission fluid level.
²Check automatic transmission Park function.
²Check parking brake.
At least monthly
²Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
²Check tires for wear and proper air pressure.
²Check engine oil level.
²Check coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
²Check washer fluid level.
At least twice a year (for example, every spring and fall)
²Check power steering fluid level.
²Check clutch fluid level (if equipped).
²Check and clean body and door drain holes.
²Check and lubricate all hinges, latches, and outside locks.
²Check and lubricate door rubber weather strips.
²Check parking brake for proper operation.
²Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
²Check air pressure in spare tire.
²Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
²Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation.
²Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
²Check battery water level (non-maintenance free).
²Check battery connections and clean if necessary.
Maintenance and Specifications
231
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Mazda specification . Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.WASHERFLUIDONLY
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
Maintenance and Specifications
237
Child safety restraints ..............136
child safety belts ....................136
Child safety seats ......................137
attaching with tether straps ..141
in front seat ............................139
in rear seat ..............................139
Cleaning your vehicle ...............223
engine compartment ..............219
exterior ............................219, 223
exterior lamps .........................221
instrument cluster lens ..........222
instrument panel ....................222
interior .....................................222
mirrors .....................................221
plastic parts ............................221
safety belts ..............................223
washing ....................................218
waxing .....................................218
wheels ......................................219
windows ..................................223
wiper blades ............................221
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......72, 74
Clock ....................26, 33, 47, 55, 68
Clutch
fluid ..........................................263
operation while driving ..........161
recommended shift speeds ....162
Compass, electronic ..............90±91
calibration .................................92
set zone adjustment .................91
Console ........................................98
Coolant
checking and adding ..............246
refill capacities ................249, 273
specifications ..................276±277
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................93Customer
Assistance ..........180, 207±208, 211
Getting roadside assistance ...180
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................77
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................263
engine oil .................................238
Doors
door ajar warning .....................18
lubricant specifications ..........276
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................267
Driving under special
conditions ..........................167±168
mud ..........................................167
sand .........................................167
snow and ice ...........................168
through water .................167, 169
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................201
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................277
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................14
cleaning ...................................219
coolant .....................................246
idle speed control ...................244
lubrication
specifications ..................276±277
refill capacities ........................273
service points ..................234±236
Index
282
W
Warning chimes ...........................19
Warning lights (see Lights) .......14
Washer fluid ..............................237
Washing your vehicle ................218
Water, Driving through .............169
Waxing your vehicle .................218Windows
power .........................................89
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....237
checking and cleaning ..............86
operation ...................................86
replacing wiper blades .............87
Wrecker towing .........................206
Index
287