vehicles built for use in Canada could be eligible for exportation to the
United States with specific vehicle modifications to comply with the
United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety requirements.
Special Note: The above is applicable for permanent import/export
situations and not related to travelers on vacation.
You may have the following problems if you do take your vehicle outside
of Canada:
•Recommended fuel may be unavailable. Any kind of leaded fuel or
low-octane fuel will affect vehicle performance and damage the
emission controls and engine.
•Proper repair facilities, tools, testing equipment, and replacement
parts may not be available.
Please refer to your manufacturers warranty booklet for more
information.
ADD-ON NON-GENUINE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Non-genuine parts and accessories for Mazda vehicles can be found in
stores. These may fit your vehicle, but they are not approved by the
manufacturer for use with Mazda vehicles. When you install non-genuine
parts or accessories, they could affect your vehicle’s performance or
safety system; the manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t cover this. Before you
install any non-genuine parts or accessories, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
WARNING: Installation of Non-Genuine Parts or Accessories:
Installation of non-genuine parts or accessories could be
dangerous. Improperly designed parts or accessories could
seriously affect your vehicle’s performance or safety system.
This could cause you to have an accident or increase your
chances of injuries in an accident. Always consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer before you install non-genuine parts or
accessories.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Customer Assistance
203
WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
pH shampoo.
•Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
•Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
•Always use a clean sponge or car wash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
•Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
•It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
•Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time.
•Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
•Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
WAXING
Applying a premium paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
•Wash the vehicle first. Refer toWashing the exteriorfor more
detailed information.
•Do not use waxes that contain abrasives; use a premium liquid wax.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.
PAINT CHIPS
Your dealer has touch-up paint to match your vehicle’s color. Touch-up
paint can be used to repair minor scratches to painted surfaces.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
206
•Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
•Always read the instructions before using the products.
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND COVERS
Aluminum wheel rims or covers are coated with a clearcoat paint finish.
In order to maintain their shine:
•Clean with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral pH shampoo.
•Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or
covers.
•Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning
chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust
and dirt, could wear away the clearcoat finish over time.
•Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
•To remove tar and grease, use Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil
Remover (0000–77–410E-01), available from your authorized Mazda
dealer.
ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The
high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause
damage.
•Never spray the engine or other engine components with water. Water
will damage the engine or other engine components.
•Spray Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (0000–77–410E-09), available at
your authorized Mazda dealer, on all parts that require cleaning and
pressure rinse clean.
•Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
207
a special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
INSTRUMENT PANEL / INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the interior trim areas and instrument panel with a damp cloth,
then with a clean, dry cloth, or use Mazda Deluxe Leather and Vinyl
Cleaner (0000-77-430E-15).
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners, as these may damage the
finish.
WARNING: Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel, instrument panel or interior
trim areas to avoid contamination of the airbag systems.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, and seat belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Upholstery Cleaner and Spot
Remover (0000–77–430E-01), available at your authorized Mazda
dealer.
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Spot and Stain Remover (0000–77–410E-01), available at your
authorized Mazda dealer.
•If a solvent ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the
entire area immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
210
Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or Miles (km),
whichever comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
x 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
(x 1000 km) (8) (16) (24) (32) (40) (48) (56) (64) (72) (80) (88) (96)
Disc brake system I I I I
Caliper slide rails L L L L
Drum brake system, lines and hoses I I I I
Exhaust system for leaks, damage,
loosenessII
Manual transmission fluid
Automatic
transmission fluid*2 I I
Exhaust system shielding (for
trapped material)II
Propeller shaft U-joints (if equipped
with grease fittings)LLLLLL
Parking brake system (for damage
and operation)III I
Ball joints (4x2) I/L I/L I/L I/L
Transfer case fluid (4x4) Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rear axle lubricant Does not require replacement unless rear axle
submerged in water
Accessory drive belts
Fuel filter *5 R R
Steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension and driveshaftIII I
*1 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications
at 500 miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel change, or
at any other time the wheel lug nuts have been loosened. Refer toWheel
Lug Nut Torque Specificationin theTires, Wheels and Loading
chapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
*2 Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) unless submerged in water.
*3 At 60,000 miles (96,000 km), the dealer will replace the PCV valve at
no cost, except Canada and California vehicles.
*4 Refer to vehicle emission control information label for spark plug and
gap specifications.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
214
Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or Miles (km),
whichever comes first)
Months 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96
x 1000 miles 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
(x 1000 km) (104) (112) (121) (128) (136) (144) (152) (160) (168) (176) (184) (192)
Drum brake system, lines and
hosesIIII
Exhaust system for leaks,
damage, loosenessII
Manual transmission fluid R
Automatic
transmission fluid*2 I I
Exhaust system shielding (for
trapped material)II
Propeller shaft U-joints (if
equipped with grease fittings)LLLLLL
Parking brake system (for
damage and operation)IIII
Ball joints (4x2) I/L I/L I/L I/L
Transfer case fluid (4x4) Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rear axle lubricant Does not require replacement unless rear axle
submerged in water
Accessory drive belts I
Fuel filter *5 R R
Steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension and driveshaftIIII
*1 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications
at 500 miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel change, or
at any other time the wheel lug nuts have been loosened. Refer toWheel
Lug Nut Torque Specificationin theTires, Wheels and Loading
chapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
*2 Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) unless submerged in water.
*3 At 60,000 miles (96,000 km), the dealer will replace the PCV valve at
no cost, except Canada and California vehicles.
*4 Refer to vehicle emission control information label for spark plug and
gap specifications.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
216
Special Operating
Conditions
Replace Engine Oil and Filter
Inspect Brake System
Replace Fuel Filter
Change Automatic Transmission Fluid
Replace Spark Plugs
Replace Engine Air Filter
Change Manual Transmission Fluid
Inspect and Lubricate U-Joints
Lubricate Front Wheel Bearing (4x2)
Change Transfer Case Fluid (4x4)
Suggested Maintenance
Interval3,000
miles or
3 months5,000
miles15,000
miles30,000
miles60,000
milesAs
requiredAs
requiredAs
required30,000
miles60,000
miles
Towing a trailer or
using a camper or
car top carrierXXXX
Extensive idling or
low-speed driving
for long distances
as in heavy
commercial use
such as delivery,
taxi or patrol carXXXXX XX
Operating in dusty
conditions such as
unpaved or dusty
roadsXXX X
Off road operation X X X
For specific recommendations see your authorized Mazda dealer or
qualified service professional.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
218
•Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
•Check air pressure in spare tire.
•Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
•Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, seat belt) for
operation.
•Check cooling system fluid level and verify coolant specific gravity is
correct for summer or winter conditions.
•Check battery water level (non-maintenance free).
•Check battery connections and clean if necessary.
Retightening lug nuts
•Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
•Refer toWheel Lug Nut Torque Specificationin theTires, Wheels
and Loadingchapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide necessary parts and service. Check your “Warranty Information”
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission/transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
220