2016 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 Mainten

6–61
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
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.
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
 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.
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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6–62
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A 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
 Do not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent
on aluminum wheels. They may damage
the coating. 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 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.
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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6–63
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 f ilter
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 f ilter
Bo
w
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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6–64
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Plastic Part Maintenance
 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. 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. 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. Do not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in
paint damage. 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 in the cabin:
Splashing water on electrical parts
such as the audio unit and switches
is dangerous as it could cause a
malfunction or a fire.
Dashboard Precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume
and cosmetic oils from contacting the
dashboard. They will damage and discolor
the dashboard. If these solutions get on the
dashboard, wipe them off immediately.
CAUTION
Do not use glazing agents.
Glazing agents contain ingredients
which may cause discoloration,
wrinkling, cracks and peeling.
Instrument panel top
 When cleaning, it is recommended that
you use a clean towel dampened in a
mild detergent to remove soiling. If the surface is rubbed harshly, it could
result in the surface being damaged
leaving white scratch marks.
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6–65
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
*Some models.
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*
Remove dust and sand first using a
vacuum cleaner or other means, then wipe
dirt off using a soft cloth with a leather
cleaner or a soft cloth soaked in mild soap.
Wipe off the remaining cleaner or soap
using a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
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, also remove
moisture and dry it as soon as possible.
NOTE
 Because genuine leather is a natural
material, its surface is not uniform and
it may have natural scars, scratches,
and wrinkles. To maintain the quality for as long as
possible, periodical maintenance, about
twice a year, is recommended. Sand and dust on the seat surface may
damage the overcoat of the genuine
leather surfaces and accelerate wear. Greasy soiling on genuine leather may
cause molding and stains. Rubbing hard with a stiff brush or cloth
may cause damage. Do not wipe the leather using alcohol,
chlorine bleach, or organic solvents
such as thinner, benzene, or gasoline.
Otherwise, it may cause discoloration
or stains.
 If the seats get wet, promptly remove
moisture with a dry cloth. Remaining
moisture on the surface may cause
deterioration such as hardening and
shrinkage. Exposure to direct sunlight for long
periods may cause deterioration and
shrinkage. When parking the car under
direct sunlight for long periods, shade
the interior using sunshades. Do not leave vinyl products on the seats
for long periods as they may affect
the leather quality and coloring. If the
cabin temperature becomes hot, the
vinyl may deteriorate and adhere to the
genuine leather.
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.
CAUTION
 Use only recommended cleaners
and procedures. Others may affect
appearance and fire-resistance. Rubbing the interior side of the
convertible top vigorously with a stiff
brush or cloth may cause damage.
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6–66
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Panel
When the interior panels need to be
cleaned, use soft material such as a soft
cloth soaked in clean water and wrung
out well and lightly wipe off dirt from
the surface. If a panel requires further
cleaning, use the following procedure.
1. Wipe dirt off using a soft cloth soaked
in mild detergent (about 5% solution).
2. Wipe off any remaining detergent
using a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
NOTE
 Do not wipe leather parts using alcohol,
chlorine bleach, or organic solvents
such as thinner, benzene, or gasoline.
Otherwise, it may cause discoloration
or stains. Scratches or nicks on the panels and
metallic trim resulting from the use
of a hard brush or cloth may not be
repairable. Be particularly careful when cleaning
high lustre panels and metallic trim as
they can be easily scratched.
Cleaning the Lap/Shoulder Belt
Webbing
Clean the webbing with a mild soap
solution recommended for upholstery or
carpets. Follow instructions. Do not 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.
WARNING
Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
replace damaged seat belts
immediately:
Using damaged seat belts is
dangerous. In a collision, damaged
belts cannot provide adequate
protection.
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.
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.
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6–67
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Floor Mats
Rubber 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
3-44).
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7–4
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
*Some models.
Jack*
To remove the jack
1. Remove the cover.

2. Turn the wing bolt and jack screw
counterclockwise.

Wing bolt
Jack screw
To secure the jack
1. Insert the wing bolt into the jack with
the jack screw pointing back and turn
the wing bolt clockwise to temporarily
tighten it.
2. Turn the jack screw clockwise.

Wing bolt
Jack screw
3. Turn the wing bolt completely to secure
the jack.
NOTE
If the jack is not completely secured, it
could rattle while driving. Make sure the
jack screw is sufficiently tightened.
4. Insert the cover tabs and install the
cover.
NOTE
Verify that the cover is securely installed.
Maintenance
 Always keep the jack clean. Make sure the moving parts are kept
free from dirt or rust. Make sure the screw thread is
adequately lubricated.
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