2018 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK maintenance

Wa t e r M a r k s
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
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).
In low temperatures a vehicle's finish
hardens. This increases the chance of
paint chipping.
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.
▼ Maintaining the Finish
Wa s h i n g
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.
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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 roof or the
antenna. Otherwise, you could dent the
vehicle or damage the antenna.
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 th e paint surface when:
The vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter.
The vehicle is washed with a rough, dry,
or dirty cloth.
The vehicle is washed at a car wash that
uses brushes that are dirty or too stiff.
Cleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE
Mazda is not responsible for scratches
caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing.
Scratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter
using lukewarm or cold water before
washing.
Use plenty of luke warm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
Rub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
Take your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
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 forei gn 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.

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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.
WA R N I N G
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.
When using an automatic car wash
Retract the door mirrors.
The automatic car wash brushes could
reduce the paint lustre or hasten paint
deterioration.
When using a high water pressure car
wash
High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of car wash
machine. If the car washer nozzle is put
too close to the vehicle, the force of the
spray could damage or deform the
molding, affect the se alability of parts, and
allow water to penetrate the interior. Keep
a sufficient space (30 cm (12 in) or more)
between the nozzle and the vehicle. In
addition, do not spend too much time
spraying the same area of the vehicle, and
be very careful when spraying between
gaps in doors and around windows.
Wa x i n g
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 m aintain 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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▼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 r
emove 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 p etroleum 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 an d cause discoloration
or paint deterioration.
▼ Underbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and s
alt 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.
WA R N I N G
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 ac cident. Light braking
will indicate whether the brakes have been
affected.
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▼Aluminum Wheel Maintenance*
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect t
his 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 wate r. Also, be sure to
clean the wheels after driving on dusty
or salted roads to help prevent
corrosion.
Avoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-speed
or hard brushes.
▼ 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 plast ic parts or paint
damage.
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Interior Care
WA R N I N G
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
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.
Rubbing hard with a stiff brush or cloth
may cause damage.
If the vehicle interior becomes soiled by
any of the follo wing, 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.
Beverage or fragrance
Grease or oil
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 havebeen pulled out for cleaning, dry them
off thoroughly and make sure there is
no remaining moisture on them.
WA R N I N G
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.
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▼Upholstery and Synthetic Leather
Maintenance
Fabric
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.
Synthetic leather
1. Remove dust and sand using a vacuum cleaner.
2. Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent (approx.
5%) diluted with water.
3. Wipe off the remaining detergent using a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
▼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.
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.
If the leather upholstery comes into
contact with any of the following, clean
it immediately.
Leaving it uncleaned could cause
premature wear, mold, or stains.
Sand or dirt
Grease or oil, such as hand cream
Alcohol, such as in cosmetic or hair
dressing items
If the leather upholstery gets 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
leather upholstery for long periods.
They may affect the leather quality and
coloring. If the cabin temperature
becomes hot, the vinyl may deteriorate
and adhere to the genuine leather.
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▼Plastic Part Maintenance
CAUTION
Do not use polishing agents.
Depending on the product ingredients,
they could cause discoloration, stains,
cracks or peeling of the coating.
▼Instrument Panel Top (Soft pad)
Maintenance
Extremely soft material is used fo
r the soft
pad surface. If the soft pad surface is
rubbed harshly with a dry cloth, it could
result in the surface being damaged and
leaving white scratch marks.
1. Wipe the soiled area 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.
▼Active Driving Display
Maintenance*
The combiner and mirror surface have a
special coating. When cleaning it, do not
use a hard cloth, a cloth with a rough
surface, or cleaning detergent. Use a
fine-textured, soft cloth.
If a chemical solvent gets on the combiner
or mirror surface, wipe it off immediately.
Otherwise, they could be damaged and the
surface coating could be scratched.
▼Panel Maintenance
If a panel becomes soiled, wipe it off with
a soft cloth soaked in clean water and
thoroughly wrung out.
If some areas require further cleaning, use
the following procedure:
1. Wipe the soiled area 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
Be particularly careful when cleaning
shiny surface panels and metallic parts
such as plating as they can be scratched
easily.
▼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 and the antenna lines.
 When washing the inside of the window
glass, use a soft cloth dampened in
lukewarm water, gently wiping the
thermal filaments and the antenna lines.
Use of glass cleaning products could
damage the thermal filaments and the
antenna lines.
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