2003 Mazda MAZDA6 Owner's Manual - Page 254

shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 40 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM Maintenance and Care Appearance Care How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage The 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. M Damage Caused by Bird Dropping, Insects, or Tree Sap Occurrence Bird droppings contain acids. If these aren't 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. M 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. 8-40 Form No. 8R29-EA-02I