2003 Mazda Miata MX-5 Owner's Manual - Page 225

J07R_8R09_EA_02G.book Page 46 Monday, July 1, 2002 11:30 AM Maintenance and Care Appearance Care M Aluminum Wheel Maintenance A protective coating is provided over the aluminum wheels. Special care is needed to protect this coating. NOTE M 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 Don't wait until the top gets really dirty before cleaning it. Dirt that's there too long will cause deterioration. 1. Gently clean the top with a synthetic neutral detergent, lots of water, and a soft brush. 2. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all the soap. 3. Wipe it as dry as you can before the water dries on it. 4. Then allow it to dry completely before lowering it. • Don't use a wire brush or any abrasive cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on aluminum wheels. They may damage the coating. • Only use a mild soap or neutral detergent and always use a sponge or soft cloth to clean the wheels. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels after driving on dusty or salted roads. This helps prevent corrosion. • Avoid washing your vehicle in an automatic car wash that uses highspeed or hard brushes. • If your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax the wheels. CAUTION • Automatic and high-pressure car washes are harmful to a convertible top. Avoid them. • Don't spray water directly on the area where the window glass and the top meet. This would probably cause water to enter the cabin. 8-46 Form No. 8R09-EA-02G