2004 Mazda Tribute Owner's Manual - Page 191

Cleaning 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. • 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 One Step Wash and Wax Concentrate, which is available from your authorized Mazda dealer. • 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 Removal, 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, 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. 191