2007 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 337

Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition2 Page336 Friday, May 26 2006 10:56 AM Black plate (336,1) Maintenance and Care Appearance Care CAUTION l WARNING Driving with Wet Brakes: 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. Dry the brakes by driving very slowly and applying the brakes lightly until brake performance is normal. Waxing 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 maintain 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 Don't 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. To prevent damaging the antenna, remove it before entering a car wash facility or passing beneath a low overhead clearance. l Pay special attention to removing salt, dirt, mud, and other foreign 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. Thoroughly rinse off all soap with lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap to dry on the finish. After washing the vehicle, dry it with a clean chamois to prevent water spots from forming. 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 doesn't need it. 8-62 Form No.8V66-EA-06F