2008 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 313

Maintenance and Care Appearance Care qUnderbody Maintenance Road chemicals and salt 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. qAluminum Wheel Maintenance A protective coating is provided over the aluminum wheels. Special care is needed to protect this coating. NOTE l l l l 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 high-speed or hard brushes. If your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax the wheels. WARNING Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly and applying the brakes lightly until brake performance is 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. 8-43