2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 315

Maintenance and Care Owner Maintenance Wiper Blades CAUTION Ø Hot waxes applied by automatic car washers have been known to affect the wiper's ability to clean windows. Ø To prevent damage to the wiper blades, don't use gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents on or near them. Ø When the wiper lever is in the AUTO position and the ignition switch is in the ON position, the wipers may move automatically in the following cases: Ø If the windshield above the rain sensor is touched. Ø If the windshield above the rain sensor is wiped with a cloth. Ø If the windshield is struck with a hand or other object. Ø If the rain sensor is struck with a hand or other object from inside the vehicle. Be careful not to pinch hands or fingers as it may cause injury, or damage the wipers. When washing or servicing your Mazda, make sure the wiper lever is in the OFF position. Contamination of either the windshield or the blades with foreign matter can reduce wiper effectiveness. Common sources are insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments used by some commercial car washes. If the blades are not wiping properly, clean the window and blades with a good cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if necessary. qReplacing Windshield Wiper Blades When the wipers no longer clean well, the blades are probably worn or cracked. Replace them. CAUTION To prevent damage to the wiper arms and other components, don't try to sweep the wiper arm by hand. 1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade assembly to expose the plastic locking clip. Slide the assembly downward; then lift it off the arm. Plastic locking clip CAUTION To prevent damage to the windshield let the wiper arm down easily, don't let it slap down on the windshield. 8-29