Owner Maintenance
Hood
Always check that the hood is closed and securely locked:
A hood that is not closed and securely locked is dangerous as it could fly open while the vehicle is moving and block the driver's vision which could result in a serious accident.
Closing the Hood
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Check under the hood area to make certain all filler caps are in place and all loose items (e.g. tools, oil containers, etc.) have been removed.
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Lift the hood, grasp the padded area on the support rod, and secure the support rod in the clip. Verify that the support rod is secured in the clip before closing the hood.
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Clip
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Lower the hood slowly to a height of about 20 cm (7.9 in) above its closed position and then let it drop.
When closing the hood, do not push it excessively such as by applying your weight. Otherwise, the hood could be deformed.
Coolant
Inspecting Brake Fluid Level
If the brake fluid level is low, have the brakes inspected:
A low brake fluid level is dangerous.
A low level could indicate brake lining wear or a brake system leak which could cause the brakes to fail and lead to an accident.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir regularly. It should be kept between the MAX and MIN lines.
The level normally drops with accumulated distance, a condition associated with wear of brake linings. If it is excessively low, have the brake system inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Washer Fluid
Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
Use only windshield washer fluid or plain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the windshield, it will dirty the windshield, affect your visibility, and could result in an accident.
Using Washer Fluid Without Anti-freeze Protection in Cold Weather:
Operating your vehicle in temperatures below 4 °C (40 °F) using washer fluid without anti-freeze protection is dangerous as it could cause impaired windshield vision and result in an accident. In cold weather, always use washer fluid with anti-freeze protection.
State or local regulations may restrict the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are commonly used as anti-freeze agents in washer fluid. A washer fluid with limited VOC content should be used only if it provides adequate freeze resistance for all regions and climates in which the vehicle will be operated.
Add washer fluid under any of the following conditions.
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The top of the fluid level is low.
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The Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Indication/Warning Light (if equipped) turns on.
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The top of the fluid level is lower than E (if equipped).
Use plain water if washer fluid is unavailable.
But use only washer fluid in cold weather to prevent it from freezing.
Lubrication system
All moving points on the vehicle body, such as door and hood hinges and locks, should be lubricated to move smoothly.
Use a non-freezing lubricant on locks during cold weather.
Make sure the hood's secondary latch keeps the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.
Wiper Blades
Lead-acid Battery
Read the following precautions carefully before using the lead-acid battery or inspecting to ensure safe and correct handling:
Always wear eye protection when working near the lead-acid battery:
Wear eye protection and protective gloves to prevent contact with lead-acid battery fluid:
Always keep lead-acid batteries out of the reach of children:
Keep flames and sparks away from open lead-acid battery cells and do not allow metal tools to contact the positive (+) or negative (-) terminal of the lead-acid battery when working near a lead-acid battery. Do not allow the positive (+) terminal to contact the vehicle body:
Keep all flames and sparks away from open lead-acid battery cells because hydrogen gas is produced from open lead-acid battery cells while charging the lead-acid battery or adding lead-acid battery fluid:
Lead-acid Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a lead-acid battery:
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Keep it securely mounted.
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Keep the top clean and dry.
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Keep terminals and connections clean, tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.
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Rinse off spilled electrolyte immediately with a solution of water and baking soda.
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If the vehicle will not be used for an extended time, disconnect the lead-acid battery cables and charge the lead-acid battery every 6 weeks.
