Vehicle Exterior Inspection
Checking the Inspection Locations and Inspection Items
Front
Rear
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Windshield wipers
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Tires
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Light bulbs
Replacing Windshield Wiper Blade rubbers
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Hot waxes applied by automatic car washers have been known to affect the wiper's ability to clean windows.
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An operation malfunction may occur or the wiper effectiveness may be reduced if a water-repellent coating is used.
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To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents on or near them.
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When the wiper lever is in the AUTO position and the vehicle power is switched ON, the wipers may move automatically in the following cases:
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If the windshield above the rain sensor is touched.
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If the windshield above the rain sensor is wiped with a cloth.
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If the windshield is struck with a hand or other object.
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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 the vehicle, make sure the wiper lever is in the OFF position.
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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.
You can replace the wiper blades yourself, however you cannot replace the wiper arms.
If you want to replace the wiper arms, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Replacing Windshield Wiper Blade rubbers
(Type A)
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Raise the wiper arm.
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Open the clip and slide the blade assembly in the direction of the arrow.
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Tilt the blade assembly and remove it from the arm.
To prevent damage to the windshield let the wiper arm down easily, do not let it slap down on the windshield.
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Remove the metal stiffeners from each blade rubber and install them in the new blade.
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Do not bend or discard the stiffeners. You need to use them again.
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If the metal stiffeners are switched, the blade's wiping efficiency could be reduced.
So do not use the driver's side metal stiffeners on the passenger's side, or vice versa.
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Be sure to reinstall the metal stiffeners in the new blade rubber so that the curve is the same as it was in the old blade rubber.
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Install the blade assembly in the reverse order of removal.
(Type B)
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Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade assembly to expose the plastic locking clip.
Compress the clip and slide the assembly downward; then lift it off the arm.
To prevent damage to the windshield let the wiper arm down easily, do not let it slap down on the windshield.
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Hold the end of the rubber and pull until the tabs are free of the metal support.
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Remove the metal stiffeners from each blade rubber and install them in the new blade.
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Do not bend or discard the stiffeners. You need to use them again.
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If the metal stiffeners are switched, the blade's wiping efficiency could be reduced.
So do not use the driver's side metal stiffeners on the passenger's side, or vice versa.
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Be sure to reinstall the metal stiffeners in the new blade rubber so that the curve is the same as it was in the old blade rubber.
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Install the blade assembly in the reverse order of removal.
Inspecting the Tires
About Tires
For reasons of proper performance, safety, and better fuel economy, always maintain recommended tire inflation pressures and stay within the recommended load limits and weight distribution.
Do Not Use Tires Other Than The Specified Size. In Addition, Do Not Mix Different Types Of Tires.
Using tires with sizes other than the specified size or mixing different tire types is dangerous. It could compromise the vehicle's driveability, resulting in an accident. In addition, it could be in violation of the law.
Use the tire size indicated on the label applied to the door frame of the driver’s door while the door is open. Use only the same type tires on all four wheels.
Inspecting Tire Inflation Pressure
Always inflate the tires to the correct pressure.
Overinflation or underinflation of tires is dangerous. Adverse handling or unexpected tire failure could result in a serious accident.
Refer to Tires (Search).
Use only a Mazda-genuine tire valve cap.
Use of a non-genuine part is dangerous as the correct tire air pressure cannot be maintained if the tire valve becomes damaged. If the vehicle is driven under this condition, the tire air pressure will decrease which could result in a serious accident. Do not use any part for the tire valve cap that is not a Mazda-genuine part.
Inspect all tire pressures monthly when the tires are cold. Maintain recommended pressures for the best ride, handling, and minimum tire wear.
Refer to the specification charts (Search).
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Cold inflation pressure
The cold inflation pressure is the pressure measured under ambient temperatures before the vehicle is driven.
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Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum inflation pressure is the upper limit of the cold inflation pressure designated by the tire manufacturer.
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Recommended inflation pressure
The recommended inflation pressure is the cold inflation pressure necessary for maintaining the performance of your Mazda.
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Underinflation or overinflation can cause a harsh ride, reduced fuel economy, a greater possibility of damage from road hazards, uneven and accelerated tire wear, and poor sealing of the tire bead, which will deform the wheel and cause separation of tire from rim.
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Keep your tire pressure at the correct levels. If one frequently needs inflating, have it inspected.
Rotating the Tires
Rotate tires periodically.
Irregular tire wear is dangerous. To equalize tread wear for maintaining good performance in handling and braking, rotate the tires periodically or sooner if irregular wear develops.
Please refer to Scheduled Maintenance for your tire rotation interval.
During rotation, inspect them for correct balance.
Because your vehicle is not equipped with a spare tire, you cannot do a tire rotation safely with the jack that comes with your vehicle. Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform tire rotation.
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY) spare tire in rotation.
Also, inspect them for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by one or a combination of the following:
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Incorrect tire pressure
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Improper wheel alignment
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Out-of-balance wheel
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Severe braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to specification (Search) and inspect the lug nuts for tightness.
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial tires that have an asymmetrical tread pattern or studs only from front to rear, not from side to side. Tire performance will be reduced if rotated from side to side.
(With limited-slip differential)
Do not use the following:
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Tires not of the designated size
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Tires of different sizes or types at the same time
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Tires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions are not followed, the rotation of the left and right wheels will be different and will thus apply a constant load on the limited-slip differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
Replacing a Tire or a Wheel
Always use tires that are in good condition.
Driving with worn tires is dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and traction could result in an accident.
Replace all four tires at the same time.
Replacing just one tire is dangerous. It could cause poor handling and poor braking resulting in loss of vehicle control. Mazda strongly recommends that you replace all four tires at the same time.
Always use wheels of the correct size on your vehicle.
Using a wrong-sized wheel is dangerous. Braking and handling could be affected, leading to loss of control and an accident.
A wrong-sized wheel may adversely affect:
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Tire fit
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Wheel and bearing life
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Ground clearance
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Snow-chain clearance
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Speedometer calibration
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Headlight aim
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Bumper height
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
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New tread
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Worn tread
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Tread wear indicator
You should replace the tire before the band crosses the entire tread.
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used on the road. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced when they are 6 years or older. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging process. The period in which the tire was manufactured (both week and year) is indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to Tire Labeling (Search).
Inspecting the Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit (Some Models)
Inspect the emergency flat tire repair kit at regular intervals.
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Check the tire sealant period of effective use.
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Check the operation of the tire compressor.
The tire sealant has a period of effective use. Check the period of effective use indicated on the bottle label and do not use it if it has expired. Have the tire sealant replaced at an Authorized Mazda Dealer before the period of effective use has expired.
Replacing Light Bulbs
Front
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Headlights (High/Low beam)
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Front turn signal lights/Daytime running lights/Parking lights
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Overhead light
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Side turn signal lights
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Front side-marker lights
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Daytime running lights/Parking lights
Rear
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Taillights/Brake lights
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Trunk light
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High-mount brake light
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Taillights/Brake lights
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Reverse lights
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License plate lights
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Rear turn signal lights
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Rear side-marker lights
When removing the lens or lamp unit using a flathead screwdriver, make sure that the flathead screwdriver does not contact the interior terminal. If the flathead screwdriver contacts the terminal, a short circuit may occur.
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When replacing a bulb, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Use the protective cover and carton for the replacement bulb to dispose of the old bulb promptly and out of the reach of children.
Replacing Exterior Light Bulbs
LED type
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Headlights
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Daytime running lights
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Parking lights
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Front turn signal lights
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High-mount brake light
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Rear turn signal lights
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Brake lights
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Taillights
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Reverse lights
The LED bulb cannot be replaced as a single unit because it is an integrated unit.
The LED bulb has to be replaced with the unit. If a replacement is necessary, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Bulb type
Side turn signal lights
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Make sure the vehicle power is switched off, and the headlight switch is off.
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If you are changing the left bulb, start the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, and turn off engine. If you are changing the right bulb, turn the steering wheel to the right.
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Pull the center of each plastic retainer and remove the retainers, and then partially peel back the mudguard.
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Removal
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Installation
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Remove the unit by pressing the tab on the unit with your finger and pulling the unit forward.
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Detach the electrical connector from the unit by pulling it to the rear.
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Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.
Front side-marker lights
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Make sure the vehicle power is switched off, and the headlight switch is off.
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If you are changing the right bulb, start the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, and turn off engine. If you are changing the left bulb, turn the steering wheel to the left.
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Pull the center of each plastic retainer and remove the retainers, and then partially peel back the mudguard.
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Removal
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Installation
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Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it.
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Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
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Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.
Rear side-marker lights
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Make sure the vehicle power is switched off, and the headlight switch is off.
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Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it.
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Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
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Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.
License plate lights
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Make sure the vehicle power is switched off, and the headlight switch is off.
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Wrap a flathead screwdriver with a soft cloth to prevent damage to the light unit.
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Insert the screwdriver from the left side (press in strongly) and move the tip of the screwdriver downward to remove the light unit.
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Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it, then disconnect the bulb from the socket.
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Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.
Replacing Interior Light Bulbs
Overhead light
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Wrap a small flathead screwdriver with a soft cloth to prevent damage to the lens, and then remove the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens with the flathead screwdriver.
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Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.
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Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.
Trunk light
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Wrap a small flathead screwdriver with a soft cloth to prevent damage to the lens, and then remove the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens with the flathead screwdriver.
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Disconnect the connector from the unit.
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Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.
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Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.
