Exterior Maintenance
Exterior Maintenance
Dry off brakes that have become wet by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes several times until the brake performance returns to 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.
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When the vehicle power is switched ON and the wiper lever is in the AUTO position, the windshield wipers may operate automatically in the following cases:
The area of the windshield above the rain sensor is touched or wiped with a cloth.
The windshield or the rain sensor area in the cabin is hit.
When the vehicle power is switched ON and the wiper lever is in the AUTO position, do not touch the windshield or the windshield wipers Otherwise, the windshield wipers will operate automatically which could catch your fingers or damage the windshield wipers.
When removing ice or snow, or cleaning the windshield, always make sure the wiper lever is in the OFF position.
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Do not spray water in the engine compartment. Otherwise, it could result in engine-starting problems or damage to electrical parts.
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When washing and waxing the vehicle, be careful not to apply excessive force to any single area of the vehicle hood. Otherwise, you could dent the vehicle.
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Do not use automatic car washing machines and car washing devices using high water pressure.
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Make sure that the fuel-filler lid is closed and lock the doors. Otherwise, the fuel-filler lid may be forcefully opened by water pressure causing damage to the vehicle or fuel-filler lid.
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Do not 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.
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If organic solvents such as gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid, get on the exterior, wipe it off immediately.
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Do not use wax containing compounds, organic solvents such as gasoline or benzene, alcohols, acidic or alkaline detergents, or bleach for cleaning.
Wheel Maintenance
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If there is seawater or anti-freezing agent on the wheels, wash it off with water as soon as possible.
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Do not use any detergent other than mild detergent. Before using any detergent, verify the ingredients. Otherwise, the product could discolor or stain the aluminum wheels.
Convertible Top (Retractable Hardtop) Maintenance
Washing
To help protect the retractable hardtop's finish, use a soft cloth or sponge to wash it.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, industrial fallout, and similar deposits can damage the finish if they are not removed immediately. When prompt washing with plain water is ineffective use a mild soap made for use on vehicles.
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Do not use an automatic car wash.
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Do not spray water directly on the area where the window glass and the retractable hardtop meet. This would probably cause water to enter the cabin.
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Do not use strong soap, chemical detergents, or hot water, and do not wash the retractable hardtop in direct sunlight or when the surface is warm.
Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow soap to dry on the finish.
Waxing
Wax the retractable hardtop when water no longer beads on the paint. Always wash and dry it before waxing.
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Wiping off dust or dirt with a dry cloth will scratch the finish.
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Do not use abrasive wax. This may damage the protective coating and discolor or deteriorate the paint.
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar materials will usually also take off the wax. Rewax these areas.
Drainage outlet cleaning procedure
There are drainage outlets on the left and right of the lower side of the rear window.
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Rear roof
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Rear window
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Drainage outlet
If leaves or other foreign matter block the drainage outlets, water may enter the cabin. Clean the drainage outlets at least once every 2 months.
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Continue pressing the retractable hardtop switch in the open direction until the rear roof is raised up from the fully closed position.
Refer to How to Use the Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback) (Search).
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Remove your finger from the retractable hardtop switch after the rear roof is raised up.
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Make sure the drainage outlets are visible.
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Drainage outlet
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Rear roof links
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Switch the vehicle power OFF.
Verify that the vehicle power is switched off:
Closing the roof with the vehicle power not switched off is dangerous as the motors could turn on suddenly and cause injury resulting from hands or fingers being pinched in the mechanism.
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Remove leaves and other foreign matter accumulated in the drainage outlet.
When cleaning the drainage outlets, be careful not to touch the roof links or the framework of the rear roof. Otherwise, you could get injured.
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Rear roof
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Roof links
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After cleaning the drainage outlets, continuously press the retractable hardtop switch in the close direction to close the rear roof.
Refer to How to Use the Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback) (Search).
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Pour about 300 ml (300 cc) of water slowly into each of the left and right drainage outlets to wash away small particles of foreign matter inside the drainage path.
Use washer fluid instead of water in cold weather.
If water is used, the water may freeze inside the drainage path blocking the path.
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Start the engine.
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Continue pressing the retractable hardtop switch in the open direction until the rear roof is raised up from the fully closed position.
Refer to How to Use the Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback) (Search).
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Remove your finger from the retractable hardtop switch after the rear roof is raised up.
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Check if water remains in the water trays of the drain covers through the gap between the rear roof and the body.
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If no water remains, the drain hose is not clogged.
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If water remains, the drain hose may be clogged. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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