Exterior Maintenance
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 (Soft Top) Maintenance
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Automatic and high-pressure car washes are harmful to a convertible top. Avoid them.
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Do not spray water directly on the area where the window glass and the convertible top meet. This would probably cause water to enter the cabin.
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Do not spray water directly on the seam area of the body and the convertible top as it could result in water penetrating the cabin and trunk.
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Some leather treatment products can ruin the convertible top's gloss. Be careful of the one you choose.
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Test on an inconspicuous, small corner of the convertible top if you are not sure.
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Do not wipe the convertible top using alcohol, chlorine bleach, or organic solvents such as thinner, benzene, or gasoline. Otherwise, they may cause discoloration or stains.
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Do not get any car wax on the convertible top. If you do, remove it with a good leather cleaner or mild detergent (about 5 % solution).
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Too much treatment on the convertible top can be as damaging as too little. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Do not overdo it.
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Let the convertible top dry completely before lowering after applying treatment or dressing.
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To prevent the soft top from deteriorating, avoid direct sunlight when parking.
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For long-term storage in a garage, provide adequate ventilation.
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If the soft top is wet, remove the excess water and dry it before using a body cover or soft top cover.
The convertible top is made of a special high-grade material, but if it's not taken good care of, hardening, staining, and loss of luster will result. Maintain it under these guidelines.
Washing
Do not wait until the convertible top gets really dirty before cleaning it. Dirt that's there too long will cause deterioration.
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Before washing, remove dust and coarse particulate with a soft brush.
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Gently clean the convertible top with a synthetic neutral detergent, lots of water, and a soft brush.
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Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove all the soap.
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Wipe it as dry as you can before the water dries on it.
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Then allow it to dry completely before lowering it.
Drain filter cleaning procedure
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Drain filter A
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Drain filter B
If leaves or other matter block the drain filter, water may enter the vehicle.
Clean the drain filter at least once a year.
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Check the position of the drain filter A with your hand from behind the bow.
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Bow
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Drain filter A
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Remove the drain filter A while pressing the tab.
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Remove drain filter B out of the opening after removing drain filter A.
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Remove foreign matter such as leaves accumulated in drain filter A and drain filter B.
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Install in the reverse order of removal.
When installing the drain filter, make sure that the drain filter is securely attached to its designated position by pushing it until the tab locks. Water may enter the vehicle if the drain filter is not secured to its designated position.
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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