User's Guide Part 3

6 – 55
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its fi nish according to
the instructions in this section. These steps
should be taken immediately after you fi nd
water marks on your vehicle's fi nish.
Paint Chipping
Occurrence
Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle's tires hits
your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping
Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances
of having your paint chipped by fl ying
gravel.
NOTE
• The paint chipping zone varies with
the speed of the vehicle. For example,
when traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph),
the paint chipping zone is 50 m (164
ft).
•
In low temperatures a vehicle's fi nish
hardens. This increases the chance of
paint chipping.
•
Chipped paint can lead to rust forming
on your Mazda. Before this happens,
repair the damage by using Mazda
touch-up paint according to the
instructions in this section. Failure to
repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
Maintaining the Finish
Washing
CAUTION

When the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition is
switched ON, the wipers may move
automatically in the following cases:

If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a
cloth.

If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wiper lever is in
the AUTO position and the ignition
is switched ON as  ngers could be
pinched or the wipers and wiper
blades damaged when the wipers
activate automatically.
If you are going to clean the
windshield, be sure the wipers
are turned o completely—this is
particularly important when clearing
ice and snow—when it is most likely
that the engine is left running.

Do not spray water in the engine
compartment. Otherwise, it could result
in engine-starting problems or damage
to electrical parts.
Mazda3_8CX9-EA-13F_Edition1.indb 55Mazda3_8CX9-EA-13F_Edition1.indb 55 2013/05/17 11:52:082013/05/17 11:52:08