Get Maintenance and Care -> Appearance Care Guide for Mazda Cx-5 SUV 2023

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Damage Caused by Bird Dropping,

Insects, or Tree Sap

Exterior Care

The paintwork on your Mazda represents

the latest technical developments in

composition and methods of application.

Occurrence

Bird droppings contain acids. If these are

not removed they can eat away the clear

and color base coat of the vehicle's

paintwork.

Environmental hazards, however, can

harm the paint's protective properties, if

proper care is not taken.

When insects stick to the paint surface and

decompose, corrosive compounds form.

These can erode the clear and color base

coat of the vehicle's paintwork if they are

not removed.

Here are some examples of possible

damage, with tips on how to prevent them.

Etching Caused by Acid Rain or

Industrial Fallout

Occurrence

Tree sap will harden and adhere

permanently to the paint finish. If you

scratch the sap off while it is hard, some

vehicle paint could come off with it.

Industrial pollutants and vehicle emissions

drift into the air and mix with rain or dew

to form acids. These acids can settle on a

vehicle's finish. As the water evaporates,

the acid becomes concentrated and can

damage the finish.

And the longer the acid remains on the

surface, the greater the chance is for

damage.

Prevention

It is necessary to have your Mazda washed

and waxed to preserve its finish according

to the instructions in this section. This

should be done as soon as possible.

Prevention

Bird droppings can be removed with a soft

sponge and water. If you are traveling and

these are not available, a moistened tissue

may also take care of the problem. The

cleaned area should be waxed according to

the instructions in this section.

Insects and tree sap are best removed with

a soft sponge and water or a commercially

available chemical cleaner.

It is necessary to wash and wax your

vehicle to preserve its finish according to

the instructions in this section. These steps

should be taken immediately after you

suspect that acid rain has settled on your

vehicle's finish.

Another method is to cover the affected

area with dampened newspaper for 1 to 2

hours. After removing the newspaper,

rinse off the loosened debris with water.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care



Water Marks

Occurrence

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.

Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can

contain harmful minerals such as salt and

lime. If moisture containing these minerals

settles on the vehicle and evaporates, the

minerals will concentrate and harden to

form white rings. The rings can damage

your vehicle's finish.

Follow all label and container directions

when using a chemical cleaner or polish.

Read all warnings and cautions.

Prevention

It is necessary to wash and wax your

vehicle to preserve its finish according to

the instructions in this section. These steps

should be taken immediately after you find

water marks on your vehicle's finish.

Maintaining the Finish

▼

Washing

CAUTION

Paint Chipping

Occurrence

When the ignition is switched ON and

the wiper lever is in the AUTO position,

the windshield wipers may operate

automatically in the following cases:

Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown

in the air by another vehicle's tires hits

your vehicle.

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.

How to avoid paint chipping

Keeping a safe distance between you and

the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of

having your paint chipped by flying

gravel.

When the ignition is switched ON and

the wiper lever is in the AUTO position,

do not touch the windshield or the

windshield wipers Otherwise, the

NOTE



The paint chipping zone varies with the

windshield wipers will operate

speed of the vehicle. For example, when

traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph), the paint

chipping zone is 50 m (164 ft).

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.



In low temperatures a vehicle's finish

hardens. This increases the chance of

paint chipping.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care



Do not spray water in the engine

compartment. Otherwise, it could result

in engine-starting problems or damage

to electrical parts.

When washing and waxing the vehicle,

be careful not to apply excessive force to

any single area of the vehicle roof.

Otherwise, you could dent the vehicle.

Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water

and a soft cloth when washing the

vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.

Rub gently when washing or drying the

vehicle.

Take your vehicle only to a car wash

that keeps its brushes well maintained.

Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax

that contain abrasives.



To help protect the finish from rust and

deterioration, wash your Mazda

CAUTION

thoroughly and frequently, at least once a

month, with lukewarm or cold water.

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.

If the vehicle is washed improperly, the

paint surface could be scratched. Here are

some examples of how scratching could

occur.

Scratches occur on the paint surface when:



Pay special attention to removing salt, dirt,

mud, and other foreign material from the

underside of the fenders, and make sure

the drain holes in the lower edges of the

doors and rocker panels are clean.

The vehicle is washed without first

rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter.

The vehicle is washed with a rough, dry,

or dirty cloth.

The vehicle is washed at a car wash that

uses brushes that are dirty or too stiff.

Cleansers or wax containing abrasives

are used.

Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,

industrial fallout, and similar deposits can

damage the finish if not removed

NOTE

immediately. When prompt washing with

plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap

made for use on vehicles.



Mazda is not responsible for scratches

caused by automatic car washes or

improper washing.

Scratches are more noticeable on

vehicles with darker paint finishes.

Thoroughly rinse off all soap with

lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow

soap to dry on the finish.



To minimize scratches on the vehicle's

paint finish:

After washing the vehicle, dry it with a

clean chamois to prevent water spots from

forming.



Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter

using lukewarm or cold water before

washing.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Always wash and dry the vehicle before

waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,

wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.

WARNING

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:

1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.

Wax containing abrasives will remove

paints and could damage bright metal

parts.

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.

2. Use a good grade of natural wax for

metallic, mica, and solid colors.

3. When waxing, coat evenly with the

sponge supplied or a soft cloth.

4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.

NOTE

When using an automatic car wash

A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and

similar materials will usually also take off

the wax. Rewax these areas even if the rest

of the vehicle does not need it.



Retract the door mirrors.

The automatic car wash brushes could



reduce the paint luster or hasten paint

deterioration.

Repairing Damage to the Finish

▼

When using a high water pressure car

wash

Deep scratches or chips on the finish

should be repaired promptly. Exposed

metal quickly rusts and can lead to major

repairs.

High water temperature and high water

pressure car washers are available

depending on the type of car wash

CAUTION

machine. If the car washer nozzle is put

too close to the vehicle, the force of the

spray could damage or deform the

If your Mazda is damaged and needs metal

parts repaired or replaced, make sure the

body shop applies anti-corrosion materials

to all parts, both repaired and new. This

will prevent them from rusting.

molding, affect the sealability of parts, and

allow water to penetrate the interior. Keep

a sufficient space (30 cm (12 in) or more)

between the nozzle and the vehicle. In

addition, do not spend too much time

spraying the same area of the vehicle, and

be very careful when spraying between

gaps in doors and around windows.

Bright-Metal Maintenance

▼



Use tar remover to remove road tar and

insects. Never do this with a knife or

similar tool.

To prevent corrosion on bright-metal

surfaces, apply wax or chrome

preservative and rub it to a high luster.

Waxing



Your vehicle needs to be waxed when

water no longer beads on the finish.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care



During cold weather or in coastal areas,

cover bright-metal parts with a coating

of wax or preservative heavier than

usual. It would also help to coat them

with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or

some other protective compound.

should not be clogged. Water trapped there

will cause rusting.

WARNING

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.

CAUTION

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 result in damage to the

protective coating and cause discoloration

or paint deterioration.

Aluminum Wheel Maintenance

Underbody Maintenance

▼

A protective coating is provided over the

aluminum wheels. Special care is needed

to protect this coating.

Road chemicals and salt used for ice and

snow removal and solvents used for dust

control may collect on the underbody. If

not removed, they will speed up rusting

and deterioration of such underbody parts

as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust

system, even though these parts may be

coated with anti-corrosive material.

CAUTION

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.

Thoroughly flush the underbody and

wheel housings with lukewarm or cold

water at the end of each winter. Try also to

do this every month.

NOTE



Do not use a wire brush or any abrasive

Pay special attention to these areas

because they easily hide mud and dirt. It

will do more harm than good to wet

down the road grime without removing

it.

cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent

on aluminum wheels. They may damage

the coating.

Always use a sponge or soft cloth to

clean the wheels.



The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,

and frame members have drain holes that

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care



Rinse the wheels thoroughly with

lukewarm or cold water. Also, be sure to

clean the wheels after driving on dusty

or salted roads to help prevent

corrosion.

Avoid washing your vehicle in an

automatic car wash that uses high-speed

or hard brushes.

Do not use wax containing compounds

(polish). Otherwise, it could result in

paint damage.

In addition, do not use an electrical or

air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the

frictional heat generated could result in

deformation of plastic parts or paint

damage.



(19-inch wheel vehicle)

If your aluminum wheels lose luster,

apply wax which contains no polishing

powder.

Plastic Part Maintenance

▼



When cleaning the plastic lenses of the

lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,

rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly

acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline

detergents. Otherwise, these chemical

agents can discolor or damage the

surfaces resulting in a significant loss in

functionality. If plastic parts become

inadvertently exposed to any of these

chemical agents, flush with water

immediately.



If plastic parts such as the bumpers

become inadvertently exposed to

chemical agents or fluids such as

gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery

fluid, it could cause discoloration,

staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any

such chemical agents or fluids using a

soft cloth immediately.



High water temperature and high water

pressure car washers are available

depending on the type of high pressure

car washer device. If the car washer

nozzle is put too close to the vehicle or

aimed at one area for an extended period

of time, it could deform plastic parts or

damage the paint.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

off thoroughly and make sure there is

no remaining moisture on them.

Interior Care

WARNING

Do not spray water into the vehicle cabin:

Spraying water into the vehicle cabin is

dangerous as electrical devices such as the

audio and switches could get wet resulting

in a malfunction or vehicle ﬁre.

If a seat belt appears frayed or has

abrasions, have it replaced by an

Authorized Mazda Dealer:

If a seat belt is used under such a condition,

it cannot function at its full capacity which

could result in serious injury or death.

NOTE

Use a mild detergent to remove soiling

from a seat belt:



Do not wipe the interior using alcohol,

chlorine bleach, or organic solvents

such as thinner, benzene, and gasoline.

Otherwise, it may cause discoloration or

stains.

Rubbing hard with a stiff brush or cloth

may cause damage.

If organic solvents are used for cleaning the

seat belts or they become stained or

bleached, there is the possibility of them

becoming weakened and as a result, they

may not function at their full capacity

which could cause serious injury or death.



If the vehicle interior becomes soiled by

any of the following, wipe it off

immediately using a soft cloth.

Leaving it uncleaned could cause

discoloration, stains, cracks, or peeling of

the coating, and it will make it hard to

wipe off later.

NOTE

Clean seat belts diligently if they get dirty.

Leaving them uncleaned will make it

difficult to clean them later, and it may

affect the smooth retracting of the seat

belt.



Beverage or fragrance

Grease or oil

Soiling

Vinyl Upholstery Maintenance

▼



Remove dust and dirt from the vinyl

upholstery using a brush or vacuum.

Remove soiling from vinyl upholstery

using a leather and vinyl upholstery

cleaner.



Seat Belt Maintenance

▼

1. Clean the soiled area by lightly

dabbing it with a soft cloth soaked in a

mild detergent (approx. 5%) diluted

with water.

Upholstery Maintenance

▼

1. Clean the soiled area by lightly

dabbing it with a soft cloth soaked in a

mild detergent (approx. 5%) diluted

with water.

2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.

3. Before retracting seat belts which have

been pulled out for cleaning, dry them

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care



2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.

If the leather upholstery gets wet,

promptly remove moisture with a dry

cloth. Remaining moisture on the

surface may cause deterioration such as

hardening and shrinkage.

Exposure to direct sunlight for long

periods may cause deterioration and

shrinkage. When parking the car under

direct sunlight for long periods, shade

the interior using sunshades.

Do not leave vinyl products on the

leather upholstery for long periods.

They may affect the leather quality and

coloring. If the cabin temperature

becomes hot, the vinyl may deteriorate

and adhere to the genuine leather.

Leather Upholstery Maintenance^*

▼

1. Remove dust and sand using a vacuum

cleaner.

2. Wipe off the soiled area with a soft

cloth and a suitable, special cleaner or

a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent

(about 5%) diluted with water.

3. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.

4. Remove moisture with a dry, soft cloth

and allow the leather to further dry in a

well-ventilated, shaded area. If the

leather gets wet such as from rain,

remove the moisture and dry it as soon

as possible.

Plastic Part Maintenance

▼

CAUTION

NOTE

Do not use polishing agents.



Because genuine leather is a natural

Depending on the product ingredients,

they could cause discoloration, stains,

cracks or peeling of the coating.

material, its surface is not uniform and

it may have natural scars, scratches,

and wrinkles.

Instrument Panel Top (Soft pad)

Maintenance

▼



To maintain the quality for as long as

possible, periodical maintenance, about

twice a year, is recommended.

If the leather upholstery comes into

Extremely soft material is used for the soft

pad surface. If the soft pad surface is

rubbed harshly with a dry cloth, it could

result in the surface being damaged and

leaving white scratch marks.

1. Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth

soaked in a mild detergent (approx.

5%) diluted with water.



contact with any of the following, clean

it immediately.

Leaving it uncleaned could cause

premature wear, mold, or stains.



Sand or dirt

Grease or oil, such as hand cream

Alcohol, such as in cosmetic or hair



2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.



dressing items

*Some models.

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Panel Maintenance

▼

CAUTION

If a panel becomes soiled, wipe it off with

a soft cloth soaked in clean water and

thoroughly wrung out.

If some areas require further cleaning, use

the following procedure:

1. Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth

soaked in a mild detergent (approx.

5 %) diluted with water.

2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using

a cloth soaked in clean water and

wrung out well.

Do not scrape or scratch the inside of the

window glass. It could damage the

thermal ﬁlaments and the antenna lines.

When washing the inside of the window

glass, use a soft cloth dampened in

lukewarm water, gently wiping the

thermal ﬁlaments and the antenna lines.

Use of glass cleaning products could

damage the thermal ﬁlaments and the

antenna lines.

Cleaning the Floor Mats

NOTE

▼

Be particularly careful when cleaning

shiny surface panels and metallic parts

such as plating as they can be scratched

easily.

Rubber floor mats should be cleaned with

mild soap and water only.

WARNING

Active Driving Display

Maintenance^*

▼

Do not use rubber cleaners, such as tire

cleaner or tire shine, when cleaning rubber

ﬂoor mats:

Cleaning the rubber ﬂoor mats with rubber

cleaning products makes the ﬂoor mats

slippery.

This may cause an accident when

depressing the accelerator or brake pedal

or when getting in or out of the vehicle.

The dust-proof sheet has a coating. When

cleaning, do not use a hard or

rough-surface cloth, or cleaning detergent.

In addition, if a chemical solvent gets on

the active driving display, wipe it off

immediately. The dust-proof sheet could

be damaged and the surface coating could

be scratched. Use a fine, soft cloth such as

those used for cleaning eyeglasses.

After removing the floor mats for

cleaning, always reinstall them securely

(page 3-48).

NOTE

Use of compressed air when cleaning the

dust-proof sheet is recommended.

Cleaning the Window Interiors

▼

If the windows become covered with an

oily, greasy, or waxy film, clean them with

glass cleaner. Follow the directions on the

container.

*Some models.

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MEMO

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Maintenance and Care -> Appearance Care for Your Mazda Cx-5 SUV 2023

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