Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Underbody Maintenance
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.
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.
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.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels, and frame members have drain holes that 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 aff ected. |
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 brightmetal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a ...
Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
CAUTION
Do not use any detergent other than
mild detergent. Before using any
...
Other materials:
Glass Antenna Inspection
4SD
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable..
2. Disconnect the antenna amplifier connector B..
3. Disconnect the antenna feeder No.3 connector C. (with audio unit (with display)).
4. Inspect the glass antenna for damage visually.
5. Inspect for continuity between the glass antenna termin ...
Cooling (With air conditioner)
Set the mode selector dial to the
position.
Set the temperature control dial to the
cold position.
Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
Turn on the air conditioner by pressing
the A/C switch.
After cooling begins, adjust the fan
control dial and temperature control
...
Shroud Panel Removal/Installation
CAUTION:
Because the shroud panel is installed to the bumper reinforcement, support
the shroud panel using a jack before removing the bumper reinforcement so as
not to apply excessive force to the shroud panel.
Since the servicing is performed with the hood open, secure the hoo ...
