Mazda 2003 Miata MX-5, Owner'S Manual

Page: 226 / 257

8-47
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Appearance(Polyvinyl only)
Dress the top once a month after washing
and drying it well. For best results, use a
water-based leather treatment or vinyl top
dressing.
▼
Detachable Hardtop
Maintenance
Washing
To help protect the 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.
Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm or cold
water. Don’t allow soap to dry on the
finish.
Waxing
Wax the hardtop when water no longer
beads on the paint. Always wash and dry
it before waxing.
•
Some leather treatment products
can ruin the top’s gloss. Be careful
of the one you choose.
•
Test on an inconspicuous, small
corner of the top if you are not sure.
•
Don’t get any car wax on the top.
If you do, remove it with a good
leather cleaner.
•
Too much treatment on the top can
be as damaging as too little. Follow
the manufacturer’s directions.
Don’t overdo it!
•
Let the top dry completely before
lowering after applying treatment or
dressing.
CAUTION
•
Don’t use an automatic car wash.
•
Don’t use strong soap, chemical
detergents, or hot water, and don’t
wash the hardtop in direct sunlight
or when the surface is warm.
•
Wiping off dust or dirt with a dry
cloth will scratch the finish.
•
Don’t use abrasive wax. This may
damage the protective coating and
discolor or deteriorate the paint.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas.
CAUTION
CAUTION
J07R_8R09_EA_02G.book Page 47 Monday, July 1, 2002 11:30 AM