Mazda 2003 MX-5 Miata, Manual

Page: 224 / 256

8-46
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
▼
Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
▼
Convertible Top Maintenance
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
Don’t wait until the top gets really dirty
before cleaning it. Dirt that’s there too
long will cause deterioration.
1. Gently clean the top with a synthetic
neutral detergent, lots of water, and a
soft brush.
2. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to
remove all the soap.
3. Wipe it as dry as you can before the
water dries on it.
4. Then allow it to dry completely before
lowering it.
NOTE
•
Don’t use a wire brush or any
abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.
•
Only use a mild soap or neutral
detergent and always use a sponge
or soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean
the wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.
•
Avoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
•
If your aluminum wheels lose
luster, wax the wheels.
•
Automatic and high-pressure car
washes are harmful to a convertible
top. Avoid them.
•
Don’t spray water directly on the
area where the window glass and
the top meet. This would probably
cause water to enter the cabin.
CAUTION
J07R_8R09_EA_02G.book Page 46 Monday, July 1, 2002 11:30 AM