Mazda CX-3: Exterior Care / Bright-Metal Maintenance

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2025) Owner's Manual / Maintenance and Care / Appearance Care / Exterior Care / 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.
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.

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.

Repairing Damage to the Finish

Deep scratches or chips on the finish should be repaired promptly. Exposed metal quickly rusts and can lead to major repairs. CAUTION 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...

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...

Other information:

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2025) Owner's Manual: Closing the Hood

Check under the hood area to make certain all filler caps are in place and all loose items (e.g. tools, oil containers, etc.) have been removed. Lift the hood, grasp the padded area on the support rod, and secure the support rod in the clip...

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2025) Owner's Manual: Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades

When the wipers no longer clean well, the blades are probably worn or cracked. Replace them. CAUTION To prevent damage to the wiper arms and other components, do not try to sweep the wiper arm by hand. NOTE When raising both windshield wiper arms, raise the driver's side wiper arm first...