GROUNDWORK — Hand-wash and dry the Mazda3 exterior Task: mazda-hand-wash | Content version 2.0.0 Source page: https://csl-12-auto-repair.pages.dev/tasks/mazda-hand-wash/ MODEL / APPLICABILITY [{"modelId":"mazda3-2017-us","market":"US","year":2017,"engine":"SKYACTIV-G 2.0 / 2.5 gasoline","configurations":["all","4-door","5-door","type-b-audio"]}] EXCLUSIONS Other years, markets, Axela / diesel models and modified equipment with different care requirements. Automatic or pressure washing, engine-bay cleaning, under-vehicle access, polishing, paint repair and brake maintenance are outside this hand-wash plan. PREPARE [ ] Park safely away from traffic, set the parking brake and switch the engine and ignition off. [ ] Is the car stationary with ignition off and wipers fully off, with a safe washing location, clean soft materials and compatible vehicle soap if needed? [ ] Clean soft non-nylon cloths [ ] Clean chamois for drying [ ] Water supply used without high pressure [ ] Lukewarm or cold water [ ] Mild soap made for vehicles, if plain water does not remove the contamination; follow its label OBSERVE & RECORD Observation date: __________ Vehicle / equipment confirmed: __________ Record the same surfaces before and after care, the actual product and cloth used, and anything requiring further inspection. Do not treat a clean finish as a brake check. Areas and contamination before washing: __________ Water temperature, cloth and actual product: __________ Finish after rinsing and drying: __________ | Choices: Clean / intact; Residue remains; Damage or water ingress found; Not fully checked Remaining deposits / damage and next action: __________ Post-wash brake precaution / unresolved concern: __________ Before care: __________ STEPS 1. [ ] Confirm ignition and wipers are fully off before touching the windshield. The rain-sensing wipers may move if the sensor area is disturbed while the system is active. Keep water out of the engine compartment and avoid excessive force on the roof or antenna. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=480 | PDF page 480; printed 6–67 2. [ ] Rinse off loose dirt and other foreign material with lukewarm or cold water before wiping. Use plenty of water and a clean soft cloth; avoid rough, dry or dirty cloths and nylon cloth. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=480 | PDF page 480; printed 6–67 3. [ ] Wash gently. If plain water does not remove contamination, use mild soap made for vehicles according to its label. Avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool and strongly alkaline or caustic products. Leave stubborn deposits or damaged paint for the matching deposit / paint plan or service. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=481 | PDF page 481; printed 6–68 4. [ ] Rinse all soap away with lukewarm or cold water before it dries on the finish. Dry gently with a clean chamois, then compare the same areas for residue, water spots and any exposed damage. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=481 | PDF page 481; printed 6–68 5. [ ] Save the surfaces cleaned, materials and remaining marks. Mazda warns that wet brakes can increase stopping distance or cause pulling; use the full manual’s post-wash brake-drying guidance before ordinary driving. This stationary cleaning checklist supplies no brake-service or road-test procedure. If normal braking is uncertain, arrange assistance and keep that concern open. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=481 | PDF page 481; printed 6–68 DECISION CHECKS Is the car stationary with ignition off and wipers fully off, with a safe washing location, clean soft materials and compatible vehicle soap if needed? Yes — original equipment and safe conditions confirmed → Follow the original-equipment care steps and record before and after observations. Not yet / material or condition uncertain → Save preparation until the original equipment, compatible materials and safe conditions are confirmed. Damaged finish, deposits that will not release gently, water entering the cabin, or abnormal braking after the wash → Stop aggressive cleaning for damaged paint or stubborn material. Water ingress or abnormal / uncertain braking requires the appropriate inspection before relying on the car. What did the completed rinse, gentle wash and drying reveal? Loose dirt / soap removed, finish dried and remaining concerns recorded → The exterior hand-wash result is recorded. This result does not establish brake condition or readiness to drive. Damaged finish, deposits that will not release gently, water entering the cabin, or abnormal braking after the wash → Stop aggressive cleaning for damaged paint or stubborn material. Water ingress or abnormal / uncertain braking requires the appropriate inspection before relying on the car. Care or the repeat observation is incomplete → Preparation or incomplete care recorded. A satisfactory maintenance result has not been established. RECHECK After drying, compare the same surfaces for residue and damage. Keep brake condition unconfirmed until the manufacturer’s post-wash precautions have been addressed safely; abnormal braking needs assistance. After care: __________ Retest: not checked / improved / unchanged / worse If an earlier condition changes, reassess the later checks and result. RESULT CHECK Loose dirt / soap removed, finish dried and remaining concerns recorded After drying, compare the same surfaces for residue and damage. Keep brake condition unconfirmed until the manufacturer’s post-wash precautions have been addressed safely; abnormal braking needs assistance. Keep any unresolved condition and its next action in the record. STOP CONDITIONS Damaged finish, deposits that will not release gently, water entering the cabin, or abnormal braking after the wash Stop aggressive cleaning for damaged paint or stubborn material. Water ingress or abnormal / uncertain braking requires the appropriate inspection before relying on the car. Stop if the actual material or equipment differs from this original-equipment plan. SERVICE HANDOFF Stop aggressive cleaning for damaged paint or stubborn material. Water ingress or abnormal / uncertain braking requires the appropriate inspection before relying on the car. Notes: __________ SOURCES 2017 Mazda3 — Hand Washing and Rain-Sensing Wiper Precautions https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=480 | PDF page 480; printed 6–67 Source checked 2026-10-23 Manufacturer copyright retained; facts and link only. Original checklist wording; no manual images are republished. 2017 Mazda3 — Rinsing, Drying and Wet-Brake Warning https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=481 | PDF page 481; printed 6–68 Source checked 2026-10-23 Manufacturer copyright retained; facts and link only. Original checklist wording; no manual images are republished. This blank plan records no completed maintenance or verified repair.