GROUNDWORK — Assess a paint chip before touch-up Task: mazda-paint-chip | Content version 2.0.0 Source page: https://csl-12-auto-repair.pages.dev/tasks/mazda-paint-chip/ 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 model years and markets; imported Axela or diesel models; modified or aftermarket components with a different procedure. PREPARE [ ] Park in a safe place away from traffic. Work with the vehicle stationary, parking brake set and ignition off unless a step explicitly calls for a parked functional check. [ ] Is the area a small finish defect, with no dent, sharp edge or structural damage? [ ] Keep children and pets away from tools, fluids and coin cells. Never enter underneath the vehicle. [ ] Good lighting [ ] Soft cloth [ ] No paint until the correct paint system and label instructions are confirmed. OBSERVE & RECORD Observation date: __________ Vehicle / equipment confirmed: __________ Describe exposure and corrosion before selecting paint; record the verified product rather than guessing color. Chip location and exposed area: __________ Exposed metal, rust or surface-only mark: __________ Verified paint system and label instructions: __________ Small touch-up plan or body-shop request: __________ Before care: __________ STEPS 1. [ ] Inspect the damaged finish in good light without sanding, scraping or enlarging the chip. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=482 | PDF page 482 2. [ ] Check whether metal is exposed. Mazda says deep scratches / chips need prompt repair because exposed metal can rust. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=482 | PDF page 482 3. [ ] Identify the correct Mazda touch-up paint and its instructions before purchase; color and coating compatibility must be confirmed, never inferred from the car’s appearance. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=482 | PDF page 482 4. [ ] For a small compatible repair, follow the actual touch-up product label and the owner manual. This checklist does not invent sanding, curing or repainting parameters. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=482 | PDF page 482 5. [ ] For rust, larger damage or metal repair, prepare a body-shop request including corrosion protection of repaired / replacement parts. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=482 | PDF page 482 6. [ ] Describe exposure and corrosion before selecting paint; record the verified product rather than guessing color. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=482 | PDF page 482 DECISION CHECKS Is the area a small finish defect, with no dent, sharp edge or structural damage? Yes — ready for this check → Continue with the steps, stopping if the real component differs from the manual. Not yet / not sure → Preparation saved. Return when the condition is confirmed; leave the vehicle untouched. Rust spread, deep damage, unknown coating or sharp exposed metal → Rust, large / deep damage or uncertain paint system: arrange body-shop assessment. Which repair path is established? Correct paint / product instructions identified for a small finish defect → Is the defect small, without rust or structural damage, and the correct paint system established? Rust, large / deep damage or uncertain paint system: arrange body-shop assessment. → Rust, large / deep damage or uncertain paint system: arrange body-shop assessment. I have only prepared the plan → Plan prepared; no physical maintenance result recorded. Is the defect small, without rust or structural damage, and the correct paint system established? Small defect and matching product instructions confirmed → Correct paint / product instructions identified for a small finish defect The observation or repeat check is still incomplete → Plan prepared; no physical maintenance result recorded. Rust, deeper damage or uncertain paint compatibility → Rust, large / deep damage or uncertain paint system: arrange body-shop assessment. RECHECK After the chosen repair, is exposed metal protected and has rust or peeling appeared around the edge? After care: __________ Retest: not checked / improved / unchanged / worse If an earlier condition changes, reassess the later checks and result. RESULT CHECK Which repair path is established? Correct paint / product instructions identified for a small finish defect Record only the result you actually observed. A saved web checklist is not confirmation that a vehicle has been repaired. Is the defect small, without rust or structural damage, and the correct paint system established? After the chosen repair, is exposed metal protected and has rust or peeling appeared around the edge? STOP CONDITIONS Rust spread, deep damage, unknown coating or sharp exposed metal Rust, large / deep damage or uncertain paint system: arrange body-shop assessment. A part, label, connector or fastener differs from the cited manual; access requires raising the vehicle; you cannot identify the correct component. SERVICE HANDOFF Take the recorded observations, their dates and any actual work history to the service provider. Rust, large / deep damage or uncertain paint system: arrange body-shop assessment. Notes: __________ SOURCES 2017 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual — Repairing Damage to the Finish, printed p.6-69 https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=482 | PDF page 482 Source checked 2026-10-04 Copyright retained by manufacturer; factual reference only. Original wording and schematic; no OEM images or manual redistribution. This blank plan records no completed maintenance or verified repair.