Left Column

[Tess]

Ok, I've never had a car before that I was all that concerned about keeping in top notch condition as far as how it looks and how long it stays in 'new' condition.

I definitely want to keep my 07 MINI is the best shape I can, without going overboard with expensive products that may not be necessary, at least not yet, he's spankin new!.

So, does anyone have a simple, step by step on what I need to do to keep him in good shape?

So far, I plan to get the clear bra for the bonnet and headlights, mirrors, I have a small rechargeable vacuum in the boot and use it regularly, I have rubber mats to protect the carpet (i commute so a coffee spill is inevitable), and in 4 weeks I've washed him 5 times. I've been using a car wash with the soft clothe things, not brushes or high powered sprayers. Is there such a thing as washing to often?

I wiped the dash with what i thought was just a cleaner, but evidently it had protectant in it because its shinier where I cleaned. Should I remove that shine and if so how? Or, should I just make sure to do the rest of the dash so it's all even?

Oh, and I keep a sun visor to cut down on direct sun exposure and heat during the day (interior is almost all black), at least in the front, do I need one in the rear window?