Don't hate me, but today I waxed my MINI.

[TheOldMan]

Alright I now you purists are going to go crazy, but it’s cold and damp in Michigan. Anyway, here is my story. I have been most diligent regarding my MINI, following the advice given in this very forum, Zaino, micro fiber towels, Vinyl X, 303, everything followed perfectly. I would NEVER take the MINI through an automatic car wash, but I have, since winter, been using the wand wash near my house.

So today, as most days, I decide to wash my car. Now I mostly just use the rinse setting, maybe a little soap on the wheels. But today I happen to have a pile of quarters and decide to give it a really good wash. Then, I don’t know what came over me, I spot the WAX setting on the wash dial. I flip it on. OMG, it was wonderful. The thickest best smelling wax I have ever seen. Did the whole MINI! As I rinsed, the water beaded and rolled from the paint. It was perfect.

Maybe is just that is has been grey to the bone around here for days. But I swear it shines a well and a 4 hour Zaino detail.

OK, flame away!

[Crashton]

No flames from me. I completely understand the urge to clean your MINI on a grey day. I bet the only thing shining in your neck of the woods is your MINI. A tip on using the quarter car wash.....bring only enough to do the car. If you bring extra you'll use them too.

Chuck

[MandaBoo]

Originally Posted by Crashton

A tip on using the quarter car wash.....bring only enough to do the car. If you bring extra you'll use them too.

Chuck

Yep, the other day on my way home, I stopped by a DIY car wash with a change purse full of quarters. All I really intended to do was spray off the bird poo that had been deposited on my car that day and spend the minimum $1.25 but I think I wound up spending $4 and I don't know why b/c it's not like I had a bucket and washing mit with me to really wash the car so it was still a bit dirty when I left. Oh well. With the birds that have been around work recently, I need to start traveling with a bucket, mit and car wash soap in my car so i can wash it on my way home....can't wait till it warms up enough so I feel like hauling out the hose

[hugh]

Originally Posted by TheOldMan

OMG, it was wonderful. The thickest best smelling wax I have ever seen. Did the whole MINI! As I rinsed, the water beaded and rolled from the paint. It was perfect.

Maybe is just that is has been grey to the bone around here for days. But I swear it shines a well and a 4 hour Zaino detail.

OK, flame away!

No flames here either. I understand completely.
There's nothing like a shiny car on a grey day.

There are a lot of waxes out there that shine up just as well as the revered ZAINO. The difference of course is lastability. But you knew that, didn't you.

[MINIclo]

Oh, you naughty boy, tee hee! Sounds like a fun time fluffing and buffing your MINI!

[agranger]

I've spent several winters in Michigan (Kalamazoo area) and ANYTHING you can do to keep dirt and salt off your car during the winter is greatly appreciated by your MINI. It may not be 'the best' but it's much better than nothing at all!

[BradB]

Wow, now your Mini is ALL waxed. The paint, the chrome, the plastic, the glass, the rubber, the wiper blades, the tires. Sorry, I just had to flame a little!

Try to resist the urge in the future. A good wash with Z7 (which you can do at the same place...just take a bucket with you) will yield very shiny results as well. And remember to QD.

My cars are getting washed tomorrow. I can't wait to get started.

[haulin_oats]

I always use the WAX setting to rince my car at the carwash. I never actually use the rince!

[TheOldMan]

Originally Posted by haulin_oats

I always use the WAX setting to rince my car at the carwash. I never actually use the rince!

They must need to reload the system.

I'm telling you, this wax was THICK. You needed to rinse after. Although, as Brad pointed out, the glass and wipers.

We'll see.... or maybe not.....

[gokartride]

Maybe different formulations are used, but I always had bad expreiences w/ the effect of spray wax on my windshield. The wipers just don't work right after that. Plus, the stuff they use around here doesn't last very long at all....maybe your luck will be better.

[BradB]

The weather has been bad here lately but today it was sunny and not too cold so everybody was anxious to wash their cars. I did mine by hand as promised.

The self spray booths were busy. Every one had huge lines. The most horrible thing I saw was this guy with his black MINI (that's what caught my eye...a MINI sighting) using the long handled suds brush. This thing looks like a shop broom with really stiff bristles and the guy was leaning so hard into the brush I could see the door panel sheet metal deflecting! I was sitting at the stoplight in horror. I wanted to run over there and do an intervention! I can just imagine the scratches.

[TheOldMan]

OK troops, I’m reporting back in. DO NOT USE THE WAX. First is does last a week, but my windshield is a mess!

It used to clean perfectly, now the water leaves small beads and streaks.

Have to roll it into the shop today for a good cleaning.

[mciri]

Bummer! Well, I had planned to wash my car today and after reading your first post, I was half tempted to use the wax setting. Thanks to you and BradB, I'll resist!

[gokartride]

I imagine to correct the windshield problem one could just spot clean (wipe down) the glass w/ a weak dawn detergent/water mixture to strip the wax off.

[Crashton]

Hey OldMan,

I thought you'd have problems with that when I first read your post. I didn't say anything because it's been quite a while since I used the wax setting & thought that maybe they'd overcome that very problem & you seemed so happy. I hate to rain on other peoples parades. Just clean that windscreen as best you can. I'd try something with some amonia in it. Be careful...don't get it on your paint. Also clean the wiper blades because they're sure to have a coating of that wax on them too. I washed mine last night, but I didn't use the wax setting.

Chuck

[BradB]

Originally Posted by gokartride

I imagine to correct the windshield problem one could just spot clean (wipe down) the glass w/ a weak dawn detergent/water mixture to strip the wax off.

That would be my first move. Use a sponge soaked in the Dawn and do an area at a time. Avoid getting the Dawn on any areas you want to stay waxed.

As mentioned, alcohol will also probably do the trick. And polishing with a glass polish as well as claying are common fixes to a lot of windshield problems.

[deemotored]

I love Quik n Clean.

[mrkoenig3]

Every man loves a quickie!!!

[pooch1]

If any of you have a corded or cordless leaf blower I find it works well on those grey days to get water off in a hurry and also dry streak free.People look at me and think Iam crazy too.I know the look.

[cube17576]

Originally Posted by pooch1

If any of you have a corded or cordless leaf blower I find it works well on those grey days to get water off in a hurry and also dry streak free.People look at me and think Iam crazy too.I know the look.

The thought of that goes right through me. Do you know what dirt and debris can go through those? That is like driving down the highway at 200 mph and getting hit by a rock.

[thefuturequeenofnebraska]

OldMan- I feel you there.... I LOVE me some quarter washes this time of year! Poor Jenna gets SO dirty! Good luck with the wax removal!


It was warm today, so we washed wheels and Chad washed agokart!
I LOVE the 40s! YEA WARM!


(silly Michigan.)