Detailing for the (Partially) Disabled

[gshochet]

Heh...almost wanted to title that 'Detailing for Dummies', but that's not what I mean.

Thanks to a run-in with a Lyme-infected tick some years ago, I have severe arthritis and contend with a fair amount of pain and fatigue daily. Not enough to slow me down (much), but I work full time and have a toddler and a Civil-War-era fixer-upper house, so I have to make a fair amount of judgment calls everyday as to what gets my energy and attention.

The MC Cabrio that I have on order will not be garaged (no garage, alas, and as it is a historic district there will never be one). We do have plenty of off-street parking, but also quite a lot of pollen/sticks/beech nuts/bird crap et cetera due to our big trees. I have a very short commute and hope to keep the car 10+ years, maybe give it to my son when he reaches driving age and demonstrates sufficient responsibility (and get another one for myself of course!). I want to take good care of it, but let's just say I know my limitations.

Some questions, then, with advance apologies if they are duplicated elsewhere:

When I take delivery, do I need to do anything right then (i.e., wash, wax, anything else that springs to mind) ?

Should I have an outdoor car cover? If so, any suggestions as to the brand?

Is taking it through an automatic car wash utter anathema?

How often should I apply wax, and what kind would be best (keep in mind: joint pain, fatigue, limited mobility)?

Is there anything else--simple--that I can do to keep my new baby in decent shape?

I have been going through the threads but am quite overwhelmed at this point. Hopefully I'll have the car before the end of August and can do right by her.

Thanks in advance, what a great resource these forums are for MINI owners and future owners .

-Gail

[kenchan]

i thought i was partially disabled (brain) but here it goes:

>When I take delivery, do I need to do anything right then (i.e., wash, wax, anything else that springs to mind) ?

not really (unless you're anal), just enjoy it.

>Should I have an outdoor car cover? If so, any suggestions as to the brand?

I would get the dealer one for outdoors if the car is not garaged. I would
also get a lock for it so it doesn't blow away in the wind.

>Is taking it through an automatic car wash utter anathema?

the car has a hard time clearing the rails on the rear left strut bottom.
the soft cloth usually ends up swirling the paint...but the touchless ends up
not cleaning well when heavily soiled.

>How often should I apply wax, and what kind would be best (keep in mind: joint pain, fatigue, limited mobility)?

i would do a paint sealant every 6months for my commuters and
do a quick spray on wax once a week. i recommend a claybar, but if
that's too much, perhaps let your detailer do a thorough detail once a
year.

>Is there anything else--simple--that I can do to keep my new baby in decent shape?

clean bird droppings, tree sap ASAP.

i am considered a VERY LAZY car detailer type... so my suggestions might
be perfect for you to keep it in 'decent' shape... (Not octaneguy clean).

i do treat my weekend cars differently though.

[skitelluride531]

If you have enough driveway, you could always opt for an EZ-UP car port. I would not recommend covering your car with a car cover unless the car is absolutely clean. Otherwise, you will probably end up just scratching your paint, and doing more damage than what would occur otherwise.

Also, another suggestion, depending on your location, if you are willing to pay the money, I bet you could find a pretty decent detailer in your area that could set you up with a monthly deal where he/she comes out and gets your car clean for you. Maybe this is not an option for you, but just another option for ya .


Anyways, the most important thing is to enjoy your MINI, so have fun!

[gshochet]

We have a walled area where someone started to build a garage back in the 50's; that's where my husband parks his PT Cruiser, as it is relatively sheltered. He's volunteered to give it up, so I may try to find an EZ-up-type thingy to serve as a roof. That may or may not bring down the architectural committee on me; I could probably argue that since it's not a 'permanent' structure it should be okay. It's a bitty car, so it won't be like I have this huge eyesore on my property.

I think that the point about the car cover scratching unless the car is perfectly clean is a good one. I would like to think that I'll wash it every week, but I know from experience that on bad weeks I only end up doing what's most needful. As for dirt...my first color choice was PW but when I got to the dealership I realized that I would never be able to keep it clean enough to suit me, so I went with Chili Red.

Thanks for the tips on the spray-on wax and general frequency of care. It never occurred to me to have it detailed (I've always detailed my own cars);I may speak to a local detailer to see if they can cut me a break; if I can't afford to have it done monthly, then at least quarterly would be better than not at all. I have had to learn a certain level of 'efficient laziness' in order to cope. It's all good; and I'll have that beautiful little Cabrio in a few weeks, which is the best sort of therapy that anyone could ask for.

[BoCRon]

You may find that keeping the MINI clean becomes your "me" time. For me it's a good thing to do to relax and not have to go anywhere. My kids know to leave mom alone and let me get in the zone!
You may look into the new Turtle ICE, I used some on my PT Cruiser a few weeks ago. It's a very easy product to use, so may work out to be just what you need.
Annette

[mitchman]

You can use a California Duster in between washings to keep it clean enough to use a car cover every day. It takes about 5 minutes (or less) to go over the car with the duster. They work great!

[mcdbrendan]

Where do you live? If your in the Ohio area, I would be happy to do it for you. (a few times a year, not every weekend )

[thulchatt]

I use a cover each day at work and simply use a duster to keep it clean.
I think the "a cover will scrach your paint" is over blown. I have used a cover during the day for about 20 years and with care have never had a problem.
However, I would recommend getting a NOHA or Stormguard cover rather than the MINI cover.

[MiniChik]

I'd think if you dusted your car before you put the cover on it would be OK. Another good cover is the California Car Cover. They have some with padding, like the Stormweave, that helps protect the car from little bumps. Here's a link: California Car Cover

[BradB]

The most important thing you can do is apply a quality polymer sealant. Polymers will last the longest and save you the most time in the long run.