All MINIs are "cute". I never seen one that wasn't cute

As for washing ... just wait for the rain

 

Once every six months whether it needs it or not.

 

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but in high heat and humidity places like Texas, Louisiana, Florida; will the wax based products melt and need more frequent detailing and application?

 

Yes trico. That is generally true of carnuaba waxes.

 

So how do you go about waxing the car in, say Houston, in August? What would you use? Something different than if you were in San Francisco I assume.

 

i use to live in houston long time ago...like 30yrs ago.

with that soggy mushy hot climate, i would use Prima Hydro.
and get inside quickly.

 

Houston - in August: midnight waxing with a synthetic (like Prima Epic), a fan, a block of ice, naked and with a gin & tonic.

 

Dang! You know how to party...

 

The garage queen gets washed when it gets dirty. However the top gets vaccumed every time it gets a little dusty. Don't want the dirt grating the fabric on the top when it is down.

 

Same in Indy, just Maker's instead of Gin. Have you been sneaking a peak into my garage?

 

Hmmmmm
My mini is only a month old, i washed it once and had it washed at BMW/Mini a few hours ago (since it is free )

I'm so lost as to what products you guys are referring to but I really want to be OCD about my Mini since it's my first car (I'm only 18) and I actually paid for half the downpayment with my own hard-earned money. I know Griot's Garage has a bunch of good stuff. My friend gave me some claybar and a tin of cleaner wax made by Meguiar's. I have no idea how to use this stuff, I guess I'll ask him to show me, unless you guys have any other suggestions on products.

 

DO NOT USE MEGUIAR'S CLEANER WAX!!!!! Meguiar's makes some great product, but I consider this stuff to be the worst product they have. Maybe even the worst of its kind. It works, but at the cost of potential damage to many parts of your car. Unfortunately, the damage may take months, even years to show up.

And what it does to rubber seals is just scary.

 

Some neutral, objective advice: Spend some time reading up in the Detailing 101 forum. You will find many write-ups and tips. You will also find many differing opinions on products and techniques. They all work. Ultimately you will decide which works best for you, and learn a lot at the same time!

Welcome to the Asylum!

 

okay, here's my unofficial crash course:

step 1 - don't let the dealer wash your car... even if it is free... they will dry it with terrible towels and put swirls all over the place.

step 2 - use a sheepskin wash mitt (can buy most places, just make sure it is 100% wool) and 2-bucket method when washing, with Grit Guards, if possible. this allows soap in one bucket and rinse water in the second. Grit Guards (search online to buy) keep the dirt in the bottom of the bucket.

step 3 - check out www.detailersparadise.com. if nothing else, buy 3 products:
• Prima Slick, a quick deatailing spray to use with the clay and to clean up messes like bird droppings that will etch your paint; clay is great by-the-way, prepares the paint for wax;
• Prima Hydro, a spray on while the car is wet wax;
• a Monster Fluffy 3 pack of towels.

step 4 - If you want great Microfiber towels, also buy DP's Waffle Weave drying towels (great) and Prima Clarity glass cleaner and MF towel (also great).

step 5 - if you want to go further... buy Prima Epic a very good wax and easy to apply (just stay away from the black trim).

step 6 - use Prima Nero for detailing the dash and interior parts.

step 7 - check out the thread on Octane Guys' Black Wow for a great way to keep up your exterior plastic trim.

by the way, i have no connection to Detailers Paradise, I just like their products and their service.

Good luck!

P.S. - I just saw you are in Redondo Beach... go to one of Octane Guy's clinics ... see here:

http://showcardetailing.com/

P.S.+1 - OctaneGuy sells Prima products at his shop!

 

Well written.

 

Kamusta? hang out in the detailing 101 forum and you will learn a lot of things. Don't try to dive-in right away and use the claybar until you are comfortable with the technique. Follow the advise of mini_dreams and you are all set.

advise from a fellow Pinoy...

 

These things are bundled with the Meg Quick detailer kit and I was wondering where to use it. Good thing you mentioned this as I was about to use it on the door jams and under the bonnet.

 

hey my dealer washed my car for free today. woohoo!

(civic).

 

Ok kenchan,..you are just trolling now.

 

if i seriously sold Hydro I will deplete Prima's inventory and
everyone here will think i was a troll.

 

wow... i'm speechless... for once...

 

yes, now i don't have to wash it this weekend!

 

Big fan of their products. I wouldn't recommend going crazy and buying a polisher, but for $35 you can get a nice start with some wax, towels, and of course speed shine.

 

My dealer said they would wash it for free any time I wanted. Of course, they know it takes me an hour (or more) to get there.

 

Ive seen people in lines waiting to get their free wash at my
infiniti dealer on the weekends. that's just plain crazy...
they are a automall with porsche, bimmers, honda, caddy, benz, etc.
and have all sorts of cars lined up.

i was at the dealer this morning for some service getting done.