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?

 

wash

hydro

done

 

Ok, great, what's hydro?

 

Here are two ways to keep your Mini looking new and keeping swirls off your car after you've detailed it correctly:

MikeyC's guide:

http://www.thedetailinghandbook.com/

And Mike Phillips video:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=75...earch&plindex=4

 

This thread is helpful:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=104347

90% of the stuff reference is available at DetailersParadise.com.

 

wow, checkout the weather in Boston, MA.

skitelluride- it's sunny today.

 

www.detailersparadise.com

search Hydro. it's a spray wax-as-you-dry
product. it is by far the bestest one out there.

 

This really does work, even on the windows I think I read that somewheres.

 

i tried Hydro on the windows this time... it sorta works like rain-x as
the rain water kinda blows off the glass over 45mph.

i noticed less rain water stains on the glass. which is a huge plus.

highly recommend that you hydro the glass.

 

Try Zaino, it is a simple, easy, non involved process

 

Sayno?

Ok, not funny...

 

Sayno! Now that's funny

I've found that Clarity does just same as Hydro on windows.

Tess, Call Heather at DP (Detailers Paradise) and ask her to send you the detailing notes from the Saturday class, it will really give you a handle on the process involved in getting your MINI clean and keeping it that way.

I've used several types of auto polishes in 35 years of car ownership, and I doubt if I'll ever use any but the Prima products again. Epic is great, Hydro is better than sliced bread, Clarity is the best glass treatment, Slick is an excellent QD.

 

In addition to DP having great stuff they also sell excellent micro fiber towels and applicators, etc. The MF towels are the way to avoid swirls and scratches-get a MF or wool wash mit as well. All of this can be had from DP .

 

I am like Tess and have only had my car for a couple of weeks have washed it 3x already. Is there a such things as too much washing (esp for a new car). The reason I've washed it so much is because it's rained a lot and I've always heard that its not good to leave acid rain on a car for long. Is this true and should I just do a good wash/wax prep job and wash less often?

 

Can't go wrong with Hydro it is that good and I highly recommend it.

My 2002 MCS looks pretty new after a wash and hydro. My car beads water like there is no tomorrow and so do my windows and all I use is Hydro. Clarity for the inside windows and pick up some Slick so you can do touch ups between washes.

Buy: Hydro, Slick and Clarity and your all set

 

Hydro is incredible stuff for sure...but its not cheap, especially if you use too much (i've found that you don't need that much!). Once you're car has been on the road a little longer you should clay it, wax it, and hydro it. That should keep it in great shape. I would avoid using products that make the dash shiny (reflection)...just use a damp MF towel and wipe it down.

 

^^ DP's got that 15% OFF going, go get the gallon!