I was washing my car today and while drying, I noticed there are 3 streams/drips coming from my driver side headlight and flowing down about 3-4 inches each. They weren't there last week when I washed it.

I ran my hand over them and there is definitely something there and it won't come off. I got the mitt back and tried a bit more scrubbing, nothing. I got my towel and tried rubbing it a bit harder, nothing.

Any ideas?

As for products, I'm using the wash concentrate that came with my car [made by PermaPlate], a sheepskin mitt and microfiber towels.

 

i would try some clay. just spray the area with QD (quick detailer spray)
and rub the clay back and forth with gentle pressure.

 

Is it yellowish? If it is then you are dealing with Cosmoline, which is a metal protectant. I would follow Kens advice and try some clay on it.

 

Thanks for the help!

 

Yes, if it is yellowish it might be the Cosmolene stuff. It tends to seep out more in warm weather...if your MINI was built and shipped in winter then perhaps it's just now starting to drip a bit. My dealer uses some sort of solvent (not sure what exactly) to remove it. You might try calling them if you think this is what it is...they are most likely very familar with removing it and could tell you what to use. The point is, don't go nuts trying to rub it away if a solvent is needed to remove it with less aggression.

 

yah, check with the dealer.

I think they use 3M adhesive remover though... looks like this.