I washed and waxed my new Mini (240 miles old) and then we took it on a little trip a couple of towns over. We hit a short downpour on the way home.

The next morning I looked at the back of the car and it was covered with sand. Especially the rubber piece at the bottom of the back window. There was also sand deposites on the rear bumper as well.

Anyone else finding the bum of their Mini getting dirty first? Or is it just me.

 

>>Anyone else finding the bum of their Mini getting dirty first? Or is it just me.

Absolutely, especially when it rains. Even if it doesn't I usually lift the rear wiper before I get in the car to let the sand tapped on it to fall off.

 

Yeah, the rear does get dirty. Keep a California duster in the boot and give your baby a quick little dusting as needed.

BTW, when I read this thread title, it reminded me of Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney...."you dirty bum!" Or was that "you dirty rat?"

 

It isnt just me afterall. Good I thought someone threw sand on it when it was parked in the parking garage. Thats what it looked like.

Thanks.

 

At first I thought the "bum" was the person who threw the sand on your bum.
But I am mistaken.

 

Yup, all MINIs suffer from the "hatchback vortex" syndrome. Just today I drove by a guy mowing his lawn, and when I looked in my rear-view I could see the grass trimmings swirling around and following me, right behind the hatch window.

I also have the Cali Duster, and have a question. Is it really safe to use it on the rear when the residue you're trying to remove is sandy in nature? Isn't there a danger of scratching with the duster?

 

the MINI is a total dirty-booty vehicle
Clover's got the suggestion: California Duster in the boot, use it regularly.

...and one time, at band ca...I mean a MINI BBQ, the road was dusty, and a did single wipe of the rear wiper, and it blew dust all over the place, it was funny!

 

dirty bum........then wipe it

 

>>dirty bum........then wipe it

 

A lot of dirt ends up on my boot as well... it's frustrating, because it'll happen on a dry day!! Does anyone know if putting rear mudflaps on will help out? Just a thought.... i wish manufactures would make flaps mandatory on all vehicles... less rock chips and rain mist kicked up on highways... better for safety of those following you!

 

As mentioned above, the cause of the dirt build-up is the swirling vortex of air behind all hatchbacks. The air currents suck in and slap crap into the back of your car, even as you rocket through the atmosphere at break-neck speeds.

Box trucks and vans always have dirty bums too. Look at the back of mom's minivan. That inverted roof spoiler is designed to force air currents down the rear window area to keep it clean of road spray. DON"T do this to your MINI...too much upward lift...you will fly away!

 

I took mine through a brushless car wash today. It was one of those that you pull into and stop; the sprays move around the car. But the MINI is so short, when the sprays went around the back of the car they were too far away to get it clean!!! Perhaps the trick is to wash it twice...once going in forwards and then again backing into the car wash!!!

 

I was watching the water I was flinging up behind me for the past few rainy days here.