Hi all:

I'm a new MINI owner and just delving into the proper detailing options on this site. Quick question though -- we've had snow here and while the roads are now clear, I did get some "dirt"/salt/etc. in some areas on the quick drive home from the car wash. I'd like to do a quick detail, but obviously need to clean this dirt off first. What is the recommended product? The dealer warned me that MINI's are painted with a "soft paint", whatever that means-- so I'm being extra careful with the paint job. I'm thinking just some water might do the trick, but I'd rather ask and know what you folks would suggest.

Thanks!
Shane

 

I use a quick detailer and a microfiber towell

 

Quick detailer right on the dirt/salt? Just want to be sure...

 

If you use the right detailer and a quality microfiber cloth, the idea is the the cloth will pickup and trap the dirt and not rub against the paint as you clean. I haven't tried it myself yet.

Soft paint means the finish will easily get swirl marks.

 

Your dealer doesn't know what he is talking about. Almost all modern cars manufactured, are painted the same way. You have a layer of primer, a layer of colored paint, and a layer of clear coat. There is no real"soft paint". What he probably meant was that Mini paint is not very workable for removing swirls due to a thin clear coat layer. However, I am not sure that is true for all Minis.

Basically all the clear coat finishes are the same, some are just thicker than others. The point of cleaning is to keep contaminants from imbedding into the clear coat. So usually a proper detail job will be to clean, clay to remove contaminants from the clear coat, and then apply a sealant tech wax to protect.

Swirls develop in the clear coat usually by improper cleaning and rubbing grit contaminants into the clear coat. Most of the time these can be removed with a buffer and polishing compound.

As others have mentioned, use a high quality micro fibre towel when cleaning. It will help to lift the contaminants and the fibers will hold the grit away from the cleaning surface.

To remove the dirt you are seeing, I would just hand wash the area using a very clean micro fiber mitt and clean water with car wash detergent. Dry with a micro fiber towel and then touch up with a quick detailer.

 

Thanks! Great answer. I think it's time to stock up on the staples that I have been reading about. I have been using microfiber towels all along, but they probably aren't high quality...

Cheers,
Shane

 

I have the same problem. What I have been doing, is drying the car at the "touchless" car wash, then when I get home, I use Griots waterless car wash to clean up any grime picked up on the ride home.

 

Thanks - very helpful - I think I'll order some!