Boy, I've been searching, and searching through here, finding so many different opinions.

It seems the store bought Zymol cleaner wax I bought recently at Pep Boys may not be all that great a product, but I've also read that it's quite fine (better than fine in fact) if used properly (small sections at a time, so it doesn't over dry, etc.). So, which is it? Oh, and does this stuff leave difficult to remove white marks on black trim plastic? (I guess I might need to pick up a rubber/plastic spatula.) Also, since my car is only two months, or so, old from the factory, should I not be waxing in any case? Ay least not for...another month? Three months? (No one ever seems to know for sure, so maybe I should use some NON-WAX product instead?)

Geez, all this can be so confusing. I just spent $100 on loving care products, and maybe half of them are less then best choice. However, I don't really want to order online, since I want to/need to wash my car this weekend, since I've had her a week. What are the best available products off the shelf for cleaning, waxing, and otherwise treating my new little baby?

I figured that just about any car wash shampoo would be fine, and so I just got Nu Finish's CarWash, which seems a fairly safe sounding product, at least for now. I've got a few other sundry items, but I'm really curious about what to use on the chrome plated plastic trim. I shouldn't wax it, should I? And I'm also wondering what I can pick up at a store for all my black/gray plastic cleaning/treating needs, that isn't something that gives a silly, dust attracting, shine. (Is Aerospace 303 available off the shelf?) I've got some Eagle One tire dressing stuff, with their shaped tire swipes, that looks like it should be fine for dressing the wheels, after they've been washed. I've also got some Dupont Teflon wheel cleaner, which may (or may not) be ok.

I understand that I shouldn't use a brush on the base model MINI wheels with the holes, since they have some sort of clear coating on them, so I was just going to use a sponge with the cleaner, after giving the car a good, regular, soapy wash. (I've got a microfiber sponge for that, but it's a Zwipe one, so...?)

I also understand that RainX might cause long term problems to glass, much like ArmorAll can cause long term problems for plastic and yinyl, though not the same problems. So, what about stuff like Castrol Super Clean AccuVision rain repelling glass treatment, or gel formula Rain Clear? (I'm leaning towards the Rain Clear myself, as it seems to be the latest thing out there, and it SOUNDS ok.) I'll use Mothers Plastic polish for the gauge covers, and maybe even for the chrome trim, in and out? (Ok, maybe I'll wait on doing that for the chrome trim.)

I've got Zwipes microfiber cloths and towels, but I've heard complaints about store bought microfiber products. I also have an Absorber PVA drying skin, for drying the car, but I'm unsure of using it right now. Any opinions on The Absorber?

Alright, I think that's about it for the qustions. I've read about this S100 wax stuff that I may be able to get at my local Harley shop, and I think I'll check into that, just to see if it's there. Otherwise, I'm NEARLY ready to go...once I get an ok on these things from those in the know.

P. S. Yes, in future I will look to getting some of this only available online stuff. (So many choices, but the better products seem to have a very vocal bunch backing them up, which makes things a little easier.)

P. P. S. Thanks to what's already been written here, I'll be getting some Green Stuff cleaner, as well as a nice brush for the upholstery, and...?

(The rest is up to you.) :smile:

P. P. P. S. While I like the ease of use of the Zaino products, I think the super slippery shine looks almost...unreal, while the Zymol seems to look a little more traditionally "deep", though I understand it doesn't last as long. Is there a nice in-between level product, that's "the best of both worlds"?

 

I just used some Zymol. It's a good wax, I liked the results but I think I will get some Zaino for next time–it sounds like it's a little easier. You should wait a few months to let your paint cure. Just keep washing it with a gentle shampoo like Duragloss. When you do wax your car, make sure you tape off the trim. It sounds like alot of work but it will keep the wax from staining your trim. If you do get wax on it, peanut butter works great for removing wax build up. That is probably the most annoying thing about these cars–that God-awful trim! It's a pain in the but when your're waxing because you're bound to get some on it no matter how careful you are. So I would tape it off-use that blue 3M painters tape. It works great.

Also if any of you guys have the space cloth seats, shaving cream (I used barbasol) works great for removing any stubborn stains.

 

Product Range is indeed an aquired preferance , and it is very confusing for people who have just started on the road to properly looking after there vehicles bodywork . All I can add is if you have not tied yourself in to any particular product range is READ ,There are no end of articles and Forum replies by some very knowledgable and expearianced enthusiasts, Brad B to name just one of many :smile: . These fine people give so so much to this MINI comunity , and from what I have learned thus far have never lead anyone down the wrong path .

My personal preferance is the Klasse one step and sealer followed with P21S .
303 on the black plastic bits . I am going to try some of the 1 Z product line just to try them . You see theres nothing written in stone . So far I am real pleased with the outcome . OOOO SHINEY

 

I've never used Zymol wax, but I picked up a gallon of Zymol shampoo at Big Lots for $2.99 -- can't beat that with a stick.

 

Billy, I am exhausted from reading your post! You sound so excited!

It sounds like you have made a sizeable investment already and it's tough to get top rated products locally. You may not achieve what us "experts" consider the "best" shine or most "durable" products from what you have chosen, but all in all, I think you will do just fine. I think what you need to do is be very careful with your technique and along the way you will see ways you can refine your choices of product. Maybe a different product here or a better towel there...that sort of thing.

First, let me address the Absorber. It's a great product. Use it. But there is a certain WAY to use it properly and it is just PART of the procedure to drying. With a wet car, lay the Absorber on the surface and quickly pick it up again. Move to another wet spot and repeat. It soaks up majority of the beads of water instantly. For the sides of the car just hold the Absorber and slap it up against the side of the car. You will be left with a car with some beads of water all over it but the bulk of the water is now off. (Do NOT drag the Absorber across the surface of the paint like a regular towel. If a piece of debris were to get in the towel it woruld scratch.) The Absorber is just the first step in the drying process. It should takes you no longer than 1 to 1.5 minutes TOPS to do this procedure.

The next step is to remove the very small remaining amount of water with (ideally) a microfiber waffleweave towel. These are the most absorbant, sofest towel available. You will only need one for a MINI. It will not have even needed to be squeezed out. (because you used the Absorber first). It's much better than a cotton bath towel.

The NuFinish shampoo is VERY strong stuff. It would not be my first choice simply because it can REMOVE many carnauba waxes! Kind of defeats the purpose!

I understand you want to get stuff locally and the S100 carnauba wax, or the Meguiars Gold Class Wax or Mother Carnauba was are all excellent choices that you schould be able to find locally. I like all of these wases better than the cheaper Zymol waxes.

Meguiars, Mothers and the Zymol shampoo that TulsaMINI mentioned are all good values and nicely compatible with the carnaubas I mentioned.

I like Zaino very much as well (I have it on 3 of my 4 cars) and I also like Klasse a lot, but since you want to get stuff locally, and I am just thinking about the stage you are at, I would suggest the above first.

You can wax your car immediately, BTW.

I have never seen Aerospace 303 locally. And it is best for the interior, BTW. EagleOne tire dressing is ok stuff. Their tire swipes are great.

Phew, I need a rest! Hope this helps get you started! I love a guy (or gal) who loves his cars!