My Cooper S has survived it's first winter in NY. I think during that time I only managed to wash it once . I was at my dealer picking up some accessories and I had them wash it. I never took it to a automated wash b/c I was concerned about the 17" rims getting scratched.

But anyways, the weather was really nice last weekend so I finally washed it. After it dried, I felt the paint and it was pretty smooth. But the boot area was another story. Man, it's rough. I don't think there's any trace of wax left in that area. I can cleary feel all the gunk as I ran my fingers along the boot area. Fortunately I just got a fresh piece of paint cleaning clay. Looks like the boot area will be getting a extra coat of wax.

 

Got any muffler farts on it? I get these little black 'dots' everywhere from the muffler "brap-ing" on deceleration.

 

Because of the flat rear end, you're going to catch all the nasties that the road is throwing at you, even from your own muffler. After you use the clay, wax, rewax and wax the boot again. There isn't much more you can do. Don't use the clay everytime this happens or you're going to be doing some painting. Use bug and tar remover or some WD40. These destroy wax but not paint.

 

clay does not remove clear...at least not mine.
also, ive seen WD40 stain white colors.

 

Also I find it help dramatically to at the very least rinse and hand dry the car weekly, just go to a local spray wand place and bring a few quarters, this keeps the dirt from getting a chance to rally stick to the car and greatly reduces the chance of someone brushing up against the boot and leaving you with a tin of scratches, this is much like the wheels, where the dust bakes in, but thats a whole different thread. Cleaning the boot is just ine of the joys of driving a hatchback and gives you an excuse to spend more time with your MINI!

 

Welcome to the Dirty Bottom Club

 

Clay is never gong to remove any clear coat or paint. Clay is great for removing stubborn dirt and tar and bugs that car shampoo doesn't get to. It is completely safe just make sure you re-fold the clay when the sied you are using gets filthy.

 

Yep! Unfortunately, I thought when my youngest was finally potty trained, I'd get out of this club, but then I bought my MCS!