Dust Attraction and Static Buildup
 

Not sure about the rest of you, but I am having a major issue with static build up on my car. Dust clings to the paint (I don't drive anywhere particularly dusty either), and anytime I use a drive through and touch someone I give them a pretty impressive shock. Any solution to this other than dragging a rubber strip off the back of the car?

A metal strip or chain, rubber doesn't conduct electricity readily, that's why rubber is often used as an insulator.
Are the seats fabric or do you have seat covers over them? Static is created by friction like when getting in or out of a car. Also, if you are getting that much of a discharge, be danged sure to touch something metal before opening the fuel hatch to gas up. A static arc can light those fumes off in a heartbeat.
Want a fun experiment? Rub a balloon briskly over a wool shirt or sweater then hold the balloon over someone's head and watch their hair stand straight up. That is static electricity. Static means it ain't going anywhere until a circuit to ground is provided. Sliding your butt over a car seat can generate thousands of volts of static depending upon the material of the seat and your trousers.


Just had an afterthought. Dust clinging to the car...are you using any armor all products by chance? They are dust magnets.

What kind of wax/sealant are you using? I have found that using carnuba wax makes the paint act like a dust magnet.

Haven't waxed the car yet as its still pretty fresh from the lot. Don't use Armor All products either. I use mostly Meguiar's, and I have never had this problem on my other vehicles. Don't understand why this is a problem with some cars and not with others...

Good on ya for avoiding that armor all smutz. Since you haven't washed, much less anything else to the body, it is very possible that once you've done that and given it a good Meguiar's treatment (including an introductory clay bar treatment) the problem may go away. It could be caused by something the dealership used on it. They have been know to do heinous things to new cars to make them 'look' good.

No static cling on mine.

Get a California Duster. I've used the same one for 7 years to get dust off my car and glass between washes. They make a little one that's perfect for dusting stuff in your house (blinds, furniture, mirrors).

+1 I've had one for 5 or 6 years and use it regularly.

For me, it isn't the normal dust and dirt; it's attracting the really black stuff for some reason. No other car is doing it around me.

That's interesting because I've had my car since Monday night and already it's covered in dust. I noticed it last night and was surprised at how dirty it was in just two days. I don't drive anywhere particularly dusty, either.

I have not seen much exterior dust.
However, the interior dust is insane; on dash on dials etc.
I have not seen this on other MINI's or cars

That's same for me bob
I thought this was going to be an interior dust thread
Looks like some thrash metal gig for dandruff sufferers has taken place in my car

The interior is black on most F56 models , so you are always seeing dust, once you roll down the windows it seems to happen more. Also on the black shinny plastic trim seemingly everywhere.

I used a micro fiber towel and some interior cleaner/ non shiny stuff which has helped combat a little.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/ES2619283/

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/476660_x600.jpg


+1 on the outside and the duster.


I think its just like trying to keep the back end for getting dirty. Search "dirty boot ", its just one of those things.