I recently purchased new tires for my '06 S; I opted for the 205/45/16 instead of the stock 195/55/16. This resulted in about a 15mm reduction in ride height. While I can tell there's a significant handling improvement, the car is now just enough lower to catch the shock bushings and low parts of the suspension on the metal tire-guide rail in the automatic car wash.

The girl pulling the car in didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with the deafening squeal and managed to get the car about 15 feet onto the track before I ran into the restricted area and stopped her. The circus that ensued was less than pleasant. Imagine a half dozen teenaged boys who think they can lift a MINI reaching for your bumper. STOP!!!! After a bunch of really bad suggestions, we finally found some metal C-channel to lay down behind the wheel and drive up on, this raised the car just enough to clear the rail.

It was a harrowing experience to say the least. So be careful.

S.

 

I stay away from all automatic car washes partly for this reason. I bet a lot of people only wash by hand on this forum. Automatic car washes are just too scarey!

Sorry that happened to you. Must've been quite fustrating.

 

I only go through the no-touch washes - or at least I used to. I usually hand wash but someone mowed the lawn next to Thaddeus (my car) and he was covered in dried on grass bits, I just wanted him rinsed off. Ugh.

 

First, sorry about your experience...totally unpleasant to say the least. I've avoided auto car washes since the undercarriage wash about drowned my poor Mini and she wouldn't start for what seemed to be forever. I like to wash and wax my car by hand. Plus most car washes don't seem to be able to wash the wheels or the boot as well as a good old fashioned wipe down.

 

Any damage to your car?

 

The best way to avoid all manner of damage to your car is to avoid any type of commercial car wash.

 

Yes, this has been discussed many times before. MINI's, lowered or not, do not always play nice with automatic car washes. Not worth the risk.

 

I only wash my cars by hand at home in a friendly environment

 

No apparent damage, lesson learned. When we got home he got a nice bath and a rather personal inspection. Then it rained. *smirk*

 

Over time, an automatic car wash will damage the finish of your MINI. It will cover your car with minute scratches that can only be removed with a through polish and buffing. Not worth the hassle for convienence for my money.

 

For some of us, it is not possible to Hand Wash our Cars. We live in a Condo Complex that has Parking Garages. There is NO place to Wash your Car. So we have to take the Cars to an Auto Car Wash. We use the Touch Less one. We have had no Problems doing this.

 

I used to live in a condo with the same restrictions. Took my car to my girlfriend's house and washed it there.
Problem solved.

 

Never used them and will never start

 

Of course there are a lot of threads on washing the car...

The "quarter car washes" are great, no undercarriage work to worry about, but don't use their brushes (or at the very least hit 'em first with the high pressure wand to get the grit out, if you must use one). I bring a soft mitt or my own car wash tools, soap 'er down, wash, rinse, and occasionally even use their wax.

I use an old winter wiper blade as a squeegee (on the windows especially) - dries much faster than a towel, leaves no spots, and with a regular wiping it won't scratch the car (I give the car a swipe, then swipt the blade on a towel or my pants, then swipe again).

Then I bring 'er out, and hit it with the Rain-X spray wax. It smells great and beads water like crazy - and leaves a great shine.

I had "sales cars" for over a decade and can vouch for the obnoxious scratches that auto car washes leave on paint. Over time the car looks all swirled. A quick Turtle Wax job can cover 'em up but only a good buffing can remove 'em. That's maybe acceptable on a Taurus, especially when you've got to look decent for a client lunch, but not on most Minis.