Ok, so I'm a bit over a month in, at about 1100 miles, and today I had this real mini epiphany.

I hand-washed my car.

Now, I've sprayed it off once before, when the weather allowed. And it will never see a commercial car wash.

But as I stood there, soaping, rinsing, running the micro-fiber towel over the damp spots...I was just stunned. I caught myself talking to my mini, for one, as if I was brushing down a horse. But moreso, I was just struck by how each curve, each line of my mini...not any mini..but MY mini...

Hard to explain a zen moment like this with mere words. But yesterday I liked my new mini, and thought it was cool. Today that same car became a part of my life.

 

wow!

 

Dont feel out of place... I do it all the time...

I almost cried when I thought over $100 of detailing supplies were ruined.. Not that it was money down the drain, but what was I to detail her with???

 

Yeah, no better way to get to know the exterior features of your car than washing it by hand. You really get to know all the nooks and crannies, all the curves and lines, the... oh wait. You meant you got to know it on an emotional level. Sorry. Carry on.

 

Definitely happens. My wife has gotten to know her MINI very well over the past couple of weeks since we took delivery. Amazing how that happens.

 

Thats ok... but if it answers back you may want to go inside and stay out of the sun for a while...

Seriously though. I don't think you really know your car until you wash it. Gives you a real opportunity to get in touch with it.

 

i get that feeling every time i look it in the eyes... The joey mod will do that to you.

 

I love the curves on the first gen MINIs hood. Regular coopers have the best looking hoods.

It's something 2nd gen owners are missing out on.

 

The Mini Whisperer

 

If you want a REAL experience, wax your car with Zymol---It melts in your hand and then you hand rub it all over your MINI

 

I think we've all had and still have that yummy feeling about our MINIs..

Donna

 

*grins* The Mini Whisperer. Hrm, can I put that in my sig?

I'm a Klasse AIO fan, from my bimmer days. Just waiting for the early spring days to do a light buff then a few AOI coats.

 

Wand washing is good, so is waxing. I love it freshly waxed, so smooth.

 

Bwahaha!

 

and when your finished washing, nothing beats a bottle of hydro in one hand and a drying towl in the other...ahhhhhh!

 

Freakin Caddilac copy cats ..... When you turn your MINI on, it ALWAYS returns the favor!

 

Ah yes, and the great Hydro smell to top off the experience!

 

ok, seriously i love my car, wash/wax/detail it by myself and everything

but um, yeah.....

 

I've been known to come home from a long road trip or a track weekend, park Jango in the garage, climb out and pat the roof saying 'Good boy... well done'.

 

And don't forget the claybar! When you do that, it's bordering on intimate! : ) Must I say auto erotic?

 

It is really odd with MINIs, isn't it? I think it's because the car initiates a uniquely interactive dialogue w/ the driver conveyed through the car's superb handling characteristics/driver feedback, the engine's willingness to respond instantly, and the welcoming interior, controls, and readouts that reek of personality. Even on a subliminal level, the car sucks you in. Many find their enjoyment of, and engagement in, simple motoring heightened in a MINI...it's all because this essential dialogue is taking place.

Anyway, I think this is what comes out when you are washing it...it's like an old friend. Folks may think that's nuts, but they just don't know...deprived as they are of an experience of just how good a car can, and should, be.

 

Right, so now get to know your car better by applying a dry Hydro application, followed by some Black WOW on the trim.

 

The first driver's school I attended was a shock to say the least. I had no idea what I was getting into and was ready to pack up and leave after the first track time. I was convinced by a few other MINI drivers to stick it out, and thankfully I did. When I got home and gave El Kabong a well deserved bath, I found myself talking to him and thanking him for keeping me safe. It became a habit and I still give him a thank you talk with every wash.
Annette

 

I include the 'thanks for getting both of us home in one piece' to my MINI whispering as well...

 

Is it weird to say "good night" to him when I lock up the garage for the night?