I would love feed back from anyone regarding taking your Mini Convertible through car washes. It's not that I don't LOVE washing my Mini, it's just that sometimes I don't have the time.

Do you recommend? If so, which Fresno car washes do you recommend?

Thanks
"Abagail"

 

I don't think I'll take my MCS convertible thru a car wash.

But I did take my 2002 seebring thru many a car wash. Don't ever take it thru a touchless carwash. Since the only way to remove the dirt is with water pressure, the water pressure on a "touchless" is so strong is blew water in my car on both sides where the windows touch the convertible top. What a nightmare. Never had a problem with any other type of drive thru.

 

I'm so torn. I have a friend with a 2005 MBW4 who takes hers through the Red Carpet all the time and swears by it. However, I'm still very nervous as much as I would love the instant clean and shine.
Thanks for your in put!

 

Not in CA Abagail... but I have 3 car washes nearby. 2 are softcloth and the 3rd is handwash. I go to the handwash only. I agree with Snooter... the touchless washes could be a nightmare with the cabrio. I've seen other 'verts go through them... I won't. in fact, the handwash is about the same in $$ as the softcloth places...

 

I wash mine at home in my driveway. I won't use a carwash on my Mini, except a hand carwash.

I will use Crazy Horse in Clovis. Clovis ave. and Jefferson.

Will wash mine later today.

 

It depends on the quality of the car wash. The one I go to is called Sky Wash. They're awesome but it's the only location. It's a standard I would expect at any automated car wash. Anything less wouldn't touch Icarus!

 

Washing Mini's doesn't take long. Actually takes longer to wash the wheels than to do the whole car. Takes me about a half an hour total. I wash my friends MCSC, but I don't get the top wet, maybe it'l last longer.

If you plan on keeping your car for a long time, I recomend you use a hand wash. There are even mobile services that will come to your home or work. Car washes are good, but a MINI needs more attention than that.

Kevin

 

What do you guys do in the winter lol I would like to see you out washing your mini here in chicago when its snowing and when its -10 below. I did that one time with my mini at one of those self service places and had a minisicle. Now that I look only one of you guys need to worry about this. It must be nice living where it is warm.

 

do you have a pic of the minisicle?

 

I did not think of taking one sorry. Should have though

 

Thank you all for you replies, I truly appreciate it and you have confirmed my thoughts of NO to the drive through car washes.

I guess I have to find the time or have my fiance, take it to the detailers. Personally, I perfer the later.

Have a great weekend. I actually think I may get to cruise topless to SF this afternoon!

 

Red Carpet at Shaw and Willow washed both the Hard Top and Drop Top' with no problem (Every Week for a year on the HT, since September in the DT). Go in, talk to Geno he is a manager, and request Reyna to do your car, let Reyna and Geno know Lee and Monica sent you, they will take extra care with your car. Red Carpet is very good when you know who to take your car to, and always request the guy who is racking the cars to go slow while racking it, a couple bucks here and there go a long way with them as well. I assume you posted in the MidCal forum to find a MidCal wash place, correct?

 

As a new convertible owner this is a great topic thanks for the replies. I do agree I would rather wash mine in the driveway better time to get to know if I have any issues with the paint windows etc.

 

No car washes for the Chili cart, I just do it myself!