I had my MINI serviced today at the MINI dealer in Southern CA. They gave my MINI a car wash. Service was great, except when I drove the car home. I've noticed of many minor scratches all over the windshield, roof, bonnet, etc... What should I do??? :( I love my MINI and been keeping it a great condition...

 

I would go back to the dealer and complain. If possible today and show them the scratches. There is a good chance a lot of the scratches can be minimized with a good polishing job.

 

If the dealer did the damage, I'd definitely say something...

Having said that, I'm curious about the scratches in the windshield. It's extremely difficult to get scratches in glass assuming they ran it through their car wash. Even if they washed it by hand, they would have had to had REALLY dirty water.

I'm not saying they didn't scratch the glass, I'm just wondering if you just happened to notice it now. Being in the bodyshop business, I've seen my share of windshields and know how hard it is to scratch them from just washing it.

Hope you get it resolved.

Mark

 

Thanks Mark for the information. I hand wash my car every week and to be honest that I can spot anything changes to my MINI. To be more more specific, these marks look a lot like tiny chips. Like something hard hitting against it. I don't think they hand wash it though. Most likely one of those drive through machine wash... Maybe there are particles got stuck on one of those spindles thingy...

 

Very possible their machine went wacky... Last year, I had 3 acuras towed to the shop in 2 days because an automatic carwash at a BP went beserk and completely TRASHED their cars.

On the bright side though, if the dealer doesn't do anything about it, you can turn your windshield in on your insurance under comprehensive.

For the most part, if the windshield gets replaced, you pay your deductible (usually lower on comprehensive than collision) or if they use a glycerin injection to repair the glass, most insurance companies wave the deductible.

In either case, your rates shouldn't go up making a claim under comprehensive.

Let us know what happens.

Mark

 

One more reason to tell the dealer, no free carwash thank you....

 

X2.... I ALWAYS make sure I tell the dealer to stay the &%#@ away from my car.

I'd rather drive my car dirty than have the dealer wash my car.

Mark

 

You can buff those scratches out.
I just did my wife's car to a mirror (8 years old).
I use malms products. They are fantastic.

But I don't want to get sent to the detailing section.

Get a 6 inch buffer, put the waterproof polish cover on
that comes with it, then on top of that put one of those
aftermarket microfiber good covers. (should be wetted first)

Depending on the scratches would determine if you need
the mircor polish or the micro polish + glaze. I normally use
one then the other right after.

it only takes a little bit of it. Like 1/3 of a capful per body panel,
if even that. The trick is to get a fine mist garden sprayer with water and
keep the stuff from drying out, and move it around.

The other trick is to use really high quality products, not the junk
in <insert name of store>

 

I always tell the dealers not to wash my cars. They use brushes and harsh towels all the time and they make horrible swirl marks. If they take offense to it I always say I live 150 miles away so it will be dirty by the time I get back anyways, lol. alot

 

Thank you guys for every comments and suggestions. I did contacted the dealer to let them know about incident so that it won't happen to other MINI lovers, but no response!!! I guess NO to car wash at that place again.

 

Go back to dealer and talk about it. Also, keep away from car wash that are not "touch-free". I always do hand wash or go through touch-free car washes.

 

OK, so lemme get this str8, you took your child somewhere, and when you picked him up he/she had noticible scratches all over their body, and you're asking what to do? Please, will someone call M.P.S.?

 

sell it. you have a lemon now.

 

What I do with my cars at service:

First, the primary cars go to dealers where they were bought, and the service depts all know not to wash. It's also written on the service ticket in bold marker.

Second, I tape a note to the steering wheel that says 'DO NOT WASH' and it stays there until I pick up the vehicle.

On the P-car and the MCS, I told the dealers not to touch the car when they arrived, and I would give them all 10's on the survey for cleanliness.

Took them home, detailed them at my leisure in my garage, took a lot of time and care, and the paint on the 4 yr old P-car is as flawless as they come. The MCS is flawless as well, but only a couple of months old.

Just make sure to explain to the service write NOT to wash in the future. That should help everyone with good paint.

On the vehicle in question with swirls now, you called and have not heard back? That sounds wrong. I'd call the GM of the dealership and tactfully let it all out on the table.

Good luck. A pro can likely get the paint back to near perfect, at the dealer's expense, BUT find the guy on your own, do NOT use the dealer's detailer.