Do any of you use auto touchless car washes in a pinch? Is the soaps/waxes harmful to the cloth material used for our tops? I have purchased Raggtop cleaner/protectant to use at home, but when on a trip, would prefer to use a car wash(old, lazy, and retired) to keep our ride somewhat "nice" looking. Thanks in advance for any/all replies. Mac

 

There has never, to my knowledge, been a successful report of submitting a MINI to any kind of car wash. You've no idea what kind of crap they've put in those dispensors. You are using the right stuff for canvas care. We've made numerous multi State road trips over the years and brought home the resultant accumulated 'soil' from said trips except one. On it, I took a small supply of Griot's Speed Shine and a couple extra of the appropriate micro fiber cloths to brighten things up about half way thru the trip. It made me feel better for a day or two but by homecomming it was no different from the others. Just set aside a day for detailing...with an appropriate supply of beer...maybe something on the grill...and some good friends.

 

on the road I'll use one of those self service wand places

I'll carry a decent rag or sponge and bucket and drying cloths

these places can be dirty so far as their brushes etc but you can fill a bucket, wet, wash and rinse with just their sprayer and plain water without too much worry.

The spray can have a good bit of pressure so be careful around your seals and such ... the top doesn't need much more than a rinse in this situation ....

when I lived in the frozen north I'd use these in the winter as well ....

top on my Miata lasted for over 15 years doing this ...

 

I do try and keep my vehicles clean. I use them but don't abuse them(too much money invested). I kind of figured that the soaps and waxes, much less the re-cycled water, would possibly be a little harsh on the top. Thanks for your opinion on this. Mac

 

I used to take care of my bikes the same way when on a trip. I guess this method is going to apply to this car. I'd throw a couple of old towels in the bags and when I decided to wash the bugs and road grime off, I would use them to wash & dry, then throw them away. This car really doesn't have a lot of extra storage, so I'll just fill a couple of nooks and cranny's with towels and press on. Thanks Mac