A few months back I got my new Cooper S, and since then I've waged war with the front wheels. You see, after a day or two of driving, they seem to be covered in (what I assume to be) brake dust.

The back ones don't get it so bad, but if left unchecked, in a couple of weeks they are nearly black.

Is this just par for the course, or is there something I can do to help keep them looking pretty?


I've also managed to get about a half dozen chips in my hood in the past few months
A friend recommended a clear bra (since I really don't want to cover my mini is a traditional bra). Today I noticed a banner ad here on NAM for the "Auto Paint Guard" (apparently they offer a discount if you mention NAM). Does anyone have any experience with these?

Primarily: Do they work well? Are they difficult for a novice to install? How do they look? (Photos would be awesome!)

and here is the link to the actual product

http://www.autopaintguard.com/kit_se...&submodel=1914

Thanks!

 

I have the same problem with my '03s with minilite wheels. I'm pretty fastidious about wheel cleaning and it's really irritating that I have to pretty much wash them every 2 or 3 days to keep the dust off of them, especially the fronts. About 75% of braking is done with the front brakes and this apparently results in a lot more brake dust in the front. Also I have a wierd thing with my left front generating a lot more dust than my right front. It's actually starting to leave pits in my wheel finish (the last owners weren't as good about cleaning them often ). Anyway, I think this dust is pretty standard for all minis. I also have the same problem on my Audi TT to about the same extent. Wheels are constantly covered with brake dust even 2 days after cleaning them.

 

In lieu of replacing the brake pads with lo-dust pads, try treating the wheels with RejeX. A kind of hi-temp wax and makes cleaning brake dust off much easier. http://www.corrosionx.com/rejex.html We apply it to our Summer wheels each Spring and it seems to last well enough until the Winter wheels get installed.

The clear bra can be a DIY install... my g/f did her MCS shortly after purchase in '03... as well as a my car (non MINI) and a couple of other MINI's. She has since swore to never do one again. The compound curves of the hood can make things... interesting... :impatient She did my car first (less complicated hood) for practice. I can't recommend it more. You'd never know the hood of my car has over 100K miles under it).

One tip: the bumper cover is easy to remove and it's much easier to install the bra on it when it's off the car.

 

Ah, break dust . Gotta love it (or change pads). I waxed my wheels so all I really have to do is wipe the dust off - two or three times a day! God it is terrible. A lot of folks just change their pads to a non-OEM and be done with it. Sounds like an option.

Ah, paint chips . Gotta love them (or get a clear bra). I've hit grasshoppers big enough to chip my bonnet. It really would not have mattered if I had a clear bra on though since the chips were above the part normally covered by the bra. For road trips I was considering one of the strap on bras that look like they cover more. For now though I just got some touch-up paint from the dealer and the Langka chip kit from www.langka.com and do the touch-up thing.

 

If you're a lunatic like me you'll just go out and clean your wheels every few days. It's become a very relaxing part of my semi-regular chores...sorta like working in the garden. And the results (dare I say it) are equally life-sustaining. I've been merrily doing this for years now. Great chance to talk MINIs w/ the neighbors, too....once they figure out you really are okay in the head. Yes, dirty wheels = better living...and more bonding time w/ your MINI.

As for the clear bra...difficult to self-install for the novice, but a good thing to have if possible.

 

I know some of you will start screaming about over heated brakes on this one. But, I put on the Kleenwheels brake dust shields(fit inside wheels between wheel and hub) the first day I got my Chili red and white Mini Cooper. I have 15" white holeys and they stay clean for weeks. Everyone who see my wheels can't believe how clean they stay.

Now, before everyone goes crazy, I pull them off when I have gone to track days. I ran the Dragon with them on last year and had no problems with brake fade or with my rotors. I have mounted 205/55r15 Bridgestone RE750 tires that really helped the handling and I'm able to carry more speed through turns, so this year Dragon the shields will be off.

For day to day driving I really like the red and white look!

OK, Bring on the comments.

 

No dis'ing from me colinmini. I think it may be a good solution and much cheaper and easier than replacement pads. Maybe someday when my frustration is too much to deal with that will be the way to go. I am still willing to deal with the quality MINI time at this point though.

Oh and gokartride - my neighbors simply shake their heads and think I have OCD (which I do).

 

My neighbors already think I am crazy. This weekend I was giving my mini a much needed bath (two weeks without bathing!). The neighbors came out, watched me for a bit, then finally came over and pointed out that it was going to rain the next day.

My response? "But today is really beautiful". I am pretty sure they figure I am touched in the head

MiniMaybee, thanks for the heads up on the chip kit, I will have to hit up the dealership for some touch up paint.

I don't think the kleenwheels are my thing, they look a little odd to me.
Does anyone have any experience with the EBC green stuff brake pads? According to the Helix13 website they don't have any carbon and should generate less dust... But I am not willing to sacrifice performance for a clean wheel

On the topic of the clear bra/shield, the consensus seems to be good to have, tricky to install. Anyone know of a good place to get this applied in the Pittsburgh/Johnstown area?