Ah, I went to one and asked for their "touchless" wash. I got touched :evil: But, all is ok. My antenna is stil there, and it was only the long floppy things touching the car (not as bad as the spinning brushes). Second time, I went to one that I knew was only water. I am much more comfy with that!!

 

I've had my mini now for two weeks and it's time for a wash. The manual says automatic car washes are ok as long as they don't use 'brushes'. Anyone had any problems or successes in this regard?

 

The only problem I have had is dealing with how good this car looks when it comes out of the wash. I have used two places that have brushless washes and so far have had no problems (I did ask that they wash it in cold water and dry it on warm, cause I didn't want it to shrink-- and they offered me a discount on my next wash, if I would go somewhere else... )

Really I have not had a problem. I have stuck to the two better car washes here in town. I would not do some of the fill er up and free wash auto car washes, as some have brushes, or are brushless and use only high pressure water.

So I have a very clean car, course my mind is still in the gutter, but that's another story....

Steve

 

Just be sure you don't catch the bottom on those big guide pipes!!! ops:

 

Thanks for the advice....anyone in L.A. who knows of a brushless place?

 

From what I was told regarding my Miata, it's OK to wash a new car, but it's not good to WAX a new car for the first 6 months. So if you're going through an auto-wash, don't get the wax feature.

I might add, that due to the drought, the Governor of VA has banned washing cars and watering our lawns now.:???:

So I bought one of those CA dusters for my cars to help keep them clean. Of course, when it comes to bird poop, you gotta use some soap and water!

 

>>Ah, I went to one and asked for their "touchless" wash. I got touched :evil: But, all is ok. My antenna is stil there, and it was only the long floppy things touching the car (not as bad as the spinning brushes). Second time, I went to one that I knew was only water. I am much more comfy with that!!

Now we are still talking about car washes right? If so, or even if not, I forgot to say-- I always make sure to unscrew my antenna before going through the wash. It does seem that it could get broken off or damaged, so to speak.... also, I would be concerned with the high pressure water washes and water being forced into headlights, engine components, and perhaps my sinuses if I forget to close the window while going through..... I think washes with some soft cloth material (not brushes) is a better bet. That's my 2cents.

Steve

 

You can wax you car right away, it won't hurt the finish. The paint does not need to cure, as a matter of fact my MINI dealer waxed my car as part of the dealer prep. You will have to be very careful to not get the wax on the black plastic trim, it's difficult to get off. Keep'em clean and shinny!

 

>>I've had my mini now for two weeks and it's time for a wash. The manual says automatic car washes are ok as long as they don't use 'brushes'. Anyone had any problems or successes in this regard?



I have an aquaintance who doesn't want to tie her own shoe-laces.

BTW it takes about 15 minutes to take care of your MINI's ablutions. It's such a little gem of a car, be a sport, show her you care!

 

I agree with Sirron. I made a promise to my MINI to only hand wash her. Anyway, it's such a fun car to hand wash with all it's chubby curves. I always hated hand washing cars but I love washing my MINI. Plus you just can't get that hand washed shine with a car wash!

 

No autowash for "DB"..he gets handwashed once a week. :smile:

 

My dealer said it was ok, so I did wax. And, yes do not get it on the black - any suggestions to get it off? I tried armourall and it did not work. I never had that problem with my previous cars.

For washing - I take it to a place you do yourself. I skip the step with the brush, only spray water and soap and dry with my own towels/chamois. I have not gone more than 7 days and it is easy to clean.

I 'waxed' my wheels to help get the dirt off easily with the spray, per a friends advice. Works ok.

 

:evil:

 

There is a product called "Liquid Black" at local auto stores. Wipe it on and let it sit for five minutes then wipe it off. Works good. :evil:

 

Hey, if anyone wants to come over in the middle of the snow to hand wash my MINI, feel free to... but untill then, it'll be hand wash when it's nice, touchless in the winter...

Rocketboy_X

 

 

Maybe I should not call it a carwash. It is a big stall with a gun thingy to shoot water. Nothing touches, except my own towels. It has different output that you pick during the 4 minutes:
presoak
special spray for tires
soapy
brush (soap comes through brush) - but I do not use that option
rinse
spotfree rinse

I live in an apt and there is no way I can ways at home, unless I carry buckets. Believe if I could wash at home, baby would be washed more often than every 5-7 days that I am currently doing.

 

I took my S to get a wash today. I went to the local 'Chammie Island' (spelling?) They loved the car. The girl from behind the cash register even came out and asked if she could sit in it. At this place a guy sprays the wheels, (to lossen up the break dust I think) then he sprays the whole car with a hose to knock off the worst of the mud and dust, Then it is moved by tracks where the car is coverd in suds from a spray, the tire walls are scrubbed by two low brushes. and then these Floppy strips from the celing slap the suds around a bit. The car is then rinsed and hand dried. :smile:

I did remove the antenna, but I am not sure I needed to.

$5.99 and it's very shiny again.

:smile:

No discount for reduced surface area though! :smile:

 

Dont have that problem here in Ft.Lauderdale. Boy its warm here in January. I think I will hand wash my MINI Only joking you know