There are plenty of posts telling us what to do to our minis to make them look beautiful. The list goes on forever. For those of us who just got their Minis, it might be easier to tell us what NOT to do. I have heard of people only recommending microfiber towels vs. chamois. Maybe some of you have found out the hard way and would like to warn us new owners of what not to do to our Mini.
Thnx.

 

Don't put DEET insect-repellant on your leg and lean it against the
interior plastic parts.

It melts them.

I think some kinds of sunblock do the same.

 

Don't go through deep water!!! :smile:

Chow!

Donna
donna@dcmetrominis.org

 

don't over rev the engine during the first 1,250 miles (Past 4.5K RPM)

Don't abuse speed....

 

Do NOT "ricerize" your mini.
The MINI's a good looking car as-is. Add a few stripes, flames, graphics, whatever to set you apart if you want, but stay away from these ugly body kits.

 

Don't follow to close to rock trucks or any trucks for that matter. :smile:

 

do not put too much armor all on the tires and then go for a drive

 

Dont open the hood, while the windshield wiper arms are up. Dont let the wax go, the paint is more vulnerable than most (being environmentally friendly).

 

dgibbphoto,
Aloha and welcome to MCO,

Things I would never never never do with my MINI- seriously!

Let my MINI get dirty (body or wheels)- very bad on the paint/finish.
Take my MINI offroad- I have a lowered car and can't stand the site of speed bumps.
Park next to any car with big heavy doors that can hit my MINI.- I've had a bad experience with Camaros.
Park in places where people that might key my MINI would hang out- I'm always watching for trouble on 2 feet.
Park in places where birds will drop presents on my MINI- the bird poop will eat your paint in a jiffy
Park in places where sap from trees can fall onto my MINI- In Hawaii mango trees are notorius for this.
Drive my MINI in such a way as to offend another motorist- Gotta turn down my enthusiasm for my car on the road.
Scrape my alloy wheels on the curb- Ouch- this is easy to do if you are parking too close to the curb and are not wary
Take my MINI to an automatic carwash- I always hand wash. Daily! Can you believe it? I know nuts. But clean.
Believe everything you read on MCO about performance Mods and go out and get them all for your car- sure you can read about things and get a feel for it. Talk to some owners, see the MINIs in person and then you can go slowly and add things bit by bit. Don't get carried away by all the hype-think before you leap.

An finally-
Do a ton of performance mods on my MINI and fail to attend a High performance driving school to learn how to control my powerful and capable car. If I bought a high performance plane would I take lessons on how to fly it beyond the basic flight school? Sure. I hate being killed and I don't want to harm others. Be safe. Be happy. Motor ON.

 

Think about getting coilovers instead of just lowering springs. Check out aftermarket exhausts on other MINIs before buying yours. Check the outside note certainly but definitely take it out on the highway with the windows rolled up to check for a droning noise at low and high speeds. Don't put up with the harshness of the run-*raps...get some good non run flat performance tires and enjoy the increased grip and the comfort of fewer lost fillings. I can't say for sure that the cost of the xenons is worth it. The stock 17" wheels are way too heavy. The quality and grip of the leatherette makes the leather expense and upkeep needless (and I usually prefer leather seats.) The navigation destroys the unique look of the MINI interior.

 

>>do not put too much armor all on the tires and then go for a drive

It really shouldn't matter how much is on there or not as you should NEVER put any of these on the tread of the tires - only on the sidewalls....that is unless it is for a car show etc, but as a routine cleaning task you should NEVER put any of these on the treads.

 

Don't slaughter people off the line when you race them....let that little civic or what ever it may be think they actually have a chance.....then put your foot down and leave them in the dust!

 

DO NOT go off roading even one wheel.
Take a wider line.

Do not directly follow gravel trucks -
keep at least one car in between

 

If you must drive on the freeway, never sit beside a big rig. If you're getting off the freeway and have to sit next to one for a moment or two, make sure you watch every move he makes. You are low enough to the ground that he may not see you at all.

 

If you can't see your mirrors, they really CAN'T see you! Don't get too close to trucks from behind. They have a funny tendency of reversing and letting their lifts scrape down the center of your bonnet...or is it just me?





_________________

 

Try not to slap the person who asks "Where'd ya get yer new PT Cruiser?" :evil:

 

>>Try not to slap the person who asks "Where'd ya get yer new PT Cruiser?" :smile: "

Gimmie a break!!!!! :evil: :evil: :evil:

 

"The stock 17" wheels are way too heavy." --KillerBee

Don't sell-off or trade-up your wheels via the dealership.
They will not give you a fair deal. Why? You want them for summer-lovin' applications.
The 17" 50lbs. wheel-runflat combo will be superb for winter conditions (even better if they were more narrow), - getting your MINI's tires down to the pavement.
Keep them, - they're worth the most in your garage, ready for a switch.

Don't blindly trust your dealer.
The experienced & knowledgable folks herein (& on MINI2.com ) are gorgeous & wonderful in sharing fine, experienced MINI-notes!!! Further, they're enthusiast owners, - a grade or two up from salespersons.

Don't believe all MINI dealer costs are identical.
Some will quote you >$100 for a 3-slat MCS chrome grille, - other dealers will ship it 600miles to your door for <$70.
&
Don't buy accessory bits from an overpriced MINI dealer, -
if/when you can likely get them from honorable folks & vendors here or on eBay.

Don't worry about your warranty as much as your conscience tells you to!
Motoring, knowing your MINI & your ride preferences, is going to carry your heart further on this earth. When you start to know/ponder MINI-things & you want personalized clarity, - see below....

*Consult & listen to Randy Webb: Randy Webb Motorsport as your MINI-Mentor.
You may never find a more honest & straightforward mechanic in all your driving days.

-.s.b

_________________
MINI: Best horse for the buck!

 

>>. Dont let the wax go, the paint is more vulnerable than most (being environmentally friendly).


can you explain what this means?

 

>>>>do not put too much armor all on the tires and then go for a drive

 

Do not run with scissors

Do not go in the water within one half hour of eating

Do not ever, NEVER, tell your wife she is looking a little heavy in that outfit

Do not ever, NEVER NOT have a good time in a MINI. We will have to report you to the MINI police.

(Ok, it's a double negative and there are no MINI police, save the guys in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. There is very little you should NOT do with your MINI. That's why we have MINI events with 90 or 100 cars and 90 or 100 DIFFERENT MINIs show up. Try that with a PT Cruiser...)

 

correction, ,there is mini police

 

DO NOT leave your sunroof open while the car is unattended !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ron

 

Ah - that makes sense Red - I just wanted to make sure someone wasn't actually putting it on the thread as that can have very serious outcomes. Cheers Bud

>>>>>>do not put too much armor all on the tires and then go for a drive

 

Do not, under any circumstances, allow your first MINI anniversary to pass with only 4100 miles on the odometer. I am so unworthy...