Hal is just two weeks since delivery. After reading many posts about wash and wax I choose Mothers California Gold - Pure Carnauba Wax (Liquid). It applied easily and I am pleased with the results.

It really gave me an opportunity to carefully inspect the exterior during the process. Mini did an excellent job of painting and fit and finish. Better than any other car I have owned.

How often should I be applying the wax? I have heard every couple on months, what do others think.

A very fun ride. - Fred

 

Hey fred...great shot!!

I was curious..why HAL

Funny thing...mine is named HAL too...she's great!!

 

Your MINI looks great
Unless you reapply any wax in a short period of time,no more than a week or so,make sure you do a dawn dishwasher wash to strip the old wax before you reappy any wax.Car shampoo is to gentle to strip the old wax.And once you do strip the wax,do a clay rub,works wonders.
Check out the Detailing 101 forum for more tips.

 

Thats a great looking MINI! I love the color

 

My MINI was first going to be called AL. After some thought the "H" was added and now we have HAL. (Was not named after the 2001 computer.)

Fred

 

my first MINI was named HAL (yes, after the 2001 computer, I'm a Scifi fan ) it was a 2003 BRG/BRG Cooper.

From my experience, actual car wax does not last very long at all, and is lots of work... and carnuba will leave a yellow highlight, great for yellow cars, and maybe not bad for orange either.

I switched to synthetic polymer polish, though, as it seems to give a slicker shine and lasts longer IMO. My favorite polish in the inexpensive, ultra easy but great results catagory is Nu Finish in the orange bottle available everywhere. it just wipes clean off, no buffing, and gives a fantastic shine.

I've progressed to using Zaino, though, also a synthetic polymer, stunning results, but a little pricey, internet/mail order only, and has several steps to build up to a wet "mile deep" shine....

If you switch from wax to a synthetic, be sure to wash with Dawn first, it's high alkalinity will cut through the wax giving you a fresh start

 

I agree with BartMack: synthetic will give you much longer protection than wax. Who wants to have to wax their car every month? Not me.

Instead of Zaino though, I went with Klasse All-In-One and Sealant Glaze. I don't think you could go wrong with either Klasse or Zaino.

 

I know you didn't name your car after the computer, but I can't resist!

Good morning, Dave.

I think as long as you don't use anything like Turtle Wax you'll be ok, and just keep in mind some basics like using the right kinds of cloths, pads and brushes at the right places and times.

 

Dave, I don't think you want to use that cloth, it's not cotton.

 

Scifi... "open the convertible top, errr the pod bay doors, HAL"... Are they really introducing "voice recognition" in the '07's???


PS DISCLAIMER: that voice recognition remark is a complete fabrication, no rumor no nothing, so no flames, just have a giggle on me!

How about a nice game of chess?
Tatt