R50/53 The "My MINI has Never Been Through an Automatic Car Wash" Club
Angelina and Egguin never go through the car wash. We are so bad that when we drop the cars off at the dealer we tell them NO WASH. When we wash we do the whole Zaino thing. We have so much car care products we needed to go out and get a HUGE crate just for them.
After the cars get washed I touch up with Quick Detailer every day till the next wash!
After the cars get washed I touch up with Quick Detailer every day till the next wash!
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Only hand wash my car using Zaino products. I'm hoping to make the list.
Just went to the dealer on Monday and reminded them about 4 times not to send my car through the car wash. He wrote it on the ticket and on the card hanging from the mirror.
Just went to the dealer on Monday and reminded them about 4 times not to send my car through the car wash. He wrote it on the ticket and on the card hanging from the mirror.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, IL (Chicago burb)
So I'm not alone!
I have an '04 MCS (IB/W) and I hand wash the car at least twice a week in the driveway (once a week in the winter). My neighbors refer to my MCS as my "mistress", which isn't too far off as my wife is constantly annoyed at my disorder. But she tolerates it best she can, knowing it's a disease I have no control over.
Whenever I take my car to the dealer for service, I tape signs up that say "Please do NOT wash" on the steering wheel and passenger side dash. I have always requested no wash, but on my second service, they forgot and washed her. I was not pleased, hence the signs from now on.
It always amazes me that people run cars through automatic washes once a week for a few years, and then don't understand why their car gets swirl marks, fine scratches, faded/hazey paint etc. Between the touch washes with dirty/gritty surfaces scratching at your car, not to mention the fact that they ALL use extremely harsh "soap" to help disolve/loosen dirt and grime.
These people always ask me how I keep my car's paint looking so new after almost 3 years of ownership and 40,000 miles. It's not a secret. Regular handwashing with lots of water, using a good auto soap (Zaino, Mother's etc), clean wash mit (preferably microfiber) and a minimum of 3 coats of good wax (Zaino) per year (throw in an annual claybar treatment if you really want it to sparkle).
It's like anything in life - there is no magic silver bullet. It takes time and effort if you want do it right.
NTHUSIAST
04 MCS (IB/W) - Bonnet Stripes, White 17" S-Lites, Sport Pkg, HK, iPod, XM Radio, Alta 15% pulley, Alta CAI, MTH ECU, VGS and B&M Short shift w/ Whalen shifter. Next up - Rear sway bar and end links.
Whenever I take my car to the dealer for service, I tape signs up that say "Please do NOT wash" on the steering wheel and passenger side dash. I have always requested no wash, but on my second service, they forgot and washed her. I was not pleased, hence the signs from now on.
It always amazes me that people run cars through automatic washes once a week for a few years, and then don't understand why their car gets swirl marks, fine scratches, faded/hazey paint etc. Between the touch washes with dirty/gritty surfaces scratching at your car, not to mention the fact that they ALL use extremely harsh "soap" to help disolve/loosen dirt and grime.
These people always ask me how I keep my car's paint looking so new after almost 3 years of ownership and 40,000 miles. It's not a secret. Regular handwashing with lots of water, using a good auto soap (Zaino, Mother's etc), clean wash mit (preferably microfiber) and a minimum of 3 coats of good wax (Zaino) per year (throw in an annual claybar treatment if you really want it to sparkle).
It's like anything in life - there is no magic silver bullet. It takes time and effort if you want do it right.
NTHUSIAST
04 MCS (IB/W) - Bonnet Stripes, White 17" S-Lites, Sport Pkg, HK, iPod, XM Radio, Alta 15% pulley, Alta CAI, MTH ECU, VGS and B&M Short shift w/ Whalen shifter. Next up - Rear sway bar and end links.
My MCS never has - and never will - at least while I own it. My wife's car - that's another matter! None of my cars for the past 20+ years have been though one either. Winter-time excepted, I actually find hand-washing a car to be therapeutic.
I don't think so!
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I find that washing my car is very therapudic. It's not for this reason alone that my MINI "Hermes" will never go through an automatic car wash.
There are too many horror stories that surround the experience of the automatic car wash. The ones with brushes will surely place micro scratches on the vehicle. If its a brushless facility, then there's the chance of a misalignment of a sensor that can cause the nozzles hitting the vehicle. And to add, the cramped space that can possible cause damage to the rims if driving too close to any devices that lay on the ground.
Its always and will always be best practice to wash a car by hand. Its the only way one can make sure all spots are reached, washed properly, and the car is inspected. Its by this very act we inspect for damage, wear and tear, and apply that extra care we all give to our MINI's or Mini's. This always gives us the ability to use our own choice of chemicals. Like many of you, I search the forums, read reviews, and use only the top notch products for my MINI.
And with this being said, My MINI has never and will never see the inside of an automatic car wash. My dealer knows this... and so does the wife. Its like trying to bath yourself in the washing machine. Its doesnt work!!! and Never will. Even to this date with previous owned cars, I have never taken a vehicle in an automatic car wash... Lets help those who do... Its a crime against humanity. Add me to this club and lets have our voices heard
There are too many horror stories that surround the experience of the automatic car wash. The ones with brushes will surely place micro scratches on the vehicle. If its a brushless facility, then there's the chance of a misalignment of a sensor that can cause the nozzles hitting the vehicle. And to add, the cramped space that can possible cause damage to the rims if driving too close to any devices that lay on the ground.
Its always and will always be best practice to wash a car by hand. Its the only way one can make sure all spots are reached, washed properly, and the car is inspected. Its by this very act we inspect for damage, wear and tear, and apply that extra care we all give to our MINI's or Mini's. This always gives us the ability to use our own choice of chemicals. Like many of you, I search the forums, read reviews, and use only the top notch products for my MINI.
And with this being said, My MINI has never and will never see the inside of an automatic car wash. My dealer knows this... and so does the wife. Its like trying to bath yourself in the washing machine. Its doesnt work!!! and Never will. Even to this date with previous owned cars, I have never taken a vehicle in an automatic car wash... Lets help those who do... Its a crime against humanity. Add me to this club and lets have our voices heard
