My friend just purchased her first 09 Justa cooper, and she noticed everytime after she takes it to the drive-thru car wash, she purchased a monthy pass ...everytime she gets home...the two side door panels have this black splatter looking spray junk! kinda greasy feelin...So I don't know what to tell her? is it stuff from under the car? after the car wash? HUH??? thanks..

 

My guess would be brake dust that is splattered from the wheel being sprayed and the car wash not doing a good job of washing the car down. I'd try another car wash or better still wash by hand!!

I'd also keep a close eye on the oil level to make sure there isn't an oil leak and that oil is not coming from somewhere.

 

Cosmolene. It's the coating that is sprayed all over the vehicles at departure port prior to going on the ship. Protects the metals from salt-spray and generally caustic conditions at sea.

They strip it off at the recieving port of entry, but some cars (like mine) come in looking like they were dipped in the stuff. My 2007 S still weeps a bit from the doors every now and again.

A mild tar remover or bug remover works well.

 

Cosmoline is not black, but more a yellowish wax apperance. I'll stick with my brake dust spatter from the car wash theory.

 

If it is a black powder, it could be brake dust. She may not have washed it completely off the wheels, just loosened it, and it is then getting thrown off the wheels onto the doors.

If it is a greasy goo, it may be cosmoline that is used to protect the car while crossing the ocean. Dealer should have washed it all off, but they often don't get it all.

 

I vote for a jealous mischevious car wash that wants your friend's mini to keep coming back.

 

It could be the stuff the put on (dress) the tires. I have read that the commercial stuff is a lot thicker, and the tires throw it off. Run it throught the car wash and check to see if it is there before you drive. That will either confirm or eliminate brake dust. I bet you will see nothing until after you get it home.

 

yeah do they shine the tires? if they do that is it.... the stuff they use always flings off

 

^^

 

Tell her to quit using ANY automated car wash. Will ruin the finish of the car eventually, especially if used on a regular basis. One of the nice things about a Mini is that it's so small and easy to clean yourself.

 

+1

 

Some of us in apartments can't wash our cars, so I usually just go through a touchless car wash.

 

MINI yes easy to clean...if you have an apartment you can still go and spray then wash the car yourself in those self service auto washers... no need for auto touch less wash...they are all over the place...hopefully in your town too

 

Bottom line, it's break dust from the brake pads. It is easily washed off with a bit of warm water on a rag and alittle rubbing. Try doing the entire Zaino wash and wax job and see if stuff doesn't come off even easier. Change your brake pads soon as you can. Way better, no way else around it. And like the other posts say, stay away from the car wash places with that paint job. Check out Zaino.com and see if they can help you out with protecting your paint for years to come. -Stacy

 

ok...I'm going to ask her to take it to those spray it yourself wash bins...and test the idea of tire dressin because, we are not goin to dress the tires. thanks ...So tell her no automatic drive-thur car wash with hand dry places? she has a monthly subscription $27 all the wash she wants....Can you tell me Why its BAD so I can tell her???

 

If she wants to dress the tires, don't do it with the spray nozzle type..get one with a sponge applicator, they sell at autozone, and just put a light layer on... When I do wash I use a self-wash place.. and leave the tires til i get home..apply then..so it can sit for awhile.. I never use carwashes either..you never know what the brushes can pull off your car.. I had a pontiac Grand AM back in the day and one of the spinners ripped off my sideview mirror... I rather have a dirty MINI then go thru a carwash...

 

... I never use carwashes either..you never know what the brushes can pull off your car..

I'll also mention that you never know what the hired help will pull off the cars; custom valve stem caps, door lock ***** (in the old days), and other little items that can really pi$$ one off

 

Confirming that YES the sponge applicator is the newest and best way to apply Armoral or any tire black. It's not the tire black shine that is making the black spots. The original brake pads on the car is what makes the dust spots. I want you to wax with a quality wax and change your brake pads. Then you will see a huge difference.! Good Luck with this. --Stacy

 

The reason true car detailer-types don't like automated carwashes is because the fabric brushy things that brush/wash the dirt off your car could scratch the finish, especially if they aren't well maintained and clean or don't use enough water, etc. I think in ideal circumstances a modern unit well maintained isn't likely to scratch anything, and of course you do use a mitt and soap if you do it at home, but you get the idea about people's concerns. I bet the stuff on the doors is tire dressing, not brake dust. IMO brake dust doesn't go anywhere but the wheels, but it does booger them up quite a bit .

 

Before I changed the pads to Bobcats, I would get brake dust on the door from the front wheels, and all over the boot (probably from both wheels). It was only after I made the change that I realized this was brake dust, and not normal dirt.

 

I get the Brake dust splatter even at the DIY places. It's harmless, wipes right off.