Hello.

I have a black Roadster...looks great when clean, but that only lasts about 6 minutes.

I don't have the time or facility to wash it by hand.

I used to have it washed at the dealer, but they have suspended the service because of the California drought.

When time and temperature permits, I will take it to a self-serve car wash such as this:

http://carwashsoap.org/wp-content/up...3A63BAE77D.gif

Does anyone here use a fully-automatic wash such as this:

http://www.bizben.com/pictures/1986522.jpg

If so, what what have your experiences/outcomes been...good or bad?

I'm just concerned about fabric damage, rear window seal damage and leaking.

Thanks

 

Only under dire conditions have I used a car wash and then only a self service wand. DO NOT run it thru one that uses any kind of physical contact like automated brushes or mechanical cloth thingies. Not only potential damage to the canvas but really bad swirling on the body finish. Also, get a top quality AUTOMOTIVE quality microfiber drying towel. I like the one from Griot's, it holds a lot of water. I can dry the whole body without having to wring it out. They also have a special towel for those dirty places like the door frames and such.

 

Only under dire conditions + 1 on this, If its a must. It does beat around the top and can force water over time into the stitched seams . Seen it happen before.

 

I never ever take my car to a car wash.

During the winter, I still wash the wheels and wheel wells outside. Then I'll rinse the road salt and grime off with my CR Spotless, and then I pull the vehicle inside the garage and wash with Optimum No Rinse.

When doing the work outside, I fill my wash bucket with hot water and I wear Nitrile gloves to keep my hands warm. Yeah, it's weird and my family members think I am crazy, but I always have the cleanest most swirl-free car on the block.

 

Never have and never will.

 

Don't do it.

You'll be sorry.

 

Just asking for leaks. Hand wash only here.

 

You, sir, are a role model. I doff my cap to your dedication.

 

Hand wash is recommended.

 

Hand wash only.....

And MINI has a bottle of sealant / rejuvenator for the convertible tops. After a regular hand washing, the whole bottle of this product goes into a bucket of water and is sponged on while parked in a cool place / shade.

Should apply this once a year...

 

+1 Cleaner and repellent here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...k-for-top.html