Keeping the Mini Clean

Since I got my Mini I've been a little paranoid about where I park, how I take my car over bumps, and how my car gets cleaned. I've always liked keeping a clean car but HATE those car washes that basically mounts your wheel on that rack and pushes it through the car wash. I've always heard horror stories about parts coming loose or breaking apart so I'm always hesitant.

So I'm wondering....Where do you all take your Mini's to get washed?? Any recommendations?

Definitely you want to avoid the automatic car washes that pull you through, i.e. Octopus. They can actually damage parts under the car because of the rear shock mounts (at least on cars up to 2006) being low.

Hand washing in the driveway is best as it lets you become familiar with all the details of your car's surfaces. Other than that, any of the do-it-yourself places should work. There is a new one on Montgomery east of I-25 on the north side of the street (near Carlisle) that has plenty of features.

I hope we'll see you at the Maintenance Day on June 5.

-sub

I hand wash my '09 factory JCW in the driveway, winter or summer. I bought some "wet suit" gloves for washing in the colder months and wear rubber boots to keep as warm as possible. The MINI is one of the wettest cars I have ever washed as it seems to retain water in every nook and cranny but as yelrsub said, it's a good way to become faimiliar with your car and also do a quick visual of any possible mechanical problems.