On Friday I took delivery of a new Mini Cooper, it's very shiny, but when I run my hand over it, it feels rough, as if the car had dust on it when the polish was applied and the dust is now stuck in. I'm tempted to complain, but I'm not sure what standards new cars are delivered to. And I think I can do a better job myself.

My other car is DBM WRX which I've cleaned from new with Swissvax (sp?) products, and I'm very happy with them. They're easy to apply and I get a great finish without too much hard work (clay/cleaner fluid/wax).

So I was thinking that I would clean the Mini with my Swissvax stuff, but before that I had a few questions, can you give me some advice?

1. Should I do it myself - or could I risk damage? It's only the rough finish that worries me, 'till now the Swissvax has worked fine on my Scoob.

2. I would start with a clay bar, but mine is a bit dirty now, can I use any one. e.g. Poorboys or do they work in a system?

3. I don't like the Swissvax polish applicator -it's too small. Mine is also worn out. Can you recommend a better one to me? I can see a few on your website, but I'm not sure which would be OK.

The Mini's Chili red, so it should shine up well.

Good website btw - full of useful info.

 

I use alot of Swissol/Swissvax products but always start with Meguiars clay/QD. You could try the clay bar on one of the affected panels and if that doesn`t correct the problem I would personally take the car back for an explanation. Meguiars do applicator pads but they are more or less the same size as the Swissol/Swissvax ones.

 

New cars may sit about new rail lines etc, so it's not a huge surprise that the finish isn't smooth. That doesn't mean your not entitled to a perfect finish on a new car, but most punters wouldn't notice.If you've used the products before, you might as well try them on one panel (wash, clay, cleaner fluid, wax). Hopefully PB will tell you how soft/hard the paint is, as that may be different to your scoob, and it could require a more gentle clay.

They don't work in a system, you can use any. The megs is cheap, easy to get hold of, and gentle, so you won't cause marring. Wash the car fist though.

On PBs site, the german applicator pads are recommended for applying polish (white side), glazes and sealants (red side). If you don't like foam applicators (like the megs) for applying wax, you could try the red side again, or use your hands
Nice colour - will look great with a nice wet finish. Which swissvax wax do you have?

 

Thanks for the feedback - I'll have a go on a small panel and see how I get on. Had seen the applicator pads but wasn't sure if they would work. Thanks.

I would take it back, but somehow I don't think they'll see what all the fuss is about - it's shiny what more do you want!

It's Sumuari wax IIRC (it's so long since I bought it I forget)

 

Chances are the dealers wont even have a clay bar (yes really!) and they'll just try and machine the car to within an ince of its life, leaving you with some really nice buffer trails.

So my advice would be to do it yourself seeings as you seem to know what your doing and whats involved. A mild clay bar should solve the problem as i cant imagine the contaminants being too bad, and then continue with the products you feel work for you.

Mini paint is hard (BMW) so you shouldnt inflict any marring during the Clay stage providing you use enough lube

Hope that helps

 

Thanks for all the advice folks.

Clark - I've just placed my order