Mini Coopers have an iconic design, making them some of the most noticeable cars on the road. However, nothing is better than turning heads with a sparkling Mini Cooper, fresh from a full wash and wax. Once the cold, drizzly weather is done, it’s the perfect opportunity to wash, wax and detail your Mini Cooper in the sunshine. If you want to know how to make your Cooper look spotless, read on for our guide and top tips.
What You’ll Need
- Soap
- Tire Brush
- Wash Mitts
- Car Wax
- Glass Polish or Window Cleaner
- Hosepipe
- Microfibre Rags
- Buffer and Pads
- Plastic Sheeting
- Engine Degreaser
Step 1 – Rinse And Clean The Exterior
All you have to do for this first step is wash your car. Couldn’t be easier, right? Simply rinse your Mini Cooper down with a hose to remove any surface dirt. Then, apply the soap (make sure to use one that is specially made for cars to get the best finish), and scrub the soap over the exterior of your Cooper with a mitt or rag. Using the tire brush, clean the tires. Remember not to scrub the body with this brush as it will affect the paintwork. Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse off the car once again with the hose.
Pro Tips
- Avoid using washing up liquid to clean your car as it may contain corrosives that will damage the paintwork
- It’s best practice to wash your car every fortnight and wax it every four weeks.
- To avoid those pesky water spots, try and park your car in the shade before you wash it. Be sure not to park under a tree though, as you’ll be washing leaves off your car.
- You can find specialist wheel cleaners at most vehicle stores, which can make your tires look just as good as the rest of your car. You can use a regular tire brush, and scrub it into tires instead of the regular car soap.
Step 2 – Clean The Windows
Making sure there are no streaks on your windows can go a long way to making your Mini Cooper look perfect. To do this you’ll need to use a glass polish or window cleaner and rub it into the windows with a microfibre rag. Once the window appears to be almost dry, you can stop scrubbing, but be sure not to let it dry out completely. You can get rid of the excess with another rag to prevent streaks. Remember to clean your wing mirrors too!
Step 3 – Wax On Wax Off
Once your car is dry, you’ll need to apply the car wax to the paintwork. Grab a buffer and apply the wax to the pad, then in circular motions, apply the wax to the vehicle. Work in small sections for the best results and make sure not to get wax on the windows or mirrors as it can leave spots that are very hard to remove. When it comes to waxing your car, slow and steady wins the race.
Step 4 (Optional) – Clean the Engine Bay
Many people don’t consider cleaning under the bonnet – after all, it’s only you and the repairmen that ever see under there. However, cleaning your engine bay regularly can increase the longevity of your car, and make you feel extra proud of your Mini Cooper. Make sure to use plastic sheeting or bags to protect the electrical components. Then, grab your engine degreaser and apply it to the dirty surfaces. After a few minutes, you can rinse it off with a hose on the lightest setting. If your engine bay still doesn’t look the part, repeat this step until you’re happy. Finally, dry your engine bay with a towel, or simply leave it to dry naturally.
Fancy upgrading your mini cooper in 2023? Don’t forget to enter a win a Mini Cooper competition.