I've have my 06 mini for a couple weeks now. Twice I've tried to take it to one of thos car washes that you put your car in neutral and it pulls you through. Each time the car wash track scrapes against something on the bottom. The last time it kept my back tires from turning. My owner's manual says you can take them through these car washes. What's up? Am I doomed to do the self car wash through the winter ?

 

I've had my '06 for nearly 5 years now, and never take it to an automatic car wash. They use harsh chemicals to clean with, and put swirl marks on the entire finish. OK for the family grocery getter, but not a Mini. Hand wash and dry, polish often for my Mini.

 

Mine goes through the car wash fine ... I'd try another quick wash
I normally use the quarter self spray ones but when I get my oil changed they give you a free deluxe wash

 

I take mine through the car wash.

Not the ones with the plastic or nylon brushes but the ones with the sponge brushes.
I have not had an issue with anything scraping or hitting the bottom.

I would say try another car wash and see what happens.

Don't know why it would lock up your rear wheels unless something was snagging on the E brake cable. And I don't know if that is possible with a MINI.

 

You should just try a different car wash station. Sometimes some are built slightly different and this will happen. Two in my are do the same to my car but the others do not. Hand washing is a better alternative for your car in the summer at least so you dont freeze.

 

I live where it is not possible to hand wash your car all year. Winter washes are especially important to keep the salt from the roads off, so I don't have a choice.

 

thanks, I did find a car wash that is built differently, no more scraping noise.

 

hahaha finally comments over :P