[Floris]

I'm puzzled as to why the MINI's tailgate is always so filthy? I'm sure you've all noticed this on your own MINIs: a few miles on a damp road (it doesn't even have to actually rain) and it's all dirty. First I thought it was because the rear wheels are placed so far towards the back, that they could directly 'throw' up all the wet filth from the road. But the other day I saw a mini with mudflaps (yes, mudflaps!!! I couldn't believe my eyes) and the rear end was still filthy as hell. Ok the mudflaps weren't big, but still...

Would the shape of the MINI's rear cause waterdrops that are thrown off the rear wheels to be 'sucked' into a cloud of vacuum or turbulence that follows the car and that is created by the aerodynamic properties of the mini?

Cooper S'es seem to generally be the filthiest of them all, maybe the roof spoiler plays a part in creating this vaccuum as well? Either that or MCS owners neglect their car more

[DaFlake]

It has to do with the shape of the car. I have noticed that during a drive with mist conditions that the water vapor tends to be pulled back to the rear of the car instead of away thus contributing to the dirty backside.

I consider it a quark of the MINI...

[dietcokeplease]

It's a conspiracy between MINI, the water utilities and the car shampoo manufacturers.

[Root Ginger]

The MINI isn't the only car to suffer with this. It's all to do with the aerodynamics of the car and the fact that the rear end has a very sharp square cut off. Look at any modern car with a flat square back and you'll see the same thing happening.

The Cooper S suffers worse because the rear wing adds extra rear downforce exacerbating the effect.

[Rakey]

Its the fault of the Government, if only they would wash and clean all the roads, there would be no dirty MINI's

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...irty+MINI+rear

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...irty+MINI+rear

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...irty+MINI+rear

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...irty+MINI+rear

by the way there are about another 20 or so threads about this if you search for them

[jamiebae]

The Mk2 Golf is also really bad for this.

If you look at a Mk1 Punto they usually have a really dirty black line about 3 inches long on the rear corner but nowhere else.

My Mini has the little spoiler on the back but I don't think that makes it any worse than normel though.

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by dietcokeplease

It's a conspiracy between MINI, the water utilities and the car shampoo manufacturers.

[beken]

I think it's called turbulence. Mudflaps are not going to help. Because our car's rear ends are basically large vertical flat surfaces. As the car travels forward, it vacates a large footprint of airspace which in turn gets filled by air. This air movement causes a vacuum effect which, if the road is wet or there's moisture in the air, gets sucked into the back of our cars.

I suspect the rear wing reduces turbulence somewhat but don't think it helps the dirt problem much.

Okay, you physicists, go ahead and flame me. Better yet, correct me.

[T15 Matt]

I bought mudflaps to try and stop the dirty rear end, but I wish I hadn't wasted my money!

[Tazminia]

Well rats...and here I thought this thread was about body parts

I agree it's just the shape of the MINI (and other cars with that similar shape have this problem) but I do admit to liking the conspiracy theory a lot!

[Tonyt3]

Wifes Car.

[xtremepsionic]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tonyt3

Wifes Car.

[Nick_MSM]

I wish my wife was this dirty

[118]

nah it's no use worrying about it

[Pamster]

Looks like I'll have to get the hose out a lot on my new mini when it arrives

[Ferroequine]

I wonder if the centrally placed exhaust on the S also plays a bit of a part to make an S even dirtier than a Cooper. When driving off on a cold morning, I notice the white, condensating exhaust smoke twirls up and likes to hug the rear end of the car (helped by the turbulance that someone else already pointed out).

[Paul]

The S spoiler does most of it, if you see a line of cars, no spoiler, chilli, aero, and S, the S spoiler equipped car will have the dirtiest behind, regardless of what cars they're on.

[nylo]

Aye, Zeemax spoiler is just as bad

[L33 KBY]

NO WONDER ITS DIRTY - just before I carry on to all of those that were disappointed in the CAR WASH what about the you're dirty cars atleast mine gets cleaned tut tut

Back to the point - Think about this - If you didnt wipe your bum - would it be dirty?? Yes (forget the smelly side to it)

If you dont clean your car - would it be dirty?? Yes - Common Sense is to whack it through a car wash no actually the "swirl marks" hehe

[118]

Quote: Originally Posted by L33 KBY

NO WONDER ITS DIRTY - just before I carry on to all of those that were disappointed in the CAR WASH what about the you're dirty cars atleast mine gets cleaned tut tut

Back to the point - Think about this - If you didnt wipe your bum - would it be dirty?? Yes (forget the smelly side to it)

If you dont clean your car - would it be dirty?? Yes - Common Sense is to whack it through a car wash no actually the "swirl marks" hehe

yeah but that layer of dirt, helps to 'protect' our cars you see

and if you take it through a carwash when it's that dirty, imagine the swirls and scratches you are likely to see!