[princesscriminal]

Good Morning Everyone

I love this site and to be honest, I usually just browse getting lots of excellent advice about my baby.

I need some help! I was out at the weekend giving "baby" (MC) a good wash and wax. I came across 3 tiny stone chips - two on the bonnet and one on the roof. The one of the roof is the worst by far.

I've put a plaster on them (only kidding) but would like to know how to sort them properly.

Also, when cleaning the car, I noticed some small black flecks on the paintwork (particularly on the rear). I know this sounds like a stupid question but what are they and more importantly how do I get rid of them.

Forever in your debt

J x

[minicabrio]

The small black flecks will be tar. You will have picked this up when driving over some freshly laid tarmac. You can remove these using a tar remover (available from Halfords or any good car shop) and a soft polisihing cloth.

The chips you may be able to sort by purchasing a paint touch up kit from your dealer. Or, for a professional job, contact a company like 'Chips Away'.

Hope that helps!

[MartinSullivan]

Hi princesscriminal - looks like someone else has answered your queries which is great. Did you know there was a scottish mini site too - www.newminiscotland.co.uk , check it out and start posting we are a friendly bunch

[Root Ginger]

It depends on how good a result you want to remove the chips. The quality of the "Chips Away" companies varies wildly so get a recommendation. Even an excellent one is unlikely to do a perfect job. A proper bodyshop will do a better job although more expensive. Again, get a recommendation.

Those marks are tar marks as minicabrio-uk quite rightly says. You can use a tar remover, something like Meguiars Gold Class Bug and Tar Remover and you could also use a clay bar to remove these marks too.

[nylo]

Yup, it's tar as the guys have mentioned. Much cheaper than a clay bar is a small amount of petrol on a soft, clean cloth and a bit of elbow grease- works brilliantly for me