Hi everyone, I'm a gal from Kissimmee. I'm new to this forum, but so far I've learned a great deal. I own a 2007 Red Mini S turbocharged . I'm not into greatly modifying my car, but I love my Mini and I want to improve it in every aspect. So I have a few questions: 1) What's the verdict on caliper covers? Are they safe? There seems to be a lot of controversy on the subject? My calipers don't look that great, but I don't want to be painting them every six months! 2) What about brake covers? Better than caliper covers? 3) I have satin finish rims, but some parts have been chipped due to hitting a sidewalk. Is there paint out there for that? I don't want to replace my rims! That's too costly. Ok, I'll appreciate any answers. Thanks.
:cornut:Welcome Mame, to the addiction of 'MINI Madness.' We're glad to have you, your MINI, and your questions. I don't have the answers to your questions but some one who does will be along shortly. Stay tuned. Jason
Welcome, and thanks for registering. Coming from a performance perspective here... Do NOT use caliper covers, they will will hold in heat. Heat is the enemy of a braking system. There are some good caliper paint kits but the key is in the preparation of the surface. The cleaner the surface the better the paint will adhere. If done properly you will not need to reapply the paint ever unless you track the car and use the brakes hard repeatedly. Brake covers are even better in holding in that heat than caliper covers are. If all you are going to do is amble about town and never ever ever push the brakes at all ever then this would work. However, I'd never recommend them to anyone at any time under any circumstance. Depending on the size and condition of the chips you could use something to repaint those areas. You can also send the wheels out to be refinished. I've used Wheels America many times, they have a location in Miami Wheels America Wheel Repair Miami Have no idea how close that is to you.
Thanks for the replies.. Have more questions ... Thanks guys for welcoming me. Wow Nathan! Thanks for the info. I'll definitely follow your advice. Got more questions here since I'm new to start taking care of my Mini. Relied on Ex to do my car maintenance, but apparently he didn't do much of it. So I want to learn and start. Ok, my Mini has 70,000 miles, and apparently no flushes have ever been done, and except for oil changes, I don't think that any other maintenance has been done. How do I get started to bring my car up to its best performance?
I have not checked the computer. Dealer is too far for me. So a mechanic friend of mine will be helping me. Basically, I just need some type of maintenance plan to get started. Don't know anything about cars.
thanks. I've been sitting in front of my computer researching all this stuff since this morning. I'm determined to learn!
Welcome to MA. Plenty of good info here. Check the "Library" button at the top of the forum page. Then look at the "How To" section. Plenty of good help for general maintenance and DIY mods.
Welcome! If you are looking for local help/advice check out Sunshine MINI's, it's the statewide Florida MINI/Mini group.