Tips to Maintain a Convertible Top

Convertible tops look great when a vehicle is new, but without proper care, it won't stay that way. The biggest culprit is probably the sunlight. A glass rear window is now common to many modern convertible tops. This should get your attention if your convertible top vehicle doesn’t have a glass rear window because rear plastic windows are often the first part of a convertible top to suffer from scratches and discoloration, which don’t not only look bad, but also distort rearward visibility. To maintain it, you’ll need convertible top cleaner, soft sponge or brush, vinyl window cleaner, convertible top protectant, breatheable car cover, soft terry cloth towel and clothing lint roller. Here are the steps you have to do:

Step1: On soft-tops, use specialty cleaners. Convertible tops must be cleaned at least two times a year, more often if it is parked outside. You must use only high quality convertible top cleaners designed for such purpose. Use a cleaner that's biodegradable if possible. Avoid using abrasive detergents or scouring powders that contain chlorine-based bleaching agents because they can weaken a top's seam threads and eliminate essential oils in vinyl tops that are needed for protection against the ultra-violet rays of the sun.

Step2: Wash the top but be sure to do it in shade and not in direct sunlight. Before wetting the top, be sure first that it is cold. Wet the top thoroughly and spray a light coating of top cleaner evenly across the top and using a soft sponge or brush, gently work the cleaner to scrub away dirt. When the top is clean already, wash off the cleaner while brushing and using plenty of water from a nozzleless hose. Continue until suds disappear and the rinse water runs clear.

Step3: Avoid using ordinary glass cleaners if the window is plastic because these are very harsh and can damage the plastic. Instead, apply cleaners and polishes specifically designed for plastic windows. If possible, use the one that doesn’t contain solvents that can harm the environment. Aside from removing minor scratches and dirt, these products help prevent the plastic from discoloring.

Step4: There’s no need for you to use a top cleaner every time you wash the car. Actually, you can keep the top clean by simply washing it with plain water. You can use a gentle, pH neutral car wash if it is dirty but make sure to rinse thoroughly. To prevent mold and mildew, let the top dry completely after washing before you fold it down.

Step5: Use a top protectant after cleaning to preserve the color and texture of the top material. This way will also avoid fading and cracking as well as help repel dirt, grease and oil.

Step6: If there are bird droppings, remove them immediately because they can damage the top quickly since they are very acidic.

Step7: Don’t allow snow to accumulate on your top. Heavy or wet snow can overload the top structure and bend the metal frame while a soft top can handle moderate amounts of snow. Be sure to remove snow and ice from plastic rear windows to prevent scratching the plastic.

Tips & Warnings:

1. To remove dust and lint from the top and clean the plastic window without scratching, use a sticky clothing lint roller

2. Place a soft towel or baby blanket over the plastic rear window before folding down the top to prevent creasing and scratching plastic windows.

3. Avoid leaving your convertible out in the elements more than you have to. Park your convertible in a garage or carport if at all possible. But id not, then use a high quality, breatheable car cover.