How to Care for Your Convertible Top This Summer

If you drive a convertible, you know all about that special feeling that you get when the weather’s nice and you put the top down. You’re no longer isolated inside your vehicle — you feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. You experience the sounds and smells of the world around you.

The folding top on your convertible makes this all possible. To make sure that your convertible top will continue to give you this joy for many years to come, there are a few things that you should do to keep your “ragtop” in excellent shape. A little care will keep it soft, pliable, clean, and ready to seal out the elements when you absolutely have to put it up.

What are convertible tops made of?

Convertible tops are usually made of one of two different materials:

Vinyl: Vinyl convertible tops are inherently waterproof. Vinyl tops do a very good job of protecting your vehicle from the elements. But over time, the vinyl material can fade, dry out, and crack from the effects of the sun and extreme weather.

Fabric: Fabric convertible tops are usually made of several layers, laminated together. The outer layer is treated to resist moisture, staining, and the harsh UV rays of the sun. Unfortunately, this treatment does not last forever, making your fabric top susceptible to damage from a variety of sources.

If you’re not sure which material your top is made of, call your local dealer’s service department and ask them.

What’s the best way to take care of a convertible top?

Whether your convertible top is made of vinyl or fabric, the process is the same:

1. Clean
2. Rinse
3. Protect

Park your car in the shade before you start, for cool surfaces and the best results.

Caring for a vinyl convertible top

If your vinyl top is not excessively dirty, you can use the same car wash shampoo that you use on the rest of your car (never use dish detergent). First, spray the top thoroughly with your hose to remove any surface dirt and debris. Use a microfiber towel to work the shampoo into the top, then rinse thoroughly with cold, fresh water. Dry the top with more microfiber towels using a patting, not rubbing motion, so that you will not leave any lint behind. If you are washing your entire car, simply do the top first, then follow up with the rest of the vehicle.

If your top needs a heavy-duty cleaning, use a vinyl cleaner made for automotive tops and interiors. Follow the label instructions.

The final step is the application of a protectant made for automotive vinyl. This will condition your vinyl top and protect it from harsh UV rays.

Caring for a fabric convertible top

The process for cleaning a fabric top is similar to that of a vinyl top, but be sure to use products that are formulated for use on fabric tops. Use a brush with firm but soft bristles (horsehair or Nylex are good options) to work the cleaner into the top, then rinse thoroughly with cold, fresh water. Let it dry in the shade.

Unlike vinyl tops that are inherently waterproof, fabric tops must be treated in order to repel water. Over time, and from exposure to the sun and the seasons, this treatment will gradually fade away. After you have cleaned and rinsed the top, look closely at how well the remaining water beads up. If it beads up evenly and consistently, you have a good level of protection and do not need to apply a protectant. But if the water does not bead well, it’s time for the fabric top protectant.

Protectants for fabric tops come in three forms: aerosol, brush-on, and pump spray. Because you want the protectant to be applied to your top in a smooth and consistent layer, the aerosol and brush-on types are easiest to work with. It is important to mask off your windows and painted areas first (especially with an aerosol), as the dried protectant will be difficult to remove from those surfaces. When your top is clean and dry, apply the protectant, following the label directions. Keep your car in the shade until the protectant has dried.

One more detail: If your convertible top has a plastic rear window, there are special products available to keep it from getting scratched and hazy. Never use glass cleaners or paper towels on a plastic rear window, as they can cause damage.

More tips for your convertible top

Here are some helpful tips for getting the maximum enjoyment and longest life out of your car’s convertible top:

• Never take your convertible through an automated car wash
• Never put your convertible top down when the temperature is lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit
• Never leave your convertible top down overnight
• Never store your convertible with the top down
• Never put your convertible top down when it’s wet
• Never clean your convertible top with alcohol, detergent, citrus, bleach or vinegar-based products
• Never dry your convertible top with cloths that leave lint behind
• Always check your rear deck for obstructions or objects before putting the top down