Auto Repair in the Know

Who doesn’t enjoy feeling the crisp, fresh morning air with the wind running freely through their hair? Convertibles have become a very desirable option for thousands of drivers across the country, especially those who live in warmer climates year round. It is not as easy as it seems, though. Owning a convertible takes a lot of time and dedication. In fact, taking proper care of your convertible is crucial. By purchasing a car cover or by parking in a garage, you not only can keep your car cleaner, but you can protect it from all sorts of weather that can be harmful for your paint or a soft top.

If you choose not to purchase a car cover then you should take care of your soft top in other ways. One common way includes using a soft brush or sponge when washing the convertible. This helps ensure that the soft top does not rip. When you are cleaning the soft top, make sure you purchase a proper convertible top cleaner designed for soft tops, which should cost no more than $8. After you finish washing your car, use a very soft towel on the top to dry.

Most soft top convertibles use plastic windows instead of glass to prevent tearing, so steer clear from glass cleaners when washing your car. Also, be sure to let the soft top dry completely prior to putting the top down. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and mildew. After you are done cleaning your convertible, you should apply a soft top protectant to help prevent any cracking. Lastly, do not let bird droppings stay on the soft top too long due to their acidic properties that can be very damaging.

Your best bet is to purchase a car cover to do the work for you. If not, expect to work a little bit more on looking good! In the spring and summer direct sunshine can fade leather, and in autumn and winter, rain, wind and snow can truly wreak havoc. Nonetheless, proper care is essential to maximize the life of your soft top convertible.

***

Keep checking back for more car care tips.

Tags: care, convertible, maintenance, rag top, soft top, wash

This entry was posted on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 7:26 pm and is filed under Auto Service Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.