| Driving a convertible can be one of the greatest | | | | - Never use the following substances on your |
| pleasures imaginable for the discerning car lover. | | | | convertible top: Bleach, ammonia, vinegar, alcohol, |
| Convertibles offer a unique experience, especially | | | | detergents and acids. Any products that contain |
| when one drives with the top down. Yet car | | | | these ingredients can erode the material of your |
| lovers know that the top can't be down all the | | | | convertible top, or leave it dried out, clouded or |
| time - and, for many convertible owners, therein | | | | discolored. Only use cleaning agents and |
| lies the problem! Convertibles require special care | | | | protectants made especially for convertible tops. |
| in order to look and perform their best, and that | | | | - Take the time to regularly rinse your soft top |
| includes carefully protecting and maintaining the | | | | with water. This will prevent buildup and keep it |
| convertible top. Harsh weather conditions like rain, | | | | clean from dust, leaves and other everyday |
| hail, snow, extreme heat and even natural | | | | items. |
| occurrences like bird droppings can all compromise | | | | - Use a special cleaning product suitable for your |
| the structure and appearance of your | | | | convertible top to thoroughly clean the fabric or |
| convertible's canvas or vinyl top over time, leading | | | | vinyl every six to eight weeks (for fabric) or |
| to fading and discoloration, rips or tears and even | | | | every four to five weeks (for vinyl). Follow the |
| leaks that could put the entire interior of your | | | | instructions on the bottle and use a soft bristle |
| vehicle at risk for damage. Fortunately, there are | | | | brush rather than a rag or sponge. Always clean |
| measures you can take to prevent this | | | | the entire top rather than spot cleaning to avoid |
| destruction. Here are some hints on how to | | | | partial discoloration. |
| protect convertible top from the elements: | | | | - After cleaning, dry thoroughly with a microfiber |
| - First, determine whether or not your convertible | | | | towel, then follow up with a special soft top |
| top is fabric (i.e. canvas) or vinyl. There is a | | | | protectant. Follow the instructions; you may need |
| difference in caring for these two materials, so | | | | to spray on more than one coat. Always let the |
| you'll need to know what you're dealing with in the | | | | protective agent dry completely between coats. |
| first place. Keep in mind that fabric tops are not | | | | - Whenever possible, park your convertible in a |
| waterproof, so they will need to be sprayed with | | | | covered garage, rather than leaving it outside |
| a special waterproofing protectant in order to | | | | where it will be vulnerable to weather and the |
| shield them from water damage and prevent | | | | elements. |
| them from leaking. | | | | |