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These tips can keep your car’s top looking good for years.
- Clean debris and get minor rips, leaks, and weak spots repaired as soon as you spot them.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. Don’t use citrus, bleach, silicone, or petroleum-based products because they destroy the top’s water-resistance and will void your warranty.
- Use a mild, natural, non-detergent based auto shampoo without a glossing agent. This is for the convertible top only.
- Rinse the top thoroughly after cleaning. The color may fade if any cleaner is left behind.
- Never use paper towels or Windex for plastic convertible windows. A soft microfiber towel with cool water is best.
- Use a very soft-bristled brush for heavily soiled areas on convertible cloth tops. Rub gently and brush lightly.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth only for vinyl convertible tops. Never use a brush or a paper towel.
- If you clean and care for the top properly, you will not need extra spray on protectants.
- Remember never to drive your convertible through an automatic car wash.
Other important things to know:
- A properly maintained convertible top has a lifespan of 5 – 7 years.
- If the temperature is less than 60 degrees, keep the top up.
- When you park your convertible for the night, remember to put the top up.
- If you plan on keeping your convertible parked for a long time, don’t leave it with the top down.
- Before you drop the top, check and make sure that there’s nothing on it. Anything left up there could scratch or puncture the top or its plastic window or shatter a glass window. Frame components may also get damaged.
- If you’ve got a new convertible top installed, it is recommended that you wait 7 – 10 days and until the temperature is over 60 degrees to put the top down.
- If you want to replace the top, don’t try and remove the old one yourself. There is a process for removal and installation that’s best left to the professionals.
- If the top doesn’t open or close properly, don’t force it. Get it checked by a professional.