How to Protect a Convertible

Last Updated: December 23, 2021

As a convertible owner, you relish the time spent driving with the top down. You may even brave the road on those cooler days, or live in a climate that has hard winters that may eventually put wear on your convertible top. Whether it's hot or cold outside, it's important to protect your convertible from the elements, and there are several ways to achieve this. Begin with proper maintenance, which is the key to keeping your car in good condition, regardless of whether your top is constructed of cloth or vinyl.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Convertible Tops

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It is recommended that you clean your convertible top at least once every 4 weeks to keep dirt from sinking into the fabric or vinyl.
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Use a gentle car shampoo or one made specifically for convertible tops, which can be found in any automotive or home improvement store. Apply the cleaner with a sponge as you would to the rest of your vehicle.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Protecting Cloth Tops

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Spray the product directly onto the vehicle from a distance of approximately 16-18 inches.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Protecting Vinyl Tops

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Using sweeping motions, spray a vinyl convertible-top protectant at a distance of 8-12 inches from the top, or spray the product onto a clean, microfiber cloth and wipe the convertible top.
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Tips

Avoid washing your convertible in direct sunlight.

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Always wash your convertible top all at once rather than washing in spots, as this will cause certain areas of the top to be discolored.

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If in doubt, determine whether your convertible top is vinyl or fabric by dropping 1/8 tsp. of water on the top and working it into the material. If it begins to soak in, the convertible top is most likely made of cloth. A vinyl top would allow the drop to pool up and remain. A cloth top will also gather small particles such as lint more easily than vinyl will.

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Warnings

Avoid washing your convertible top with common household cleaners such as bleach, which can cause the fabric or vinyl to deteriorate.

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Things You'll Need

Convertible-top cleaner
Vinyl convertible-top protectant
Fabric convertible-top protectant
Microfiber cleaning cloths

How to Protect a Convertible

Steps

Cleaning Convertible Tops

Protecting Cloth Tops

Protecting Vinyl Tops

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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