How to Maintain a Convertible

Convertibles need a bit more care than a normal car. However, if properly maintained, they will hold their value better than most.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather Cleaners
• Armor All
• Car Wax
• Glass Cleaners
• Hand Vacuum Cleaners

1. Keep your convertible in a garage if possible. Even the best convertible tops tend to leak over time.

2. Clean the top often. If you let too much grit or tree crud build up, your top won't last as long. And be careful not to let debris fold inside with the top when you put it down.

3. Mend tears or rips as soon as they appear, or they'll get worse.

4. Put up the top when you park it. Otherwise, you may find a nasty surprise when you get back, like bird poop or tree sap.

Tips & Warnings

• If you drive your convertible in the rain, check frequently for leaks. Water will often pool up on the floorboards and in the trunk, eventually causing rust.

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on 8/11/2006 Avoid expensive treatments and head to the grocery store. Baby oil rubbed onto the top of the convertible helps fight the sun damage, smells great, and makes it look brand new.

on 11/22/2005 I live in Las Vegas and the sun is harsh on my Porsche 996 convertible top. I found a product called RAGGTOPP from my detailer and used it. The product is a polymer that contains no silicone and is safe to use in the sun.

on 11/22/2005 Frequently check hydraulic pump and tubes for leaks or damage.
A perfect top-down day can turn into a nightmare if the top gets stuck half the way down.
This especially applies to any older convertibles ... like, say, 1980 and before.

on 11/22/2005 Never put your convertiable roof down while the car is in motion. Also, if the rear window is separate from the roof, always collapse the rear window before putting the roof down.