Canvas Convertible Automotive Top Care for the Winter
Posted on: 20 November 2019
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Owning a convertible is a lot of fun during the summer, but when winter hits, it can be a headache to take care of the car top. If you're unsure of how to care for your canvas convertible top during the winter to prevent premature failure, keep reading.
Professional Detailing
There will be two times during the year that you'll want to have the car professionally detailed. During the detailing, request that the convertible top be detailed and sealed. This way, you'll know that the roof has a good layer of sealant on it just before winter hits and then cleaned and resealed again in the spring. Contact local auto detailing services to learn more.
Between Professional Cleanings
The months between the professional cleanings will require a bit of work on your part. As long as you keep up with spraying the car off regularly, you won't have to worry too much about dirt and debris building up in the fabric.
Take the car to a coin-operated car wash. Do not go through the drive-through wash; it can damage the roof. Start washing at the top of the car and work your way to the bottom. If you don't need the extra water pressure, don't use it. It could cause the fibers in the roof to stretch as you blast it with the hot, high-pressure water.
Spot Cleaning
Bird droppings and layers of salt and dust can cause problems if you don't remove it soon after it appears. Not only will the bird droppings cause stains in the fabric, but the dirt and salt that's trapped in the fiber will begin to act like sandpaper and wear down the fibers from within. This will reduce the life expectancy of your roof tremendously. To spot clean the top, get an old toothbrush and your favorite canvas top cleaning product. Use the toothbrush to scrub away any bird droppings, sap, and small spots. Rinse the roof well.
Don't put the roof down when it's wet or when the temperatures are dropping. Operating the roof when it's wet or cold will cause damage to the seams and seals. It's winter — you can wait a few more months to drop the top and get back to cruising in the sunshine with a big smile on your face because you know that you've done all that's needed to care for your roof through the winter.