5 Things that Can Damage Your Convertible Soft Top

For many car fanatics, a drive in an open top car can be something religious. Being exposed to the outdoor wind, speed and sound elements of a convertible with an open soft top adds a whole new level of enjoyment to any drive. While convertibles with soft tops look great aesthetically, if not looked after correctly, the smiles from a luxurious drive can quickly turn into a frown. Outdoor elements and cleaning products you choose can make life rough for your top. Our experts at Prestige Soft Tops have put together a list of five things that pose particular dangers to most soft tops. 

Sunshine

Most soft tops materials are treated with protective products that can help prevent damage from exposure to outdoor elements such as sun rays. However, sealants can only do so much. Long term exposure from parking your car outside all day can result in UV rays damaging your soft convertible top. These destructive rays can eat away at your protective layer and slowly find their way into your soft top itself. Eventually, this causes colour fading and cracks on your convertible soft top. While there is no way to completely avoid the effects of sunlight, keeping your top protected by regularly applying a sealant and parking under the shade can help prolong your soft top’s life.

Branches

Since you need to protect your soft convertible top from the dangers of the sun, you might think parking your vehicle under a tree to keep it cool is a good idea. Doing this would, unfortunately, pose significant damage risks from low-hanging or falling branches. Branches of all shapes and sizes that have sharp edges and points can scratch, puncture and tear your soft top. While it is not possible to avoid driving or parking under every tree you see, making sure you park under a well-maintained and properly trimmed tree can reduce the risks of top damage.

Road Debris

Road debris includes grime, oil and rocks usually flung onto your soft top by surrounding vehicles driving past at high speeds. Purchasing a high-quality soft top that can handle rocks bouncing off its surface can help minimize damages such as cuts and punctures to your soft top. As for dirt, oil and grime, your best line of defence is to maintain and seal your top regularly. On top of reflecting UV rays, good sealants should prevent dirt from sticking to your soft top. Dust and dirt that settles on your soft top can weave into the fabric and begin to act like sandpaper, slowly deteriorating your soft top over time. Having to remove oils and grime off your soft top often also results in excessive washing which can weaken your soft top even if you use the best washing products. Think of it like brushing your teeth, while toothpaste contains all the necessary components to strengthen your teeth, excessive brushing would eventually break down your enamel and cause more harm than good.

Using the wrong cleaning products

The best way to keep your soft top looking like new is to keep it clean and protected. Keeping your top clean is easy and does not require much effort. In most situations, a simple rub with a soft brush will suffice. Once a month, washing your soft top with an approved cleaner will help. A common mistake with new soft top owners is using the wrong cleaning products. Solvent-based (alcohol, vinegar, bleach) or household cleaning products should be avoided at all costs when it comes to cleaning your soft top. The chemical components in these products can erode your protective sealant and deteriorate your soft top. Consulting soft top professionals or the manufacturer of your soft top for cleaning and care instructions can help ensure you’re using the right products for your car. 

Weather 

Unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on your soft convertible top. As soft tops are typically made of vinyl or cloth, rain and humidity can settle into the pores of these materials just as dirt does. With sufficient moisture, your soft top will become a breeding ground for mould or mildew and you can expect the need to replace your soft top if the situation is not controlled.  It is vital to always protect your soft top from moisture and inclement weather per the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Premium Australian Soft Top Replacements and Care Products

Prestige Soft Tops is home to an expansive range of superior-quality replacement soft tops and soft top care products. If your soft top has been damaged and you’re in need of a new soft top or you’re looking for the right care products and tips to maintain your current soft top, then our national network of professional installers and soft top experts can assist and ensure all your soft top needs are addressed regardless of where you are in Australia. 

Get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at sales@prestigetops.com.au and one of our team members will get back to you asap.