Top 4 Signs It’s Time For A Convertible Top Replacement
One of the fun parts of owning a convertible is having the versatility to pick between having a roof or no roof over your head. With the push of a button, you can easily have a nice cool breeze in your hair or good protection if you hit nasty weather. It is obvious that the convertible top is the primary appeal of the vehicle and plays an important emotional and visual role. Despite this, many owners struggle to identify if it’s time to invest in their car to get a convertible top replacement.
Our team of professionals at Prestige Soft Tops have prepared a list of the top 4 signs your convertible top is due for a replacement.
1. A hole in the top
Over the years, you’ll likely notice cracks on your convertible soft top which can come from normal wear and tear. Unfortunately, if no proper care is taken, raising and lowering your convertible top can result in cracks turning into holes. While this is an obvious reason to replace your convertible top, the number of convertible owners who choose to seal these holes with duct tape or layers of cling wrap as a long-term solution is alarming. Without a proper fix, moisture and dust can seep through regardless of how thick your duct tape “solution” is.
As moisture and dirt accumulate, you will begin to notice a damp smell and damage to the interior of your vehicle. This can sometimes be a slow process that may not be noticeable at first but once anything that can hold moisture such as the foam and carpet start to grow mould and mildew, getting rid of it will be costly. Not only that, but metal components in your car will also be susceptible to rust. If you let rust and mould run wild, you won’t end up just replacing your convertible top but possibly your entire car.
2. Pulling at the seams
When a soft top is healthy, pulls or gaps at the seams of your convertible top should not be present. Much like clothes, when you start seeing seams unravel, pucker or rip, you know it is getting old and probably in need of a replacement – your convertible top is no different. The main two reasons a seams split are due to shrinkage of the canvas or vinyl adding stress to the seams and wear and tear due to folding of the seam during operation of the soft top.
A good way to check your convertible top for problems at the seams is to check it in four different positions; when it is up, when it is down and during both the raising and lowering process. This ensures that any irregularity at its seams will be identified before more damage occurs and your top rips completely.
3. Discolouration
Most convertible top fabrics come from manufacturers with 1- to 6-year warranties, depending on the brand. If properly cared for and maintained, the original soft top colour should last throughout the warranty period. After this date range, however, discolouration will occur and is often a good sign the health of your top is beginning to wane due to environmental factors such as high levels of UV light.
Besides that, if you’re intending to sell your convertible, having an unsightly roof can significantly drag down the value of the car. Buyers will likely factor in the price of having the top replaced when negotiating a sale price. If you want a quicker sale and possibly more cash, get your convertible a new and clean top and better offers should start rolling in!
4. Convertible top raises or lowers unevenly or requires help to operate
If your convertible top no longer raises or lowers the same way it did when you first got it, it is likely a sign that the convertible straps and or cables are comprised due to failure, binding, or aging. This compromised operation when raising or lowering the convertible top can put unnecessary strain on the motor system that operates it, causing it to prematurely wear out. To avoid damaging the motor, as soon as you notice any unevenness, it may be best to get it looked at and replaced.
A new convertible top installation can provide added safety, protection, and increased value for your vehicle. Not only does a new top look and feel good, but you can also rest assured knowing the internal elements of your car are protected. Using these top four signs of a damaged convertible top, we highly recommend you give your convertible a thorough inspection to see if your car is due for a convertible top replacement.
Think it’s time to look for premium Australian convertible top replacements?
Prestige Soft Tops is home to a wide range of high-quality replacement soft tops that will make your convertible look and feel brand new. With soft top care products and a network of professional installers, our friendly team will ensure all your convertible top replacement needs are taken care of wherever you are in Australia.
To learn more about our products or if you require assistance with identifying whether your convertible top is due for replacement, fill out our online contact form or email us at sales@prestigetops.com.au and one of our team members will get back to you ASAP.