The basics of maintaining a convertible are the same as maintaining any other car except for the roof of the car that can be lowered in a convertible. This convertible top needs extra care and attention since it can be a delicate part of the car. Taking proper care of the roof is essential to maintain a convertible car's beauty, performance and resale value.
Edit Steps
- 1Clean the top on your convertible car at least twice a year using specialty cleaners. Keep the following steps in mind when choosing a cleaner.
- The cleaner should be biodegradable so it does not leave long-term residue.
- Never use abrasive detergents or powders that have damaging bleaching agents like chlorine, since these can cause scours or loosen threads by cleaning away the protective oils that the threads are laced with.
- Try to use high-quality specialty cleaners that are specifically designed to thoroughly clean delicate items such as your convertible car roof. You can ask a representative at an exotic cars shop to recommend the best cleaners available for the job.
- 2Wash your convertible with the top down. The top part of your car's roof needs more regular cleaning since it is more exposed while driving. You should follow these steps while washing your car with the top down.
- Always park your car in the shade while you are washing it. Exposure to ultra-violet rays from direct sunlight while the top is wet can cause it to fade or weaken.
- Allow the top to cool before you wash it.
- Use cool water to get the top thoroughly wet.
- Spray on a light coat of the specialty cleaner and spread it evenly across the top using a soft brush or sponge.
- Scrub out the dirt slowly and gently using a soft brush.
- Continue to brush while you wash the top with water until there are no more suds in the water that is draining off your car.
- 3Apply an even coat of top protectant each time after you wash your car. The top protectant will protect your convertible top against fading and cracks as well as oil and grease stains. You can just use spray on protectant to easily apply an even coat.
- 4Clean away any bird droppings that land on your convertible car roof as quickly as possible. Bird droppings can be very damaging to your car's rooftop since they usually have a high acidity level.
- 5Remove any snow that collects on the car roof. The weight of the snow can overload the convertible's roof structure causing the metal frame to bend.
- 6Perform regular maintenance on other parts of your convertible. This should include the following.
- Check your tire pressure once a month. On average a tire loses 1 psi (per square inch) of pressure per month. You should keep your tires inflated at the pressure recommended in the driver's manual (using it is around 35 psi).
- Change your car's engine oil, engine coolant and transmission fluid after every 3,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first).
- Replace the power steering fluid after every 50,000 miles or 3 years.
- Put in a new air filter each year or after every 15,000 miles.
- Prevent your car fuel line from getting clogged with debris by replacing the fuel filter annually.
Edit Tips
- Go to an exotic cars shops instead of a regular auto repair shop if you want to hire professionals to maintain a convertible. Shops that specialize in exotic cars usually have more expertise in maintaining a convertible.
Edit Things You'll Need
Edit Related wikiHows
Edit Sources and Citations
Articles for You to Write
Here is a list of suggested articles that have not yet been written. You can help by researching and writing one of these articles. To get started writing one of these articles, click on the red link of a title below.
