Saturday 22 February 2014

How To Avoid Convertible Top Replacement

By Krystal Branch


It's a sad fact of life that if you are going to enjoy the benefits of driving a cabriolet, you will have to pay more money in running costs. If you love the warmth, sunshine, fresh air and increased visibility of a convertible, you accept this. Why do convertibles cost more? There are two main reasons. One is the eventual need for a convertible top replacement. The other is higher insurance costs.

One way to extend the time required before you have to get a new top is to keep it under cover when you are not behind the wheel. If you haven't got a full garage, then a covered car port will do. Otherwise, it is well worth investing in a good, sturdy car cover. The important thing is to make sure the top you buy is specially designed for outdoor use.

Keeping the top clean is very important. Canvas tops can accumulate algae in damp weather. These tiny, plant-like organisms secrete chemicals that can damage the fabric of the car. A clean top also looks better. All it takes is a gentle touch with a soft brush.

Do you own a cat? Whether you do or not, there may be cats lurking around your neighborhood. These furry little freaks love to sit on your car's soft roof. They also have sharp claws that have the ability to shred your cloth top. A soft car roof provides the neighborhood cats with a perfect vantage point from which to monitor their territory. It is also more comfy than a hard top, particularly if it has been in the sun all day soaking up heat.

Putting your top up and down a lot will eventually wear it out. It doesn't matter whether you have to put it up and down manually or if it is electrically powered. Apart from keeping the metalwork free from rust and other corrosive factors, there is not much you can do to postpone this. After all, the reason you are driving a cabriolet is so you can put the top down.

The metal parts of your soft top can wear out or get rusty. Wipe them completely dry if they get wet. Another component of a soft top that can wear out is the electric motor, if your car has one.

The day will eventually come when you have to break down and get your car a new roof. This is a good time to experiment with a different color or to upgrade a plastic rear window to one made of glass. Harsh sunlight can take its toll on a plastic window. They can also tear or get ripped. Another advantage to a glass rear window is the fact that it can have window heating elements built right in.

Try to go for a convertible top replacement before it starts to detract from your car's appearance and lower its value should you decide to sell it. If you follow the guidance given above, you should be able to get years of service out of the top.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment