Cleanliness – an absolute “must”
Modern soft tops made of textile fibers are usually sealed with a thin layer of rubber in order to increase impermeability. Canvas soft tops are increasingly replacing PVC roofs, which were a common choice for convertibles for a long time. Both variations are comparable in terms of care. Dust and dirt can be removed with water and a soft brush. Yet be sure to note that car washing facilities with hanging curtains containing fleece often leave behind hard-to-remove lint on the roof. This can be removed easily with a lint roller used for clothing. Bird droppings and other organic residue should be removed immediately with a gentle cleansing soap and a soft brush – they can otherwise damage the roof’s surface. For PVC roofs, use the specially designed cleaning and protection products available at specialty retailers.  

In contrast to soft tops, Retractable Hard Tops require less overall care. The roof needs no extra treatment. Polish or hard wax can be used periodically to maintain the roof’s paint just as you would handle the rest of your car. 

In general, high-pressure water cleaners should not be used on convertibles. The high amount of water pressure can damage weather seals and the roof’s material. 

As long as it’s sealed…
Some people still tend to think of convertible roofs as being loud and leaky. Yet those days have been over for quite some time. Aerodynamic research has reduced wind noise to a minimum regardless of whether the roof is open or closed; acoustic materials dampen noise as well. In addition, innovative materials allow for nearly one-hundred percent impermeability, even with the rotating brushes of a car wash. “In terms of interior sound levels and general utility value, modern-day convertibles hardly differ from closed vehicles anymore. If drivers take note of just a few specific differences, the cars can be fully utilizable all year round, explains Rolf-Peter Baule, President of Webasto’s global convertible business. 

Seals – important junction points for convertible roofs 
All seals leave the assembly line coated with a so-called lubricant varnish. This prevents unpleasant wind noise between the windows, body, and top. If the varnish begins to wear after time, seals can be retreated with rubber protectants from specialty retailers. As an alternative, they can be retreated with silicone or glycerin after thorough cleansing with a gentle solution.

Hydraulic care for automatic tops
The vehicle’s entire hydraulic system is virtually maintenance-free and is designed to stay in place for the entire lifespan of the vehicle. The hydraulic fluid in the cylinders does not require refilling. Variations in the cylinder’s oil level are completely normal and change according to the position of the roof. In the event of visible oil loss in the hydraulic cylinder, have a repair shop handle the problem immediately in order to avoid further damage to the vehicle. Hydraulic mechanisms are usually equipped with their own self-protection devices. Should the convertible top be parked in a semi-open position for cleaning purposes, gravity will eventually cause it to fall into a stable end position. This protects the hydraulic valves from overheating. With automatic tops, please note the following: repeated opening and closing while the engine is switched off can lead to undervoltage in the vehicle’s battery. This could prevent the engine from starting later.

A tip for vintage car fans: if your vehicle’s top no longer opens or closes smoothly, a drop of WD40 usually does the trick.