How To Wash Convertible Cars
As an owner of the convertible having several benefits: maximize the pleasant weather, offer the best possible road trip experience, and people look back at you wherever you go. If you want to maintain the beauty of your car same, then it is important to give certain care slightly more than the other cars.
Many convertible car’s owner is doubtful at first, they are more curious about safety to rooftop because convertibles are made of different type of materials. There can be slight variation in cleaning and maintenance techniques for each type of material.
Performing a Car wash at home without considering some important precautions can affect your convertible top. It can dull its appearance as well causes the leaks. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to follow the right techniques. At Exotic Car Care we offer professional car wash and car polish services that ensure a safe clean every time.
There are some important things which you should know before washing your convertible car.
Types of convertible car:
It is necessary to confirm the type and composition of your convertible top because cleaning liquid and protectant products are special for each type.
Soft top convertibles:
Soft top convertibles are made of flexible textile materials like fabric or vinyl. Therefore, it cannot withstand with the heavy water pressure, harsh chemicals, and hard brushes. It tears its rooftop, so the water can easily enter the car and can affect its engine and electronic system.
Soft top convertibles may require some exceptional care so always try to choose self-service techniques, controlled water pressure, mild detergents, soft and gentle brushing to minimize the risk of damage.
Determine the soft top convertible material either fabric or vinyl:
To determine if your soft convertible top is vinyl or fabric put your hand on the top and feel for yourself if it feels and looks like tent stuff, you most likely have a fabric convertible top; if it feels and looks like granular and rough plastic, you have a vinyl convertible top.
Another way to determine its material. Pour some water on the surface of convertible top and rub it with the small finger pressure. If water absorbs into the surface, then it will be a fabric convertible top. If water remains on the surface, then it will be a vinyl convertible top.
Hard top convertibles:
Hard top convertibles are made of rigid materials like metals and rigid plastic. It is easy to wash hard top convertibles than the soft tops because we can use the same products on it that we use on the rest of the car.
Material you need for the cleaning process:
Below is the list of materials that you can use for your convertible car wash.
Steps of cleaning process:
Following a specific cleaning process is the next step after determining the material of the convertible top.
1. Secure the car:
There are a few preparations you should do before washing your convertible car. Firstly, park your car in shaded area to stop the cleaning detergent to dry quickly. Check if the top is firmly attached and all the windows are rolled up.
Cover the convertible top with a protective sealer. By doing this, you can lessen the chance that the top will sustain harm while being cleaned.
Examine the condition of your convertible car, if there is any crack or peeled frame then water can easily pass from these cracks. Confirm the stability of convertible top and frames by repairing these cracks for maximum water resistance.
2. Manufacturer’s Advice:
Check your car owner’s manual thoroughly to check if there is any important instructions or precautions regarding your car wash or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
3. Convertible top type:
Confirm the type of your convertible top either it is soft top convertibles (fabric or vinyl) and hard top convertibles.
4. Wash off extra dirt:
Clear extra dirt and any trash particles by rinsing it off with the water hose to protect from any scratch while scrubbing the car.
5. Prepare cleaning detergent:
Prepare the right cleaning liquid according to the convertible car’s type. Which will not give any bad affect to your top.
Normal car wash products and detergents are not appropriate for vinyl convertible top.
6. Clean convertibles:
After choosing proper detergent or vinyl liquid, giving a convertible top gentle scrub with soft brush and sponges in circular motion to get rid of extra dust and residual without fading the paint.
7. Clean car body and wheels:
Clean the remaining car’s body and wheels in small sections to ensure the proper cleaning of remaining car.
Clean the windows from outside and inside with a glass cleaner. Make sure you reach the margins where dirt may collect.
8. Rinse off the car:
Use a water hose with nozzle or water bucket to rinse off the car completely. Pour water into mister and sprinkle it on car to remove the water droplets and soap film that became embedded into the convertible surface.
9. Dry the car:
To prevent from water spots and rust you have to pay some special attention when drying it, including considering rust protection measure. Use soft towels and microfiber cloth to dry the convertible tops. To protect the surface, gently tap the convertible top for a smooth, flawless finish instead of rubbing too firmly.
10. Clean the upholstery:
Check the car from inside to check if the water is not moved inside. Wipe out the solution residue from and clean the extra dirt and grease from car upholstery.
11. Convertible protector:
Use convertible protector to increase the lifespan and the quality of the rooftop. If you left your vinyl top without protector, then vinyl will fade and crack ultimately. By using some liquid protectant, you can protect paint from UV ray’s side effects.
To make your convertible top waterproof, use specialized water-repellent fabric guards or convertible top sealer.
Maintaining tips:
If you live in high polluted areas, then try to wash it once every two to three weeks.
Apply protectant after 4 to 6 weeks to increase the life span of your convertible top.
When you park your car always remember to keep your car’s top up. It prevents from unnecessary folds and bends.
Be aware of your convertible top condition if there is any scratch and erosion. Ignoring them will only result in more serious issues, such as water leaks.
For the best results consider professional Car Detailing Abu Dhabi center to keep your convertible car up-to-date.
What to avoid:
You have to avoid some important things to maintain the look of your convertible top. It is not difficult to take care your modern soft top convertibles.
Harsh chemicals
Avoid harsh chemicals because it has vinegar, ammonia, bleach and other harmful chemicals that can badly affect your soft top. These chemicals can make it appear worn out and ancient.
Hard brush and towels
If the hard brushes repeatedly scrape the roof material it can tear the convertible top material. Brush scratches can distort the frames, making it difficult to fold and reconnect the roof and make it look a ragged.
Be careful with the high-pressure water hose
Inappropriate pressure levels can force water to pass through the seals and harm the interior upholstery of the car.
It can affect the car paint resulting in peeling and shredding.
Conclusion
When you want to wash your convertibles, it’s necessary to keep in mind some key factors such as convertible car type, best cleaning agent. Because hard top convertibles can be washed with standard car washing detergents whereas soft top convertibles must be treated differently.
For expert help, trust Exotic Car Care. Our team knows how to handle all types of convertibles, ensuring your car gets the care it needs to stay in perfect condition.
