Convertible through a car wash?
There are two types of convertible tops: soft and hardtops. Soft tops consist of a stretchy fabric that may contract and expand without taking up much storage space.
Convertible hardtops are just like any other car with a roof. As a result, as long as your car’s roof is out, you may send it through a hand-free carwash with no worries. But if the roof is left open, it will damage the electrical system beneath the seats, as well as the engine.
Cotton and PVC are used to make canvases for soft-top convertibles. It isn’t thick enough to survive the harsh chemicals and high-pressure sprays found within a carwash tunnel. The canvases will inevitably become wet and allow water to enter the vehicle. High-pressure water, bristles, and brushes can harm the canvas as they are not as durable as a conventional car roof.
Two cents from the experts
Touchless car wash for convertibles
Nothing but soap, water, and high-pressure air will touch your car in a touchless car wash. They spray the high-pH soap on your vehicle first, followed by the low-pH soap. This combination sloughs away dirt and dust, removing the need for foam rollers. Brushless car washes are also preferable in the winter since snow, rain, and salt on the roads can cause damage to a convertible. Cleaning it thoroughly is even more important in the winter.
Touchless car washes use the most recent vehicle washing technology, and they will not scratch or damage the exterior of your vehicle. If you’re not sure how well your soft-top convertible will perform in a traditional car wash, a touchless car wash is your best bet. If you don’t have access to touchless car washes and must rely on traditional car washes, don’t worry; the following tips will help you get the shine without any damage.
Keep track of your vehicle’s condition:
Only take a convertible to a carwash if it is in good condition. If your cover is damaged or ripped, don’t risk it. Before the car wash, make sure the cover is in good condition or buy a new one.
Take better care of the undercarriage:
While cleaning the top is considered essential, the undercarriage is often overlooked. Ensure that all dirt, dust, and grime are not present in the undercarriage.
Wash the windows separately:
Typically, washing the windows is just as common as cleaning the rest of the components. However, in the case of a convertible, clean your own windows with a towel and a window cleaner.
Check the weather strips:
Once the carwash is over, look inside your car to see if water has seeped into the seals. If it has indeed seeped, it is a sign that you should replace the weather strips.
Water and frequency:
If the soft-top is dusty or dirty, wash it once a month and once every two months if you don’t drive it as much. If not, the top will absorb oil and become extremely dusty. Wipe it down with plenty of cool water, a special soft top cleaning kit, and a microfiber towel.
Can you wash your convertible at home?
For ultimate convenience, you can have a few supplies and hand wash your car in the comfort of your home. However, the cleaning procedure for a fabric and vinyl top soft-top convertible is different towards the end.
- Brush the surface with a soft brush to remove any visible dirt. To clean more precisely, vacuum the top.
- An all-purpose cleaner is useless on a dry surface; make sure you wet the surface first.
- To avoid damaging the natural finish, rinse the top with water and use a soft bristle brush.
- Allow the all-purpose cleaner to soak for a few minutes after spraying it all over the top. Scrub the top clean with circular motions.
- Avoid using dish soap for your car wash or products with harsh chemicals in them.
- Choose a non-toxic cleaner that will be gentler on the surface. We recommend using a soft scrub brush that will not leave any lint on the surface or damage it.
- Wash the cleaning agent away with a garden hose or a low-pressure power spray.
- Allow the top to dry naturally by leaving the car out overnight, but you can speed up the process by pressing a lint-free microfiber cloth against the top to wick away moisture.
Read How to wash a car like an expert for more detailed guidance.
Final Verdict
Can you take a convertible through a car wash? Yes. Hardtop convertibles are ideal for car washes. It is still up for debate among users and manufacturers regarding soft-top models. It is ultimately your choice whether to use an automatic or touchless car wash, but keep the above tips in mind and do not be afraid to speak with the car wash professionals first.
If you have wondered where to find the best car wash for your car near you, we recommend you to visit Way.com or download the Way app. You can find the best at affordable rates with no compromise on quality. Click the banner to know more.
