What is a soft top car?

A convertible or cabriolet is a passenger car that can be driven with or without a roof in place. The methods of retracting and storing the roof vary among eras and manufacturers. A convertible car's design allows an open-air driving experience, with the ability to provide a roof when required.

What does soft-top on a car mean?

Soft top refers to any vehicle which has a convertible roof which has a soft covering of fabric or vinyl, which folds down to make the car open topped. While all soft tops are convertibles, not all convertibles are soft tops, as there are removable hard tops and retractable hard tops which are also convertibles.

What is the point of a soft-top?

Advantages of a Soft Top

Versatility: Given the malleable nature of soft tops, they're intrinsically more versatile than their harder counterparts. They can easily be removed and then installed again making it easy to go without a top during those nice weather days without much effort.

Is soft-top the same as convertible?

As Only Drive Convertibles notes, today's convertibles fall under two classifications: hardtops and soft tops. Some drivers prefer hardtop convertibles because the metal roof is more secure and provides better insulation when it's cold or rainy outside.

What are the disadvantages of a soft-top car?

Convertible fabric tops, by their nature, are more prone to wear and tear than a fixed roof car. But it's not only the roof that can get damaged. If you're doing a lot of driving or parking with the top down, your car seats are far more exposed to the elements than in a fixed roof car.

What you need to know before buying a convertible | Top10s

Are soft top cars safe?

So, are convertibles safe? The short answer is yes. The notion that convertible cars are unsafe isn't backed up by science. Numerous studies, including one by the International Institute for Highway Safety, have concluded that convertible cars are just as safe as non-convertible models.

Can a soft top car go through a carwash?

If a customer wishes to have their convertible top cleaned, this is not a problem even in automatic car washing. Cleaning is not complicated, but should be as gentle as possible so as to protect the fabric. You can draw your customers' attention to this by means of special convertible washing programmes.

What is another name for a soft top car?

Terminology. Other terms for convertibles include cabriolet, cabrio, drop top, drophead coupé, open two-seater, open top, rag top, soft top, spider, and spyder.

Is soft top hard to maintain?

Soft tops are a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors and have long since been a staple of summer road trips! However, they require special attention and can be trickier to clean than hard-top cars, due to their more delicate nature and the fact they are more susceptible to issues such as dampness and mould.

Are soft tops more expensive?

Better on your Wallet. Soft tops are generally more affordable in price too. Hardtops require more technology and electrical components to work, therefore the price will often be higher. When it comes to repair too, soft tops take the cake.

What is the problem with soft-top convertibles?

How long do soft-top convertibles last?

Are soft tops worth it?

At a quick glance, hardtops are more durable and provide better insulation, but they are also more difficult to remove. Soft tops are more affordable and easier to take down, but they are not as durable or insulated.

Can soft top cars get wet?

Unlike canvas, vinyl soft tops are generally waterproof, so they can be cleaned alongside the rest of the car.

How long does a car soft top last?

Convertible Tops Care Tips

The average life of a convertible top is about ten years, depending on its exposure to the elements and usage.

Can you drive a soft top in the rain?

As a matter of fact, no soft-top convertible is really 100% waterproof, so some water may leak into the car. It very much depends on factors like condition of the car, quality of engineering and of course amount of rain wether this is annoying or not.

Can a soft top be repaired?

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to fix your soft top, consider doing it yourself. You can buy all of the tools and materials in the repair kit at a local upholstery shop and get to work. However, if you are unsure about your abilities, there's no need to risk worsening the damage.

How often do you have to replace a soft top?

Even with proper, regular maintenance convertible tops can need replacing. On average you're looking at a lifespan of 5-7 years.

How do you take care of a soft top car?

What was the first soft top car?

The 1939 Plymouth Convertible

This innovative model introduced the power-operated convertible top to the market, allowing drivers to raise or lower the top much more easily. Moreover, the Plymouth was a very affordable car compared to others on the market, which also played a role in its popularity.

What is a hardtop car?

noun. a style of car having a rigid metal top and no center posts between windows. Also called hardtop convertible. a similar style of car that is designed to resemble a convertible.

What is the difference between a cabriolet and a convertible?

There is no functional difference between a cabriolet and convertible in modern automobiles. Which word you use generally depends on where you're from. Cabriolet—often shortened to cabrio—is the common name for a convertible in many European countries.

Can you put soap on a soft top convertible?

After being carefully cleaned with water and a gentle car wash shampoo, filthy vinyl tops should be spritzed down with a convertible top cleaner/degreaser. There are quite a few options to choose from, but a real standout winner is the Tonneau Cover & Convertible Top Cleaner by 303 Products.

Can BMW soft top go through car wash?

Your best bet is hand wash. I took my Z4 through touchless wash a few times. There was no issue. Warning: Never use a pressure washer directly on the soft top because it will permanently damage the fabric.

Can you run a jeep with a soft top through a carwash?

One of the questions we often get about car wash safety is what types of vehicles can go in the car wash, especially whether we can wash convertibles and soft-topped Jeeps. Can these cars go through the wash? And our answer is yes!