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 is the point of a soft top car?

Convertibles with soft tops are light weight and cost less than the hardtop version. Soft tops are usually operated manually, which makes them quick and easy to put up and take down. Soft tops also take up much less space.

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?

What is the difference between a hardtop and a soft top?

Hardtops fold into the trunk to be stored, often taking up more space than would a soft top. They're also typically more affordable in terms of weight. Soft topics are usually made of fabric and can have a plastic or glass window in the back, depending on the make and model. Without the window, the tops are very light.

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Do soft top cars leak?

Wear and Tear Can Impact Soft Tops and Plastic Windows

Tears and rips can appear along seams, usually above the metal frame that supports and lowers the roof. The vinyl or plastic rear windows in many convertible tops also tend to degrade with age. The edges can come loose, producing more leaks.

Are soft top cars safe?

Numerous studies, including one by the International Institute for Highway Safety, have concluded that convertible cars are just as safe as non-convertible models. The common misconception comes from the notion that when these cars roll over, the adjustable roof becomes dangerous for the driver and passengers.

Are soft tops more to insure?

The insurance rate for a convertible may be higher for physical damage coverage than an equivalent vehicle with a hard top. The cost of insurance for a convertible car may come down to their higher purchase price, as well as convertibles' greater vulnerability to theft.

Can you drive a soft top in the rain?

A convertible (soft) top is made from vinyl-coated fabric. It's not only perfectly waterproof but very durable as well. Once locked in the closed position, and properly sealed to the windshield frame, they normally don't leak. So in that sense, they're no different than a hard top.

Is rain bad for soft top convertible?

Moisture from humidity, rain, sleet, or snow can cause mold and mildew and also crack or peel the soft convertible top.

Why did BMW go back to soft tops?

One is that hardtops are typically more expensive, both to purchase and to repair, if something breaks. In addition, some motorists do not prefer a hardtop because they believe the car loses its “convertible look.” That is another reason BMW has made the switch.

Should you take a soft top convertible through a car wash?

High-quality convertible roofs will not be damaged by most automatic car washes. If you bought your convertible second hand and are unsure of the quality of the fabric roof, then you will need to apply extra caution.

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.

Are soft top cars cold in the winter?

In essence, there is no reason not to drive your convertible throughout the winter. In modern cars, the folding roof seals thoroughly and is well insulated so you will stay both warm and dry. And even older models can be safe and comfortable choices for winter with a few precautions.

Why can't soft tops tow?

They won't allow a soft top SUV to rent due to an increased likelihood of rollover, combined with the decreased safety of a soft top in that rollover accident.

How long does a car soft top last?

Is a soft top car safe in a thunderstorm?

A soft-top or convertible car is less safe than a hard-topped vehicle as the fabric roof could catch fire if struck by lightning. If you're driving one of these, it's best to seek shelter somewhere close by.

Are convertible cars more expensive to insure?

Why Convertible Insurance is More Costly. One being, convertible cars are more expensive to build, meaning they are more expensive to repair and thus, more expensive to insure. In many cases, convertible car tops will have to be repaired or replaced after a period of time, regardless of how safe you may drive.

Why do soft tops leak?

After time, convertible fabric can become a bit like an old waterproof coat – a little tired and not as water repellent as it was when new. On a new roof the water should bead and run off. However, as the fabric becomes old, it becomes porous and water soaks through the fabric and headlining.

Are convertibles worth buying?

Convertible ownership is ultimately a compromise – one that's worth it if you're able to get the roof down regularly. And if that doesn't happen often enough, you just end up dealing with all the downsides, without enough of the fun part. So ask yourself if you're likely to get the roof down regularly.

Are soft tops loud?

Noisy: Given that soft tops aren't very insulated, you'll find the driving experience to be louder overall. The noise may be acceptable when off-roading, but that much cabin noise during an everyday commute can get irritating over time.

How often should you waterproof a soft top car?

Apply to a dry top and allow Vinyl Ultra Proofer to dry completely before applying further product or taking out in the rain. Use at least every 3–6 months. Use on fabric soft tops. Forget to shake the Vinyl Ultra Proofer bottle prior to use.

What is the downside of convertibles?

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.

Is it hard to maintain a soft top?

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.

Should convertibles be garage kept?

You want the temperature to remain neutral (not too hot and not too cold). A barn may seem ideal, but a dirt floor will hold moisture and cause undercarriage corrosion. A concrete floor is usually your best bet, and while a climate-controlled storage facility is ideal, your garage floor is likely fine.