A ruined convertible top changes your vehicle’s aesthetic and value instantly. The problem is that convertible tops have everything going against them simply because they are exposed to all of the elements. Keeping your convertible top clean and treated helps protect it, whether it is leather or vinyl. Banister’s Upholstery advises that it is also important to understand the things that ruin your convertible’s top. Here are the four top offenders.
1. Inclement Weather
You can’t change the weather, but inclement weather can wreak havoc on your convertible top. Rain and ice can damage both leather and vinyl tops, especially if the tops are not treated to be waterproof. Wind can blow road debris and dirt all over the top, and certain road debris can scratch or tear the top. It would be great if every day in East Point, Georgia had perfect weather, but unfortunately, storms hit our area and destroy convertible tops.
2. Road Debris/Dirt
You can avoid road debris or dirt any more than you can avoid a rainstorm. As you’re driving, dirt that is flowing through the air makes contact with your convertible top as does road debris that is picked up and thrown by the tires on the car in front of you. These things not only make your convertible top dirty, but they can also damage it. Again, treating your top to protect it is the best way to avoid damage from dirt and road debris; however, large debris may still damage your top.
3. The Sun’s UV Rays
You can’t avoid the sun’s UV rays, either. This being said, you are more inclined to open the top on your convertible on a warm and sunny day than on a cold day. With the top folded away, it is protected from the sun’s UV rays. When the top is closed, the sun’s UV rays beat down on it and can fade the color quickly if the top isn’t treated with a protectant that includes sun protection.
4. Tree Branches
Finally, it’s tempting to park under a tree for shade but the tree branches and the birds in the tree can damage your convertible’s top. Tree branches can tear the leather or vinyl or, at a minimum, scratch them. The birds nesting in the tree can bomb your top with bird waste that can be impossible to get off if your top isn’t treated.
If you are having problems keeping your convertible top clean and protected or if you need a new convertible top, Banister’s Upholstery in East Point, GA, can help. Call us today.
