Tips For Maintaining A Convertible Top
If you have a convertible and like to use a top every once in a while, then it's a good idea to also do some maintenance from time to time. A bit of elbow grease here and there can lead to a much longer lifespan for your convertible top. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Vinyl vs Fabric
The first step is to make sure you know exactly what kind of material your top is made out of. If you pick the wrong type of cleaning solution, then you could permanently ruin your top. That being said, most cleaners that are meant for convertible tops will work for both kinds of material. Just make sure to check the label for any warnings before proceeding.
Cleaning Away Dirt
The first thing you want to do is a cursory cleaning to remove the dirt. If you have one on hand, you can use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove a good deal of the dirt. If you have a particularly powerful vacuum, then make sure that the settings are turned on fairly low so that you don't damage the top.
If you are willing to get a bit messier, then a jet of clean water will help remove a lot of dirt from your top. If the dirt is not budging, then a dedicated convertible top cleaner is a good choice. Try not to use household cleaning products unless you are absolutely sure that they are safe, since their chemicals can really do a number on your top.
Grease and Tough Messes
If your problem is a bit bigger than grease, then you might want to go straight to a dedicated cleaner. One of the big problems with grease is that it can actually lead to the growth of mildew by providing a warm, wet environment. Getting that grease off of your top should be a top priority if you want to completely prevent the growth of mildew.
Warding Against the Future
There are many different sprays and protective layers that you can buy to protect your top. Coating your top with one of these methods every couple of weeks is a great way to minimize the amount of damage that you will have to deal with in the future. Applying a coat today can end up meaning a lot less time spent cleaning over the next few weeks, months, and even years. For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from Fred's Auto Interiors.