Winter Convertible Top Care for Chicago Drivers
Chicago winters test every part of a convertible: the top, the rear window, the seals, and the interior. Whether your car hibernates in a garage or keeps working through January, a little preparation goes a long way. At Don's Auto Interiors & Tops in Alsip, a lot of the convertible work we do each spring comes from damage that started over the winter. Here's how to avoid it.
If you're storing the car
Before storage
- Clean the top thoroughly with a cleaner made for its material and let it dry completely. Dirt and moisture trapped for months can stain and mildew.
- Apply a protectant made for vinyl or cloth.
- Clean the interior and make sure carpets are dry.
- Clear the drains around the top well and body so any moisture can escape.
- Check the seals for cracks. Winter is a good time to plan a replacement before spring.
During storage
- Store with the top up and latched unless your owner's manual says otherwise. It keeps the top in its natural shape.
- Use a breathable car cover, not a plastic tarp, which traps moisture.
- Keep the space dry and ventilated if you can.
- Check on the car occasionally for leaks, pests, or moisture.
In spring
- Wait for a warm day before folding the top for the first time.
- Inspect the rear window for clouding or cracks, and look at seams and seals.
- Test the power top, if you have one, and listen for strain or uneven movement.
If you're driving through winter
Many convertibles are daily drivers year-round. A few habits help:
Snow and ice
- Brush snow off gently with a soft brush, never a scraper.
- Don't let heavy snow pile up. The weight strains the top and frame.
- Never chip ice off the top or a plastic window.
- Use the defroster on heated glass windows rather than scraping hard.
Folding
- Keep the top up in freezing temperatures. Folding a cold top, especially with a plastic rear window, invites cracks and creases.
Salt and slush
- Rinse salt off the top and body when temperatures allow.
- Watch the interior. Salt tracked in on boots stains carpet and dries out leather.
- Use floor mats that hold slush and keep it off the carpet.
Seals and windows
- Treat rubber seals with a seal conditioner so they don't stick or tear when frozen.
- Free frozen windows gently. Forcing a frozen window can damage the seal or the regulator.
Warning signs to watch for
- Water inside the car after snowmelt or a thaw
- A rear window that's clouding or showing fine cracks
- A seam that's starting to separate
- A power top that moves slowly or unevenly in cold weather
- Fluid stains in the top well or on the rear seat, a possible hydraulic leak
Catching these early often means a repair instead of a replacement. See convertible top repair.
Plan spring work in winter
Spring is the busiest time of year for convertible top shops. If you already know your top needs replacing, scheduling in winter gives you the best choice of dates, and your car will be ready for the first warm weekend. At Don's, a top installation takes 8 to 12 hours of shop time.
Related reading
- Breaking in a new convertible top in Chicago weather
- Vinyl vs. cloth convertible tops
- Used convertible inspection checklist
Get help
Call (708) 371-8020 or send photos of your top and we'll tell you what we see. Don's Auto Interiors & Tops, 11937 S. Cicero Ave, Alsip.
Frequently asked questions
Should I store my convertible with the top up or down?
Most owners store with the top up and latched, which keeps the top stretched in its normal shape and avoids long-term creases. Check your owner's manual for your car's specific recommendation.
Can I brush snow off my convertible top?
Gently, with a soft brush, and never with an ice scraper. Heavy snow can strain the top and frame, so clear it before it builds up.
Is it bad to put the top down in winter?
Folding a top in freezing temperatures risks cracking plastic rear windows and creasing vinyl. If you want top-down driving on a mild winter day, wait for a warmer afternoon.
Related
Request a free estimate or call (708) 371-8020.