BMW cleaning and repellent have been used by me. A medium horsehair brush was employed. The cleaner worked perfectly each time I used it. The top was thoroughly cleaned, and I dried it in the garage. When it rained, I remember seeing the water bead up on the repellent I formerly used. When I applied it, I was worried that it would appear coated on top. Not at all. It had a good appearance. I haven’t tested any alternatives, but the BMW product seemed to work well, so I would suggest it.
In This Article...
How is the convertible roof of a BMW cleaned?
You must first fully moisten the convertible top. Apply a fabric cleanser to the entire top once it has been wet. Be careful not to scrape too vigorously as you use the scrub brush to remove the dirt and debris. When finished, thoroughly rinse the top to remove any traces of the cleaning agent.
Can a BMW convertible with a soft top be washed?
The quick response is “yes” The majority of soft-top convertible cars can be washed. To help you understand, allow us to provide a detailed response. Almost all automakers endorse washing convertibles in a car wash.
Which cleaning technique is best for a soft top roof?
- Vacuum your soft top first, then use a brush to get rid of any loose particles.
- You should thoroughly damp down the top of your convertible car roof once this phase is finished.
- Next, evenly distribute the cleaner over the surface and give it 15 minutes to dry.
- Use circular motions to gently scrub the top of your convertible car roof to remove dirt, grime, and stains with a soft bristle brush. We would like to emphasize the significance of using a soft bristle brush in order to prevent any scratches or cracks on vinyl surfaces because they are infamous for doing so readily.
- Rinse the cleaner completely with warm water until none of the convertible top cleaner is left.
- With a soft towel, pat the soft top until it is totally dry.
How frequently should a convertible top be cleaned?
There’s something seductive and opulent about driving down the road in a convertible. However, maintaining a convertible top isn’t quite as elegant or attractive. Convertible tops require a little more maintenance than the usual car, and how well you take care of your top will greatly affect its appearance and quality. Regular cleaning and protection based on the fabric of your particular convertible are required for proper convertible maintenance. Your convertible won’t last as long if you only use hand washing or drive-through vehicle washes. In fact, it may cause early deterioration that is unsightly and increases the likelihood of leaks and expensive repairs or replacement. Here are some tips for maintaining a convertible top so that it looks good for as long as possible:
Particularly if your convertible is not covered by a garage or covered parking structure, convertibles should typically be washed every one to two weeks. It is advised to wash convertibles more frequently in the summer because the hot climate is hard on the soft top. Care requirements for cloth and vinyl tops are very different. You must first ascertain the composition of your soft top before you can move on. To achieve this, consult your owner’s manual, get in touch with the automaker, or pass the test for vinyl or fabric convertibles.
What is the finest cleaner for a convertible top?
- Convertible top cleaner, one Chemical Guys.
- Convertible top cleaner model number 2
- Meguiar Convertible Top Cleaner, number 3.
- Convertible top cleaner Raggtopp, number 4.
- Convertible top cleaner by 5 CAR GUYS
Is it possible to wash a soft-top car?
Many convertible owners are reluctant to put their vehicles through automatic car washes out of concern that the brushes would rip the top or the plastic glass. Generally speaking, this worry is unjustified! Convertible drivers may safely wash their car in a gantry car wash or conveyor tunnel system thanks to contemporary, soft brushes like SofTecs and the appropriate cleaning agents. It is crucial to ensure that the car wash looks clean when selecting it, and if you are unsure, it is best to speak with the manager. Even some car washes have a dedicated convertible washing procedure.
How is a soft top convertible maintained?
Avoid using any cleaner or protectant that contains citrus, bleach, silicon, or petroleum compounds whether your soft top is composed of fabric, canvas, or vinyl. If you use any items containing those ingredients, your top’s capacity to resist water will be reduced, which may cause seals and seams to break down and may void your vehicle’s warranty. For washing a convertible top, a shampoo devoid of detergents or glossing additives is best. Your convertible top can last 5 to 7 years if properly maintained.
- A convertible top should never be left open overnight.
- When it is colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, do not lower the top.
- An automatic car wash is preferable to hand washing.
- Remove any clutter from the area and patch up any minor rips, tears, and leaks before they require more extensive repairs.
- Avoid letting a convertible sit idle with the top down for a lengthy amount of time.
- Cleansers should be rinsed right away to avoid fading after washing.
- Paper towels or glass cleansers should not be used to clean plastic windows.
- Do not try to force the unit to open or close if the top has a problem moving up or down. For assistance, get in touch with a specialist.
- Before lowering the top, make sure all areas are free of objects and trash to prevent long-term harm to the plastic and glass windows.
You can drive now that you are aware of the ideal maintenance procedures for your convertible top. You’ll be sure that everyone who turns to look at you is admiring a well-kept car with a top that is still in excellent condition. If you follow our advice, you’ll be able to cruise in the lap of luxury in your lovely convertible while the wind rips through your hair.
Can a convertible top be power washed?
Spray a convertible top down with a hose or a pressure washer to clean it thoroughly. Just keep in mind to keep the pressure washer approximately a foot away from the surface if you use one to prevent excessive pressure. Fortunately, the water should flush out over 70% of the debris. Apply convertible top shampoo next, then use a horsehair brush to lather it in once you’ve sprayed it all over. Horsehair brushes are advised because they have gentle bristles that won’t damage your top’s canvas or vinyl material.
After applying the shampoo, spray water down the top one again, being sure to remove all of the shampoo from the convertible top. When everything has been thoroughly rinsed out, dry the top with microfiber towels, being careful to pat it down rather than wipe it as you would when drying a car. You may prevent damaging the fabric and producing too much lint by using microfiber and patting it. Let the top dry overnight after you’re done soaking up the water before conditioning it.
Can you wash a soft-top convertible with soap?
Your soft convertible top may be severely harmed by common household cleaning chemicals. Ammonia, bleach, detergent, alcohol, and vinegar are some of the chemicals you shouldn’t use on or around your convertible top. Ammonia and alcohol will dry out the fabric and cloud the vinyl, while detergents, bleach, and strong acids will swiftly destroy either material. Making a costly error by choosing the incorrect cleaners. Use only cleaning supplies designed specifically for the type of convertible top you have.
It’s crucial to keep your convertible top clean. Simply thoroughly rinse your convertible top with a powerful stream of clear water once a month if it is not soiled. You can also carefully vacuum any loose dust or dirt that gets embedded in the fabric fibers of convertible tops made of fabric. Use a convertible top cleanser first, then a convertible top protectant, if your convertible top is unclean. Given that many car wash shampoos contain gloss-enhancers, we advise using cleansers made specifically for convertible tops. The top will absorb gloss boosters from a vehicle wash shampoo and turn into a dust magnet.
Can you wash a convertible in a touchless vehicle wash?
To avoid any damage to your automobile, especially if it has a soft top, you must select the best cleaning service before running a convertible through a carwash. the choices listed below.
Touch-free Car Wash
A touchless car wash is an automated car wash that uses just high-pressure water, detergents, and high-pressure air for cleaning instead of brushes. This service is suitable for washing soft-top convertibles thanks to this feature.
However, check the roof for rips or other damage before bringing these cars to a touchless car wash.
Otherwise, water might seep through those cracks, which the high-pressure sprays and rotating brushes might make worse.
the Self-Service Car Wash
Customers are given tools in a self-service car wash to clean their own vehicles. The equipment typically consist of a foam brush and a spray wand with several settings for water, soap, and wax.
You can safely wash a soft-top convertible with this style of car wash because you have control over the water pressure and chemical usage.
You can hire a pro to clean your automobile if you don’t know how to take care of a convertible soft top or just don’t want to deal with it.
Automatic Car Washes in the Old Way
The standard automatic car wash typically uses sprays of water and detergent, spinning brushes to remove contaminants, and a blower to dry the vehicle. Typically, it would pass via a wash bay or conveyor.
If the convertible is a hardtop, it would probably be okay to run it through this kind of carwash. It can also be safe for some soft-tops, too.
For instance, the Cascada soft-top from Buick may pass through an automatic car wash since its certified watertightness and sturdy roof can withstand rotating brushes.
But some vehicle wash facilities will remove the top brushes upon request if you’d prefer to do without them.
Some companies even provide convertible cleaning bundles. By conducting research in advance, you can locate the ideal vehicle wash and assure safety.
How is a convertible top maintained in good condition?
Your vinyl top may be regularly cleaned just as easily as your car. To remove filth from the textured vinyl of your convertible top, use a gentle car shampoo, such as Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo, and the RaggTopp Premium Convertible Top Brush with its feathery bristles. Similar to how you would wash the rest of the car, wash the top. Do not use shampoos that enhance shine. While not necessary for the top, they are beneficial for the paint. You can use a cleaner to remove the oil and films that can afflict your vinyl top if it is very unclean. Both vinyl and cloth may be cleaned with 303 Convertible Top Cleaner, which has no soap or detergents. An equally effective convertible top cleaner from RaggTopp prevents the formation of mildew in addition to cleaning. Spray some water on top, then follow that with some cleaning. Gently scrub the vinyl with a brush. Thoroughly rinse.
Use a vinyl protectant to keep the color and texture of your convertible top after you’ve cleaned the vinyl. Failure to complete this stage results in the occasionally observed fading and broken tops on the road. Top vinyl product producers like Haartz and Colgan Custom Bras highly recommend RaggTopp Vinyl Protectant. It repels grime, grease, and oil and has the highest UV protection of any product on the market. Your vinyl top doesn’t become glossy or greasy-looking as a result. It will have the new vinyl’s organic matte finish.
If you begin by protecting your vinyl top from the start, it will last longer. Once damage has been done, there isn’t much you can do to undo it. Weekly washing with a mild shampoo, monthly cleanings with a vinyl top cleaner, and monthly application of a vinyl top protectant are all that are necessary for proper vinyl maintenance.