Care Tip of the Month

Clean and Sealed through the open top summer

No matter whether it’s sliding steel roofs or “soft tops” made from textiles or vinyl – the proper maintenance of the “head gear” keeps the fun in convertibles and does a lot to maintain the value of these objects of desire.

The sliding steel roof requires mechanical maintenance above all, and regular care of the paintwork, of course. Textile and vinyl roofs, however, require rather more intensive dedication.

The first step is the thorough cleaning. Important: To ensure that the materials are not chemically or mechanically attacked and lose their protective coating against moisture, special products specifically for cleaning convertibles are highly recommended. To this end, SONAX has developed a soft top cleaner for all textile and synthetic roofs. This special cleaner dissolves even stubborn dirt without attacking either the material or its water proof impregnation. In its practical pump spray bottle, applying the SONAX Soft Top Cleaner is simplicity itself. After a brief working-in time the roof can be washed with a sponge and plenty of water, or driven through the automatic car wash.

For automatic car wash care as well, it’s the right products that count.

The cleaning and care products deployed in the automatic car wash should also be suitable for convertible care. It pays to make enquiries here. If, for example, SONAX car wash products are used, then the convertible is in safe hands – the market leader’s entire assortment is suitable for convertible care. If, however, the cleaning products used are “no name”, this may leave the plastic roof open to attack.

Problem cases call for special treatment

If there are still residues of bird droppings or tree sap on the fabric after the wash, then the deployment of a special cleaner is recommended. With a tree sap remover, like the one available from SONAX, such problems are eradicated swiftly, and sparing of materials. Should mildew stains mar the appearance of the pride and joy, then several “cleaning sessions” with the SONAX Soft Top Cleaner – or even the deployment of a Stain Remover – may be required. Mildew occurs mostly when the convertible top is still slightly damp when folded down. For this reason, it is best to allow the damp convertible top to dry out before folding it down.

Before treating with a high pressure cleaner, experts warn: The powerful water jet, together with aggressive cleaning additives, damage the fabric and induce tears and brittle spots in the roof material.

The plastic or vinyl roof should be treated afterwards with a plastic care product, for conservation and protection, and to prevent the material from bleaching out or becoming brittle. For this purpose, SONAX recommends the SONAX Xtreme Plastic Restorer Gel exterior, so that UV rays, weathering and acid rain don’t prematurely age the vinyl roof.

Textile convertible tops should be water proofed twice annually

Textile roofs should be impregnated twice a year with a special product – preferably before the season commences and once again with the approach of autumn. Tip: An intact sealing reveals itself in the form of a distinct water droplet run off effect, when the roof is sprayed with water.

With the SONAX Soft Top and Fabric Water Proof Impregnation, friends of open-top cars can face the next cloud burst with equanimity. The special product is suitable for sealing convertible tops made from textiles. First and foremost, the sealant makes the highly stressed fold areas and the seams water proof. The treatment also freshens up the soft top’s colours, and the textile fibres are simultaneously protected against renewed soiling.

Easy to apply, and suitable for interior textiles

After the thorough cleaning the product is applied onto the dry soft top with the enclosed sponge and rubbed in evenly. A bright foam is formed, which facilitates the application. When finished, the sealant is allowed to dry – now the roof is ready.

The SONAX Soft Top and Fabric Water Proof Impregnation is also ideal for the protection of textiles in the car interior – e.g. for the upholstery. Tip: Tents made from textile fibres or sunshades can also be impregnated, protecting them against moisture and dirt. The product comes as a set, in a child proof 250 ml bottle, together with an Application Sponge.

Step by step to a well maintained textile convertible top

1. Wash the vehicle

2. Apply the Soft Top Cleaner and allow to work-in for two to three minutes

3. Clean the convertible top with a moist brush

4. Rinse the convertible top, once again, with plenty of water and allow to dry

5. With the Application Sponge, evenly apply the Water Proof Impregnation onto the slightly damp or dry convertible top, working in a crisscross pattern. The convertible top must not be wet. Work on the seams and fold areas especially intensively. To conclude the application, work in one direction so that the fibres all lie in one direction

6. Allow the convertible top to dry for at least one hour

Care of a vinyl convertible top

1. Wash the vehicle

2. Apply the Soft Top Cleaner and allow to work-in for two to three minutes

3. Clean the convertible top with a moist brush

4. Rinse the convertible top, once again with plenty of water and allow to dry

5. Apply the conserving plastic care product sparingly and distribute with a soft cloth, remove any residue