Summer is officially
here. The sun is out, and a well-deserved vacation is hopefully on the horizon
for our readers! You’re probably yearning to pull your car top back and down already,
and we’re right there with you. Summer time is officially the season of making the
most of your convertible, since you’ll be riding around in it a lot more!
Before you take your car out for a spin, however, we have a short to-do list of
items you should check off before you officially unwind, roll down the windows,
and enjoy the warm weather.
Keep
it Clean
Since your top is down
while driving, the interior of your convertible will be susceptible to outside
elements that could bring debris and potential stains inside of your vehicle.
It’s vital to inspect your car’s seats, carpet and soft-top for any rips, leaks
or “weak spots” after driving.
Additionally, when
you’re tucking your convertible in at night, be sure to carefully raise your
soft top up a little bit to ensure the top deck and surrounding areas are clear
of any small sticks, leaves or any outdoor “elements” that may have become
stuck underneath. This type of debris or outdoor material can potentially cause
damage to your convertible’s top, scratch its plastic window or cause splits in
glass windows.
While it may seem
unreasonable or cumbersome, it’s important to remember that an easy fix, like a
quick stain blot job, could very quickly turn into a larger and costly issue if
you don’t remedy the situation at first sight!
Seat
Covers
Whether you have a new
convertible, one that is a few decades old or a vintage ride, protecting its
interior is important, as we’ve discussed above. Since automobile upholstery
can be quite expensive, or if you want to maintain the integrity of its
original interior, we recommend you consider protective seat covers. Whether
you opt for more affordable universal seat covers or custom-fit seat covers for
your exact make, model and year, finding a seat cover in today’s online world
is virtually painless and you don’t have to opt for uncomfortable plastic ones
either. In today’s market, you’ll find easy-to-clean fabric, often a poly blend
that is breathable and padded for optimum comfort.
Regularly vacuuming and
spot cleaning will also increase the overall longevity of your seat covers
while protecting the original upholstery underneath.
Wind
Diffuser
Drop tops are notorious
for wind noise. A wind deflector or wind diffuser will make your rides much
more enjoyable! They are effective in diffusing loud wind noise and turbulence.
Essentially, a wind
deflector attaches behind the driver’s seat and resembles a screen. Once
attached, wind is actually diverted to the back of your convertible instead of
travelling throughout and towards the front of your cabin. While there are many
wind diffusers or deflectors for you to choose from, opting for a more durable
material like acrylic can result in longer usage.
Sound
System
While we’re on the
subject of sound, installing a wind diffuser and a high-quality sound system work harmoniously so you can enjoy
a more comfortable and much quieter cockpit. Depending on how musically
inclined you are, you might want to invest in a top-notch audio system for your
commute. The main components of a superior sound system can differ depending on
the size of your vehicle and how high-tech you’re willing to go. If you’re
thinking about overhauling your current system, you’ll want to replace:
- the receiver
- speakers
- add subwoofers
- an equalizer and amplifer
Because this does takes some
rewiring, we recommend turning to a professional!
Drive
it Everywhere
Lastly, remember to
make the most out of your convertible by enjoying it and driving it just about
anywhere! Too often, convertibles are deemed impractical by those who simply
don’t understand the thrill of the drive. It’s up you, esteemed convertible
driver, to get out there and drive to your heart’s content. A great quote that
encompasses summer rides reads:
“We live in a wonderful
world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the
adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”
There’s a feeling of
luxury and romanticism while driving a convertible. Couple that with the warm,
bright sun on your shoulders and you have an indescribable experience! Where
are you planning to take your convertible this summer? Let us know what you do
to prep for the hot months ahead in the comments below!