If you
love your Jeep convertible, winter is the time to prove it. While your Jeep
gives and gives all summer long, once the weather changes, it’s your job to
return the favor. Jeeps are extremely durable, but just as susceptible to deterioration
due to temperature changes, as well as snow and falling debris. With the proper
care, preventing premature cracking and tears in your convertible top can keep
your Jeep looking great and healthy for years to come. We suggest taking a few
seasonal steps to ensure your Jeep convertible lasts well beyond the winter
months.
Cover It Up
This may be a
tip that we harp on from time to time, but it can be the most beneficial and is
the one most people don’t bother doing. Direct sunlight, even in the winter
months, can cause a drying out of your convertible top’s material and drain it
of its color. Leaves and branches, snowfall, bird droppings, and other debris
eat away at your Jeep’s convertible top compromising the fabric and stitching
over time. A carport, garage or any covered area will provide the simple relief
from the elements your Jeep needs to make it through hibernation and wake up ready
for spring.
Keep It Clean
The other best
way to keep your Jeep’s convertible top looking its best is to keep it clean. But,
clean doesn’t just mean washed. Your convertible top’s material will have
specially formulated conditioners to replenish the protective chemicals that
prevent drying and cracking. Whether you’re working with vinyl or other
fabrics, you’ll need to treat your Jeep’s convertible top regularly with the
proper cleaners. Remember, regular carwash soap may have properties that are
perfect for painted metal but not for vinyl and other fabrics. Only use an
approved convertible top cleaner on your Jeep’s soft top.
Regular Check-Ups
Just like you, your
Jeep needs regular checkups, too. If your Jeep convertible is properly stored
and washed, you’re still going to need to stop by, crank it up, and take it for
a drive. This will ensure that your battery doesn’t die, the fluids move around
the engine and other systems, and gives you the chance to take inventory of how
your Jeep is holding up. Listen closely to identify any unusual sounds
including wind penetration and check the soft top with a flashlight to find any
loose stitching, cracks or tears. Gently and slowly, go over the entire convertible
top with a soft bristle brush while visually checking every inch. Make sure to
address any issues immediately to prevent further damage to your Jeep’s
convertible top.
Fix It Now
If there’s a
problem, solve it! If you know your convertible top is torn, cracking or has been
through too much over the years, replace it. Those tears and cracks will end up
causing more trouble than they’re worth if they are not addressed immediately. Moisture
is the enemy of your Jeep’s seats and electrical system, and will eventually
cause mold and mildew to grow, destroying the interior. In this case, an ounce
of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. Replacing your convertible
top is much more affordable when you don’t also have to replace the car seats
and other parts of the interior.