Can You Take a Convertible Through a Carwash?

Can you take a convertible through a carwash? The answer is, to some degree, based on what sort of convertible you have.

The owners of retractable cars will be curious to know the answer. The manufacturers generally approve of carwash for any kind of convertibles.

On the other hand, a large number of experts and users advise avoiding automated car washes for soft-top or rag-top convertibles.

Can You Take a Convertible Through a Carwash?

Initially, a hard-top convertible is fully capable of going through an automated car wash but not a rag-top or soft-top one. You will find answers to some questions regarding convertible car wash in the following discussion.

Hard-top Convertibles in Carwash

Hard-top convertibles are like any other car with a roof on them. Therefore, as long as the roof of your car is pulled out, you can send it in a hand-free car wash without any concern.

What could happen if the roof is open in a carwash? It will cause extensive damage to various internal components. For example, the water will ruin the electrical system under the seats, and the engine could get affected as well.

Soft-top Convertibles in Carwash

The canvases used in these cars are made of cotton and PVC. That means it’s not girthy enough to withstand the strong chemicals or the high-pressure power of the sprays inside a car wash tunnel.

Also, the canvases cannot repel water, so it’s bound to get wet and let water inside the car. Water is also harmful to the longevity of canvas materials. 

There are many cases where the bristles and brushes in the tunnel have damaged the surfaces of these cars because the canvas is not durable enough like a standard car roof.

Can a convertible go through a carwash even if it’s a soft-top? Yes, it can. Reportedly, convertibles made by Mercedes-Benz and Buick are suitable for going through an automated car wash.

SEE MORE:

• Best Car Wash Soap Products in 2020
• Is a Car Wash Harmful to Car Paint?

The best ways to wash soft-top convertibles

So, you might be wondering about the correct ways to wash your soft-top convertible without damaging its canvas roof. Careful hand washing at home could be a solution to this problem.

Due to the controlled use of chemicals and water sprays, handwashing won’t harm your precious convertible.

Some renowned car wash businesses offer special washing service for these soft-top convertibles. For your information, this type of service is high maintenance and expensive.

Washing the car at home is not a bad option and you can save some bucks too. But make sure you research the procedure thoroughly to avoid any unwanted damage.

If you are unsure about doing the task by yourself, feel free to bring the car to a carwash. Otherwise, you will run the risk of running the interiors and damaging the engine parts.

FAQs

1. Will an automatic car wash damage the fabric top of my convertible?

While most modern convertibles are designed to withstand water pressure from car washes, excessive or repeated exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals and high-pressure water jets in automatic car washes can potentially damage the fabric top over time.

It’s recommended to opt for hand washing or use touchless car washes to preserve the integrity of the fabric.

2. Can I use a drive-through car wash if my convertible has a hardtop?

Convertibles with hardtops are generally safer to take through an automatic car wash than those with fabric tops. 

Hardtop convertibles are designed to seal tightly and protect the interior from water ingress, making them more resilient against the rigors of an automatic car wash.

3. Is there a risk of water leaking into a convertible during an automatic car wash?

There is a small risk, especially if the weather seals around the windows and roof have aged or become damaged.

Before deciding on an automatic car wash, it’s crucial to inspect these seals and ensure they’re in good condition to prevent water from leaking into the vehicle’s interior.

4. How do I prepare my convertible for an automatic car wash?

Ensure all windows are fully closed and the roof is securely latched. Check the condition of the weather stripping and seals for any signs of wear or damage. 

If you have a fabric top, consider applying a fabric protectant after the wash to help repel water and protect the fabric from dirt and UV damage.

5. Are there specific types of car washes that are safer for convertibles?

Touchless car washes are generally considered the safest option for convertibles, as they do not use physical brushes that could snag or damage the roof material. 

These car washes rely on high-pressure water jets and detergents to clean the car, minimizing physical contact.

6. Can the drying process in an automatic car wash harm a convertible top?

The intense heat and air pressure used by some automatic car washes to dry vehicles could potentially harm a fabric convertible top, especially if it is older or not in the best condition.

Opting to air dry or using a soft towel to gently blot and dry the top can be a safer alternative.

7. What maintenance should be performed on a convertible top after going through a car wash?

After washing, inspect the top for any signs of wear or damage. Fabric tops can benefit from a specialized convertible top cleaner and protectant to maintain their condition and water resistance.

For hardtops, ensure that the seals are clean and consider applying a rubber protectant to keep them supple.

Check out this video from Ford Motor Company to learn more about convertible top care and cleaning!

Final Words

Can you take a convertible through a carwash? Yes. Hard-top convertibles are all-good for a carwash. For soft-top models, it’s still up for debate among the users and the manufacturers.

So, if you are not sure about taking your soft-top convertible to a carwash, check the owner’s manual or consult with the customer service; they certainly know better.