How Does A Convertible Top Work?

A motor that turns a gear on each side of the car powers the mechanism that raises and lowers the roof. The gear engages a bracket that has gear teeth cut into it (much like the mechanism used in power windows). This bracket is connected to the main structure of the roof.

What makes a convertible top go up and down?

In vehicles with convertible tops, there is a gear on each side of the car connected to the lifting mechanism. The motor turns it on, and the gear starts powering the lifting mechanism. The gear engages a bracket that has gear teeth, which are connected to the main structure of the roof.

How does a hard top convertible work?

In most hardtop convertibles, the driver pushes a button that causes the top to fold itself in half. The side windows roll down, the trunk opens its gaping maw, and the hardtop lowers itself into it.

What are the downsides of a convertible?

Now come the cons of a convertible:

• Convertibles are pricey. If you don’t want a roof over your head, you’re going to have to shell out some extra scratch.
• Security is at risk.
• Expect a noisy driving experience.
• The interior ages quickly.

Why won’t my convertible top go all the way down?

The culprit could be a bad fuse, top motor, lift cylinder, relay, or something else in the mechanism. The best way to find out the exact nature of the problem is to take your car to a service center.

What is the life expectancy of a convertible top?

A properly maintained convertible top lasts an average of 5-7 years.

Can I put my convertible top down while driving?

Don’t adjust the roof while driving
Some new convertible models will let you lower or raise the roof when the car is in motion. Avoid doing this. Wait until you can safely pull over to adjust the roof, instead of taking your hands off the wheel and eyes of the road to do so during the drive.

Can you survive a rollover in a convertible?

The risk of a roll-over accident in a convertible is minimal, since the vast majority of them are sports cars with a low center of gravity. Any car, however, can roll over in the right circumstances. If you’re in a convertible when it happens, your odds of survival are considerably less than in a hardtop.

How fast do you have to drive to stay dry in a convertible?

Cars like the Mazda Miata that have a steeper windshield can generate enough turbulence to deflect the rain at lower speeds, around 45 miles per hour or so. On the other hand, sleeker cars with windshields that are laid down nearly flat, like the Ferrari Portofino, have to go faster to achieve the same result.

Is it better to have a hard top or soft top?

Durability: Hardtops are clearly the more durable option. They’re solid and can withstand significant damage that would normally tear through a soft top. That means they’ll last longer overall, so you won’t have to deal with as much maintenance.

Does rain damage a convertible top?

Moisture from humidity, rain, sleet, or snow can cause mold and mildew and also crack or peel the soft convertible top.

Can you daily drive a convertible in the winter?

Some older convertibles might not be a great fit for winter conditions depending on how well they’ve been maintained. Check your car’s roof — especially if you’re driving a soft top. Soft tops should be free of tears, holes, or any damage that could let snow, ice, or wind into your car’s interior.

Why did they stop making convertible cars?

Convertibles were nearly legislated out of business in the 1970s. When Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards were enacted in 1968, the prevailing wisdom was that they would be revised to include stringent rollover standards. It not only meant the end of the line for convertibles, but for hardtop coupes, as well.

How often does a convertible top need to be replaced?

The average life of a convertible top is about ten years, depending on its exposure to the elements and usage. Vinyl tops age differently than cloth tops.

How long does it take for new convertible top to stretch?

– 4 weeks
Once installed on the car, convertible top materials stretch. Depending on the time of the year, this stretching process takes 2 – 4 weeks. Once the top stretches out, it should have a nice tight look. For best results, it is important for the stretch process to happen without interruption.

How much is a replacement convertible top?

$900 To $1500
The Estimated Price For Replacing A Convertible Top Runs From $900 To $1500. The price of replacing a convertible top is largely dependent on the make and model of your vehicle. But in most cases, the costs include the following: One replacement top (including pop rivets, staples, hold-down cables, and adhesive)

Do convertibles cost more to insure?

A convertible may cost more to insure for physical damage than an equivalent vehicle with a hard top. The higher cost of insuring a convertible may come down to their higher purchase price, as well as their greater vulnerability to theft.

How do you keep a convertible top in good condition?

Stay out of the sun.
A vehicle should never be washed in direct sunlight. Car wash soap and other cleaning chemicals (and protective coatings) dry far too quickly on a hot surface in direct sunlight. Your convertible top should always be cleaned and conditioned indoors or in the shade.

Do convertible roofs leak?

Convertible water leaks can also cause serious damage to various electronic and mechanical components within the vehicle. In this post, we are going to share warning signs that indicate you may have a convertible water leak.

Are convertibles noisy with the top up?

Top up or down, convertibles with soft tops are known to be noisy.

What kind of person drives a convertible?

Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of convertible buyers were older than the age of 45, while 60 percent of new-car buyers on average were 45 years old or older. More than 50 percent of convertible consumers had a bachelor’s degree, while only 38.2 percent of new-car buyers on average had a similar level of education.