How to drive a convertible at any time of the year

Driving a convertible with the top down gives drivers a stronger connection to the road and the environment. In addition to the great views and the feel of the wind blowing through your hair, the convertible is a stylish look that many people love. Usually, drivers only lower the top when the weather is good, but with some simple tips, you can drive your car with the top down all year round.

Method 1 of 2: Driving a convertible in cold weather

Necessary materials

• Eye protection (sunglasses or other eye protection)
• Sunscreen
• Warm clothing (including gloves, earmuffs, thick jackets and scarves)

Riding with the convertible top down in cold weather may seem like a fool's errand, but when the sun is shining (even if it's cold outside), there's no reason to miss out on a great ride around the city or back roads. . As long as you wear the right clothes and use your car's extra features to your advantage, you can enjoy the freedom that a convertible offers when the weather turns cold.

• A warning: For safety reasons, be sure to close the convertible top when not in use. In addition to protecting your vehicle's interior from theft, installing a roof can also protect your vehicle from unnecessary exposure to the elements, including sun and rain.

Step 1: Dress to Protect. The first step to protecting yourself from cold temperatures is to dress appropriately. Start dressing in layers. During the day, temperatures can rise or fall to the point where you need to reset or add a layer. Underneath is a T-shirt, then a vest or top shirt, all covered by a warm jacket for added protection. Also, don't forget gloves to keep your hands warm, earmuffs and a hat to keep your head warm. Also consider applying sunscreen to your face and hands to protect them from sun exposure.

• Functions: If you're expecting strong winds, braid your long hair, wrap it in plastic, or do both. This can help prevent wind damage over an extended period of time.

Step 2: Keep the windows up. Raising or lowering the windows can provide some protection from cold winds when driving with the top down. And while the front windshield provides ample protection for the driver and front seat passenger, don't forget the rear seat passengers. It is more than likely that they can count on a full wind blow. Raising windows can also help protect them.

Step 3: Use the rear windshield. If your car has one, use the rear windshield to protect yourself from the rear turbulence that often occurs when driving on the open road. Although the rear windshield may seem small, it can also help protect rear-seat passengers from gusts of wind.

Step 4: Use heated seats. Take advantage of your car's features, such as heated or heated seats, to keep you warm when driving in the cold with the top down. While it may seem counterproductive to use these features when the roof is wide open to the elements, convertibles are designed for that use and you should use them to keep warm.

Method 2 of 2: Driving a convertible in hot weather

Necessary materials

• Light, loose clothing
• Light jacket (for cool mornings and evenings)
• sunglasses
• Sunscreen

While a hot summer day may seem like the best time to drive with the top down, there are certain factors you need to keep in mind to protect yourself and your car from the sun and heat. Just as too much cold can be harmful, so can too much heat, especially when you factor in dehydration or sunburn while driving. By following certain guidelines, you can ensure safe and fun driving during the summer season.

• A warning: When driving with the top down in hot weather, attention should be paid to dehydration. To prevent this from happening to you or your passengers, be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your trip. If the temperature gets too high, over 90 degrees, consider turning up the top while driving to ensure your safety.

Step 1: Dress appropriately. What to wear to avoid the heat is an important consideration when driving with the top down. Some things to keep in mind include wearing breathable clothing such as 100% cotton clothing. Also consider wearing light-colored clothing that helps redirect the sun's rays. Sunglasses also come in handy to keep the sun from blinding you, especially when driving in the early morning or early evening when the sun is closer to the horizon.

Step 2: Use Your Windows. To improve air circulation, raise or lower your windows as needed to redirect the air flow in your vehicle. Just make sure rear seat passengers are not hit by strong winds while driving on the open road. The rear windshield can help deal with turbulent winds while driving.

Step 3: Turn on the air conditioner if needed. The air conditioning in some convertibles is designed to keep the cabin cool even with the top down. More often than not, this means driving with your windows up, but it's a great way to keep cool on hot days.

• Functions: For maximum weather protection, consider purchasing a convertible hardtop. The hard top keeps you protected from rain, snow or other outside elements and is also easy to stow away when you want to ride with the top down.

Driving with the convertible top down is an invigorating experience all year round. Just make sure your top is in great shape so you can raise and lower it as you need it. When servicing a convertible soft top or hard top, call an experienced mechanic to make sure the job is done correctly. Then you can enjoy the fresh air and the sights and sounds of the open road every day of the year.