Do you want to buy a convertible? Keep these things in mind before you buy!

Probably every driver at least once in his life dreamed of riding a convertible on a beautiful sunny day. More and more convertibles can be found on the streets, because from April to October there is a chance to drive with an open top. 

What if we can't afford more than one car and would like to travel in a convertible all year round, regardless of the weather? Is this generally a good idea? And does a convertible require more attention than a fixed-roof car? We checked whether every car without a roof can be called a convertible and how to take care of a car of this type so that it will serve us properly for as long as possible.

1. Types of convertibles

Convertible is a simplification, colloquially meaning a car without a roof / with a removable or convertible roof. We can highlight:

• roadster – sports cars, rather 2-seaters with a folding or removable fabric or vinyl roof (for example, Mazda MX-5, Porsche Boxter, BMW Z4), sometimes they have no analogues with a fixed roof

• convertible – 4 or 5 seat convertible sedans or coupes (e.g. VW Beetle, Audi A4 Cabrio, VW Golf, Volvo C70, Mercedes S Cabrio)

• spider / spider - the historical name of the end of the 2nd century, adapted to refer to cars without a roof, 2-seater or 2+

• targa – hardtop coupe (Porsche 911, Mazda MX-5 ND RF)

• convertible coupe - a type of car with a folding or removable hard top made of plastic or metal.

The above items are not a closed catalogue, but only a selection of the most important types and items that have appeared by the dozens in over 120 years of automotive history.

2. What is the best convertible? What type of cabriolet to choose?

Of course, choose the one you like the most. This is the best answer for this question. If practical considerations are important to you (buying a station wagon with a sunroof is best), then convertibles will probably be closest to you, which offer the possibility of comfortable transportation of passengers in the rear, fairly large trunks and high comfort on the road. Roadsters are made for sporty flair, and those who are a little undecided about whether they want a coupe or a convertible, or open-air parking all year round, will probably opt for the hardtop option, ie. made of plastic or metal.

3. Convertible - manual

Let's start with what applies to every convertible, regardless of type. In each such car, you need to take care of the mechanisms for folding the roof, both manual and electric. When it comes to maintenance, we mean, first of all, correct, regular lubrication, cleaning and possible adjustment of the mechanism. Tips for servicing this type of roof folding mechanism can most often be found in the car's owner's manual, and information on newer cars will definitely be provided by an authorized service center.

The adjustment of the mechanism itself is also extremely important - a crookedly opening or closing roof can damage not only itself, which can additionally lead to paint abrasions or leaks in the cabin.

Gaskets are not as important in any body style as they are in a convertible. They should be thoroughly cleaned and preserved with a special preparation at least once a year so that they do not lose their properties.

4. How to wash a convertible?

First of all, you should avoid automatic car washes, where it is easy to damage the sliding roof (especially fabric). However, there are no problems with washing convertibles on high-pressure washers, but a distance of about 30-40 cm from the critical elements of the structural assembly and roof sheathing should be observed.

After washing, the roof should be left to dry, preferably in the shade; a wet roof (even steel or composite) must not be closed. Water that can get inside the case because of this can cause corrosion or mold.

It is safest to wash the fabric roof by hand. The best place to start is with… vacuuming, always with a soft bristle nozzle. Then, using a soft brush and a special foaming preparation for car upholstery or for washing the roof of a convertible, clean the entire roof in a circular motion, rinse and dry. Remember to first test the product in an inconspicuous place, because under various conditions it can discolor the coating.

5. What to look for when buying a convertible?

First of all, the condition of the material itself - are there any creases, scuffs, discoloration or interfering folds. If the roof is badly faded, you can almost be sure that the car was not in the garage. Check how the roof mechanism works, preferably before and after a test drive. During a test drive, it is recommended to go to an automatic car wash and simulate rain to prevent leaks.

Open the roof halfway, look at the place where it hides - it is most difficult to hide rust or traces of bodywork or paintwork here. Due to the low rigidity of the structure, emergency vehicles often have problems with ill-fitting doors (in some places worn paint, squeaks, uneven closing) or the tailgate.

A properly maintained convertible will delight you for years to come!

Convertible in Poland? Why not! And due to the fact that more and more people think this way, in our country every year there are more and more cars with a folding roof. For your own comfort and safety, it is important to properly handle such a car, and when buying it, remember that the repair of a key element can sometimes exceed its value at the time of the transaction. That's why it's so important to keep your ears open, not only from the delight after the first examination. With that in mind, you can only enjoy the wind in your hair and the feeling of freedom that a convertible gives you like no other car!