Why am I writing about convertible cars when there’s an inch of snow on the ground outside? Well partly because this is supposedly the best time to buy a convertible, when demand is low and prices are cheap(er). Partly because it’s almost New Year and therefore the promise of spring and warm weather is already in the air – or is that just a post-Christmas alcohol-and-turkey haze I’m feeling?
And also partly because if you drive a convertible car you have to use it in the winter too – so what are the disadvantages of all-weather soft-top ownership?
I can claim some expertise in this area, being the long-term owner of a Smart Roadster which has an electrically-operated canvas roof, but which also needs the manual removal of two roof bars (which are then stored then in the boot) in order to go into full roof-off mode.
- Interior Ice – The canvas roof allows it to get as cold inside the car as outside, so ice can build up on the inside of the windscreen and the roof (see below). Thus defrosting the car can take that much longer, and obviously you can’t just pour warm water over the inside of the windscreen. I do have a garage but it’s full of boxes and ladders and bikes and tins of paint. If you have a garage that’s really where you should keep your convertible through the winter.
- Impromptu Cold Showers – when conditions are right on a cold morning, ice can form on the inside of the canvas roof, then melt into droplets of cold water. Sometimes when I get in and slam the driver’s door I get a light but bracing shower of cold water. Refreshing.
- Theft – naturally insurers disallow claims of theft of anything from a convertible left unattended with the roof down. With the Smart, putting the roof bars back on and the roof up on a scorching day just so you can nip into Tesco for a pack of barbecue charcoal can be a pain.
- Leaks – convertibles are known for developing leaks, some worse than others. Happily my Smart has never leaked but I know many owners who are plagued by this problem. Depending on the make and model there are often simple solutions, worked out by other owners, that can be applied, so it’s worth checking owners forums online for advice. Or bring it to Triggs of course.
- The British Weather – you can’t own a convertible for a few years without at least once leaving it roof-down on a glorious day only to discover 10 minutes later that it’s pouring down and your seats and carpets are totally drenched. You can consider having the interior Scotchguarded, but presumably then you’d end up with pools of water in the footwells that you’d have to blot up. Still better than soggy seats, especially if you’re out and about when you get the soaking and have to drive home.
- Wind Chill – don’t underestimate how cold it can be driving along with the roof down. Even on a pleasantly-hot summer day once you get past 30mph the wind-chill effect can be considerable, so make sure you and your passenger are equipped with suitably-stylish clothing to keep the wind from blasting down your necks!
According to Autotrader the UK is the second-largest convertible market in Europe, so clearly despite having only a handful of truly scorching days every year we are very attached to the idea of roof-down motoring. And yes it’s a great feeling to cruise through town with the roof off or to pull up outside the country pub for a lemonade – just be aware that in winter owning a soft-top can be rather less idyllic!
Triggs Garage can diagnose electrical faults with convertible roof mechanisms and resolve common soft-top problems such as leaks, so do feel free to bring your convertible along (any time of year) if you’re suffering from roof-related issues.