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Whether on vacation with a rental car or with a private roadster: If you drive a convertible, you should pay attention to a few practical details.
Im Convertible makes driving so much more fun. If you heed a few tips, you will have full open-air fun in the long term.
Attention thieves
Leaving valuables lying around openly in the car is not a good idea, even in a limousine. In the convertible, however, it is particularly negligent, as an almost silent slash with a knife is enough to get to the stolen goods. Partial comprehensive insurance pays for direct damage such as a broken roof and also covers the replacement of permanently installed accessories. So the CD radio is insured, but the mobile navigation system is not. If you are lucky, your household contents insurance will cover the costs. Damage caused by vandalism is only covered by the more expensive fully comprehensive insurance. She is the only one who pays if the roof was intentionally cut through and no theft took place.
hat on
If you drive long distances with the roof open in the blazing sun, you should definitely wear a hat. Otherwise there is a risk of sunburn or even sunstroke. Insidious: Due to the cooling head wind, the effect of the radiation is often underestimated. In addition, some people are sensitive to wind; if it keeps hitting your forehead, especially in roadsters and other models with a fabric top, or tearing your hair, this can lead to headaches. A hat can also help with that.
let dry
Some convertible drivers are so hungry for the sun that they want to open the top again immediately after a rain shower. However, this is not a good idea for models with a fabric hood. Textile tops should first dry well, otherwise mold stains and chafing can form. The latter also threatens when a heavily soiled top is folded. Insect remains, bird droppings and tree sap should therefore be wiped off quickly with a damp cloth. If you want it to be as easy as possible when cleaning, you can have the fabric impregnated.
space for travel
A convertible is usually a car for a fun jaunt. There are better vehicles for everyday use or vacation trips. Models above the sports car or roadster class often have an acceptably large trunk - but only when the roof is closed. In four-seater models, the back seat is therefore often used as a luggage rack - if you use a wind deflector, you should choose a model with a flap or zipper if possible, so that you can access the pockets in the rear without having to remove them completely. For two-seater roadsters, luggage racks for mounting on the trunk lid are available from accessory shops. However, the possible payload is usually very low.
help in need
If the motor of the roof mechanism goes on strike during a thunderstorm or downpour, there is a risk of expensive water damage. To prevent this, the top of many convertibles can also be closed manually. Information is provided in the operating instructions. However, you should have tested the manual roofing beforehand in the form of a dry run. Alternatively, a waterproof tarpaulin from the trunk does a good job. But you cannot continue like this.