Convertible roof repairs

Namely, in relation to soft roofs that can be folded and removed by hand, folding roofs on the mechanical side are extremely complex. They consist of a large number of fiberglass panels or similar material, triggered by a complex mechanism, all the power of electronics passes through them, and are surrounded by numerous rubber cedars. All of these components must work perfectly for the roof to work properly

worked and it is enough for only one of them to fail so that the owner of such a car would have problems. This is exactly what makes the risk of buying a car like this quite high, so on that occasion you should be really careful, the vehicle should be carefully checked. According to the master's experience, the best test for a used convertible is to go through the laundry. If there are no traces of water inside after that - the car is in good condition and you are free to buy it. However, even if you have problems with the roof, it is not the end of the world because all of them can be successfully eliminated by specialized mechanics. They are able to successfully repair almost every single component of a solid folding roof, and in that way save the owner from very expensive replacements. This is, at the same time, an advantage of a hard roof over a soft one, because with the latter, in case of any more serious problem with the mechanism, the complete roof is changed. So, on this occasion, we introduce you to the potential problems of convertibles with a solid folding roof, their problems and how to eliminate them both independently and in service.

The hydraulic mechanism of the roof is generally very reliable and rarely causes problems, regardless of the vehicle. A problem with it may arise in cases where the car has had a breakdown and was later repaired and sold. This is one of the reasons why we always advise you to check your vehicle thoroughly before purchasing

One of the more serious cases is when water penetrates the inside of the roof mechanism to the so-called microswitches. Due to moisture, they generally oxidize and stop working. Then there is a painstaking process of cleaning or replacing them, which depends on the degree of damage, which should be left to a professional or service

Cleanliness is half health, says the folk saying. In the case of a convertible, she and she are valid. That is why the roof, or more precisely its cedars, should be regularly cleaned from deposits of leaves, twigs and other impurities, and after cleaning, be sure to spray it with a protective spray. In this way, you provide them with a long life and proper functioning. Otherwise you will create unnecessary and costly problems for yourself

It also happens that some rubber roof elements simply fall off. This is a common case of "reindeer megane convertible “the kind we used for painting purposes. In this case, there is no reason to panic, save the rubber part and then seal it with quality rubber glue. Clean both sides before gluing

A lock that locks the windshield roof is also very important, not to mention a key part of the mechanism on which the breathing of the roof depends. Failure to lock the roof properly can lead to numerous problems and water penetration into the interior of the car. Occasionally, the lock must be greased and cleaned to function properly

It happens that the roof mechanism, the so-called scissors, become detached, as a result of which the roof cannot be adequately opened or closed. In this case, we do not recommend home repairs. The only thing that helps is a visit to a specialized service where, if necessary, the mechanism will be dismantled and adjusted

In addition to the cedars, rainwater drainage channels should also be taken into account. They should also be regularly cleaned of dirt, otherwise clogging will inevitably cause rainwater to penetrate the interior of the car. Some of the ducts are not easily accessible, so in these cases you can use a pressurized air bottle

Better prevented than treated: Leaves, twigs and other dirt collected in cedar and drainage can cause major problems and flooding inside the car. That is why cedars should be checked periodically and cleaned from dirt if necessary

For cleaning cedars, it is advisable to use only silicone spray because, according to the experience of service technicians, it has shown itself best in the care and protection of rubber surfaces on the folding roof.

Certainly one of the most important tips for convertible owners is to always carry out the process of raising the roof on a flat road. The complex mechanism of the convertible during assembly is significantly affected by the possible slope of the terrain, so on this terrain it can happen that the roof does not close adequately.

CONCLUSION The weather in recent years is such that the convertible can be used for most of the year. As a result, more and more drivers are considering buying such vehicles. Considering the prices of used convertibles, the dream of riding with the wind in your hair is not so unreal. However, it is up to the half-timers to be cautious, as they can hide huge costs for the future owner.