Jeeps and soft tops go together like peanut butter and jelly – the perfect combination. And while they're great at their job, they're not as durable as hard tops. What's more, soft tops might not be able to handle specific washing techniques or storage options, so proper care is essential.
Whether you’re leaving the top off, taking it with you, or opening up parts of it, taking care of your soft top is important if you want it to last. Fortunately, we’re here to make caring for your soft top a breeze, and this article covers everything you need to know.
Keep Your Soft Top Clean
The most important part of protecting your soft top is keeping it clean, and you shouldn't take your Jeep Wrangler through a carwash with the soft top on. Due to the intense spinning motion of most automatic car washers, you'll find that they will wear down the material.
Instead, you'll want to use a soft top cleaner like the Bestop Soft Top Cleaner and Protectant Package. Inside, you'll find cleaners and sealers that will keep your top clean and improve its resistance to UV rays, bad weather, and debris you run into out on the trail.
That said, cleaning the vinyl, cloth, or sailcloth material is only part of the solution. We also recommend lubricating the zippers and keeping other hardware and accessories clean and functional.
For most soft top hardware you can use Bestop Soft Top Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant. We recommend lubricating the zippers whenever they start to get stuck, which can happen frequently.
Also, don't forget about the windows. While they may be made of plastic, that doesn't mean they stay cleaner than glass, and in fact, the opposite is true. Take some time to wipe them down properly when you wash your Jeep soft top. It's also a good idea to check their seals and patch any damage before it spreads.
Cover Your Soft Top
We know that your soft top keeps your Jeep’s cab safe, but what about the top itself? While soft tops provide ample coverage for your interior, they don't last too long when exposed to UV rays, snow, dust, rain, and other types of debris that you'll find on the trail.
To ensure that your Jeep’s soft top lasts for as long as possible, it's a good idea to cover it when your vehicle isn't in use, especially if you don't have a garage. Covering parts of the top when you’re hitting the trails will also protect it from damage that sticks, trees, and kicked-up rocks will cause.
While there are plenty of covers available, we always recommend going with something tight and secure to keep everything in place. UV protection is also something you should never overlook. For these reasons, the Bestop All-Weather Trail Cover for Hard Top or Soft Top is our top choice. It's well-made and should last you several years.
Store Your Soft Top Property
Storage is a big one when it comes to caring for your soft top. You'll want to store your top in an environment that isn't too warm, cold, or humid – in other words, it needs to be just right. So, while your garage floor or basement may seem like a good spot, the opposite is true if you don't keep the room temperature or humidity controlled.
When storing your soft top make sure the humidity is less than about 60%. It's okay if it goes over a few times, but the longer it's in the 40 to 60% range the better.
For temperature, store your soft top at around 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything warmer or cooler will increase the risk of wear and tear on the top.
If the soft top is all you have, no worries, you can still store it while it's on your Jeep, even if you don't have access to a garage. The best practice in this case is to park your vehicle in the shade when it's not in use, and if you know a storm is on the horizon, it's a good idea to cover your vehicle for extra protection.
Take Care of Your Soft Top with ExtremeTerrain
When you need to care for your soft top there's no better place to shop than ExtremeTerrain. Whether you have the factory top or something like the RedRock Extended Bikini Top, we carry cleaners and storage solutions that will keep your top safe from debris, the elements, and any other hazards the road or trail throws your way.
Order online today for convenient shipping options and get assistance from our sales techs if you have any questions about soft top maintenance and care.
