Six things to consider before buying a convertible
If you’re still on the fence about purchasing a convertible, here are few things you might want to consider:
Space Limitations
Most convertibles are generally smaller than your average car, and therefore have very little space. Trunk space is incredibly limited, as most of the space in the back of your car is needed to store the roofing system, motors, levers and bars. If you often haul a big amount of groceries, travel with suitcases or just keep a lot in your trunk, this may be a problem for you.
In addition to the lack of storage space, seating is also quite limited in this type of vehicle. If you have a larger family, or tend to drive with multiple passengers, a convertible may not be for you.
The Elements
Canadian winters are generally quite long and harsh. A convertible has its obvious benefits during the nice weather, but its structure can make it difficult to drive during the winter months. Most Canadians who own convertibles only use them for approximately half the year, making them ultimately just a seasonal vehicle. It is also important to consider the weather when using this vehicle in the summer. It can get incredibly hot inside an open-top car, be super windy, and can get messy if the roads are dirty. If you live somewhere that has frequent rain storms and showers during the spring and summer months, this can also be an issue.
Safety
Nowadays, convertibles offer a lot more safety features than they used to. The majority of folding-top convertibles have rollover bars installed in them to help protect passenger’s heads if in an accident. Many convertibles also offer other safety features, including accident avoidance technology and side airbags that will deploy to help protect you in a collision.
However, even with the additions of these features, convertibles are still unable to offer you the amount of protection that a hard-top vehicle can. Considering the fact that 30 per cent of fatal accidents occur as a result of a rollover, owning a vehicle without a hard-top roof can be concerning for some consumers.
Noise
While this factor may not make or break everyone’s decision to get a convertible, anyone who is sensitive to noise will definitely need to consider if this type of car is truly for them. Without the thickness and density of a hard-top roof, driving in a convertible is going to be quite loud and noisy. This is the case whether your roof is down or up, due to the structural make of the car. Research has even determined that driving speeds of over 85 kilometres an hour with the top down may result in noise levels exceeding the recommended limits.
Maintenance
Every single car on the market will eventually need some sort of maintenance and is required to always be up kept and taken care of. However, convertibles are generally known to need more constant upkeep than most other vehicles. Your folding-top roof will require extra care every so often. It will typically have to be re-aligned periodically, so that it continues to fit tightly against the windshield and does not let out any warm or cold air. If you have a fabric-top, it can wear down and may need to be patched or even replaced. Heavy rain is a major cause of leaks in a fabric-top roof, and can lead to holes and damage.
The interior of your vehicle will also need extra care compared to your average car. This is because most vehicles are only exposed to the elements and the weather when the door is open, and not consistently like a convertible is. Frequent exposure to the sun, especially in the hot and humid months, can cause damage to your seats, dashboard and other surfaces inside your vehicle. The impact of heavy winds and rain can also lead to damages to your car’s interior.
Theft
With the top up, a convertible is likely to be as secure as any other type of car. However, if you forget to close your top up before leaving your vehicle, your belongings and car itself will be extremely vulnerable. It will be incredibly easy for a thief to break into your car. This is why it is super important for all convertible owners to make sure to always secure their belongings, and to put the top down whenever leaving the car unattended.
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