Driving your convertible through that scorchy summer day as you feel the whip of the wind brings so much joy. Even so, owning these cars have their fair share of work regarding cleaning. If you own one, you are likely having second thoughts about taking the soft-top through a car wash because of the nature of the car and the cleaning process involved.
Most soft-top vehicles can safely go through a car wash without getting damaged. However, the cleaning method depends on the model and make of your car. The ideal way to clean a soft-top is to use the touchless car wash or simply handwash.
Keep reading to learn more about taking a convertible through a touchless car wash. I will also give you some tips for safely cleaning the soft-top at a car wash and how to hand wash a soft-top convertible.
Can You Go Through a Car Wash With a Convertible?
Generally, most manufacturers approve driving your convertible through a car wash, especially the hard-top convertible. The convertible top often remains unharmed as the high water pressure is directed towards the car’s sides and beneath it.
A convertible can go through a car wash without suffering any damage. However, the cleaning technique the car wash uses is the most important factor here, since certain methods and tools can scratch the surface of a car.
Some car wash joints use spinning brushes consisting of cotton, which can scratch or damage the surface of a car.
The good thing is that every car undergoes a quality check to verify its water-tightness before getting to the market, and the convertible top frame is often rigid enough to withstand water pressure and car wash brushes when cleaning.
Even though most automotive experts agree that it is safe to drive through a carwash with a convertible, it is best to stay on the safer side by consulting the manufacturer’s customer service or confirming with your owner’s manual before doing so.
Can You Go Through a Car Wash With a Soft-Top?
A soft-top can go through a car wash if the manufacturer indicates so in the manual. If not, contact the soft-top manufacturer first before going through the car wash. The best way to clean the soft-top is through handwashing or going through a touchless car wash.
If I plan to take the automatic car wash route, avoid taking chances by confirming with the car wash of choice if they have a specific way of cleaning a soft-top.
Luckily, some car brands like Mercedes Benz, Buick, and many more mention in their handbooks that their soft-top convertibles are safe to go through any car wash. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about a thing if you own one of them.

Tips for Safely Cleaning a Soft-Top Convertible at a Car Wash
Perhaps you don’t have time to hand wash your soft-top convertible yourself, and you are thinking of taking it through a car wash. Well, I got your back with some tips to help you safely and successfully clean your soft-top at your preferred car wash.
Can You Wash Your Convertible at Home?
You can wash your convertible at home using a few cleaning supplies. However, the cleaning procedure for vinyl and fabric top convertibles differs towards the last step.
Here are the simple steps to follow when cleaning your convertible at home:
Key Takeaways
Sources
Car Independent: Can You Take a Convertible/ Soft-top Through a Car Wash?
Your Jeep Guide: Can You Take a Soft Top Through a Car Wash (Convertible 101)
Way.com: Can I take my soft-top convertible through a car wash: all you need to know
Way.com: Convertible Through a Carwash: A foolproof guide