by Matthew Konkle
Managing Editor
The cold winter months can really chew up skin. All the grime out there just makes it dirty and leads to premature wear. The temperature fluctuations can dry everything out. Chemicals eat away at the surface. And let’s not even talk about ice and vinyl windows.
Yeah, your Jeep soft top’s skin just doesn’t play well with all the stuff going on this time of year. Especially if you just sit there, day after day, and do nothing to help.
Sure, those warmer spring temperatures are right around the corner, but if you are a year-round soft top user, and haven’t done anything to address issues on your top for the past few months, then you’ll want to listen up and take some action to help preserve all that important material — no matter if its vinyl, sailcloth or twill.
Even if you swap out to a hardtop during winter, keep a close eye on your stored soft top until it goes back on the vehicle.
At least, that is, if you want to ensure your top’s longevity for years to come.
First off, regular cleaning is imperative — just like it is after a long day (or weekend) on the trail. Road salt this time of year, grime, and other ice-melting chemicals can spray up and accumulate on fabric, leading to premature wear and potential damage.
To prevent this kind of wear, use a soft top cleaner designed for your specific top material (vinyl or fabric) and gently remove these deposits. It's crucial to perform this cleaning regularly throughout the winter months to prevent the buildup of damaging materials.
Next, keep that top hydrated. We don’t mean pour water all over that thing, but just like your skin needs moisturizer in winter, your soft top craves some hydration. Invest in a top conditioner specifically designed to nourish and protect the fabric. This will maintain its water-repellent properties, keeping you dry during unexpected snow squalls.
Apply conditioner according to the product instructions, focusing on any areas that seem stiff or faded. Think of it as a spa day for your top, ensuring it stays supple and resilient throughout the chilly winter season.
Now, you won’t always be driving the Jeep around, but just because it is stationary does not mean it is exempt from winter conditions. While a good soft top should repel light rain and snow, heavy downpours and icy conditions can test its limits.
So consider investing in a full or half cover to give your top an extra layer of protection against the elements. These covers are easy to toss over the top and latch down, and are designed to shield your Jeep from snowdrifts, ice buildup, and the damaging effects of UV rays. Think of it as a comfy shield for your top, keeping it cozy and safe from winter's wrath.
And then there are the little things. Some TLC checks and maintenance that will help spark top longevity as well.
Things like regularly checking your top’s zippers and snaps for any damage or stiffness and applying lubricant when needed to keep them functioning smoothly — especially after exposure to cold temperatures. Also, be gentle if you need to fold and unfold the top during colder weather for some reason. Avoid sudden jerks or excessive force. Additionally, never use a scraper on ice-covered vinyl windows or to knock off ice from top material. Instead, spend an extra few minutes and let the Jeep’s defroster heat up the vehicle and clear out any ice or snow.
Finally, if you’ve removed that soft top for the winter and placed it into storage, don’t let your top just gather dust. Instead, make sure to store it properly. Find a cool, dry space with good ventilation while avoiding areas like damp basements or sheds, as moisture can lead to mildew growth. If you absolutely must store it in a garage, try hanging it from a soft top hanger to keep it off the cold floor. Then, use a storage bag to keep the windows safe from dust and debris, as well as from getting scratched over the long winter months.
