Convertible Mini Cooper | Roof Clean & Weatherproofing Video

In this video, James shows a small part of the process of how we clean a convertible roof. Although he makes it look simple, this is because part of the process is not shown.

There are no secrets here, we put the soap on, brush with our mechanical brushes, rinse and repeat... and repeat, and repeat until it's clean. There is nothing particularly special about the soap, it is a detergent which is formulated to break down organic matter and any car shampoo will work. When it goes on it reacts with the dirt, soaking in and softening it, and you can see it foam up. However, to loosen the dirt takes vigorous agitation with brushes. Our mechanical brushes speed up a process which used to take us all day.

We also flushed out all the gutters and drainage, because these tend to get blocked and cause leaks into the car. The rubbers were treated to soften them up, then the roof was given a coating of weather-proofing.

If you don't protect the convertible roof on a car, it can become damaged over time die to exposure to the elements. The roof may become faded and worn, which will affect the appearance and function of the hood.

In addition to the aesthetic damage, dirt and grim can interfere with the mechanical which locks down the hood with a waterproof seal, it can also block drainage which lead to water ingress which can cause problems with the interior of the car potentially damaging the car's electronics and causing mould and mildew.

To protect a cabriolet roof, it is important to keep it clean, free from dirt and debris and keep it treated with a protectant specifically designed for convertible roofs. These contain mould inhibitors which slow the growth of lichen and moss, as well as providing a hydrophobic barrier which helps to shed water. 

It is also a good idea to store the car in a protected area when not in use, such as a garage or car port, although we advise against car covers.