Are carwashes bad for the top?

[PlayaDelReyDave]

I have an '02 Solara, and there's very slight fraying on the top near the windshield, about an inch wide. Hope it doesn't get bigger. I've been taking my car to the car wash for a few years now, and they use 'soft cloth' but I'm thinking the friction may not be good for the top. Thanks to this message board, I've started using Raggtopp to clean the convertible top, and it looks great. And I've stopped going to the car wash, doing everything myself now.

Just curious how others feel about car washes and their convertibles? In your experience, do they damage the convertible top?

[ma1253]

This is actually a genuine concern of mine as well. I literally just got my 02 solara convertible, and I am so scared to take it to a car wash.

[CASTRO]

for converts, you should never take it to the carwash. Only one I would take mine to if it were last resort is a touchless carwash. Even with that, the pressure may be too much and leak through the seals. I just handwash and use raggtop or 303

[Gangis]

NEVER!!! Always hand-wash your convertible. Always. Trust me, it's worth the effort!

[MCOjerry]

I have had my 06 convertible since April of 2005. Never wash it myself, always take it to the car wash. That's almost 4 years of car washes.

Never had a problem, no fraying and no leaks.

I wouldn't worry about it. The fraying is probably due to normal wear folding and unfolding, weakening of the fabric, etc...a convertible top will eventually wear out, especially with the sun beating on it all the time.

[Gangis]

That is true, Jerry... I had to replace my top already because of the sun damage but at the same time I feel rather skeeved about taking it to the car wash. All that friction can't be good for the canvas.

[MCOjerry]

I dunno, the canvas might like the friction.

[Gangis]

*snickers* Only if you use Astroglide or KY Jelly.