3 Reasons Why Your Convertible Top Might Be Leaking

Worn-out seals, torn fabric or vinyl, and blocked drain plugs can lead to a leaky roof.

Andy Stonehouse | 

Jan 9, 2024 | 3 min read

Jaguar

The open-air joy of a droptop can quickly turn unpleasant if your formerly well-sealed convertible roof leaks during a rainstorm. Fun as they are in drier climates, convertible tops are prone to leaks and other problems as they age.

Worn Seals Can Allow Water to Enter the Cabin

Soft- and hard-top convertibles rely on rubber weatherstripping seals around the rim of the roof to help block out water, wind, and debris when the roof is up. Over time, those seals can wear out due to extra sun exposure and the simple mechanics of repeatedly raising and lowering the roof.

The seals can also be misaligned, allowing water to intrude around the cabin's doors, windows, or other gaps.

Wear and Tear Can Impact Soft Tops and Plastic Windows

If you've inspected the original cloth or vinyl convertible top on an older vehicle, you may have seen what sunlight exposure and years of use can do to a soft top. Tears and rips can appear along seams, usually above the metal frame that supports and lowers the roof.

The vinyl or plastic rear windows in many convertible tops also tend to degrade with age. The edges can come loose, producing more leaks. Some plastic windows also get so yellowed and worn out over time that they'll harden, crack, and leak.

A good approach that can help you stay ahead of cracks and leaks is to expose the car to a controlled water flow to test the integrity of a convertible top's seals. A garden hose will suffice and can help you spot leaks that need repair.

In many convertible models, there are drain holes designed to capture and guide water from the vehicle. Those drain covers can get clogged with dirt or debris, backing up the water flow. To remedy this problem, pull back the top to expose the drain holes and clear out any debris.

Leaky Convertible Tops Can Be Repaired

Depending on the condition of your convertible top and any leaks you've found, duct tape may suffice in an emergency but not as a permanent fix. Minor issues can often be repaired with a professional patch kit. More severe tears in fabric roofs can be sewn at a commercial repair shop, which may require the removal of the roof.

Lubricating the seals regularly is recommended to help them last longer. But if worn-out seals are the culprit, especially around windows or doors, new seals can help alleviate leaks. A dealer or an online parts store will have the appropriate replacement seals and instructions on replacing them.

If all else fails and your top has finally bit the dust, you can also opt for an all-new replacement top, which can put an end to any water leaks.

Andy Stonehouse

Andy Stonehouse literally fell into the world of auto writing while working as a ski-town journalist, and has not looked back since. A childhood spent dealing with the eccentricities of a 1976 MG Midget has made any subsequent auto experience a more safe and reliable drive. He has been blessed with nearby mountain trails and snowy roads in Colorado to do TV-adventure-styled test drives on a weekly basis.