How wet is too wet?

[Matt_and_Cat]

We've had our MCS Sidewalk for about a month now, which is proving to be a fabulous car.

Anyway, I can't decide when it's ok to put the roof down if it (the roof I mean) is wet or damp and when not... the dealer said it wouldn't matter, but the discussion about marks on the roof in amongst the forum scares me so I want to check.

So... if the roof has overnight dew on it - is that ok? First thing in the morning recently the roof has been really damp... has it got to dry out completely - I've been adopting this approach so far, which means I get past all the good top-less roads on the way to work before I put the roof down (and then am faced with only the embarassing bit through town!)?

If it's been raining (or if I've just washed the car), do I have to wait for it to dry completely?

Sorry if this advice is covered elsewhere in a thread, but I can't seem to find any guidance.

Thanks.

[fl0r15t]

Quote: Originally Posted by Matt_and_Cat (original)

then am faced with only the embarassing bit through town!)?

Shouldn't be embarrassing in an MCS!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Matt_and_Cat (original)

If it's been raining (or if I've just washed the car), do I have to wait for it to dry completely?

I'm like you, I don't like to put it down if it's still wet! Sadly, it looks like autumn has crept up already by the amount of dew around!

If it's a short journey I generally grin and bear it and haven't noticed any detrimental effect. Mind you, I garage mine so it's only wet if it's been raining and I'm parked away from home. How long is the journey to work?

So if you can't find shelter, you may want to think about investing in a cover - there are some quite nice pucker MINI ones, although it's all hassle! But it'll certainly preserve the fabric and protect from sun, cats, resale value etc as well!

[Matt_and_Cat]

Quote: Originally Posted by fl0r15t (original)

I'm like you, I don't like to put it down if it's still wet! Sadly, it looks like autumn has crept up already by the amount of dew around!

If it's a short journey I generally grin and bear it and haven't noticed any detrimental effect. Mind you, I garage mine so it's only wet if it's been raining and I'm parked away from home. How long is the journey to work?

So if you can't find shelter, you may want to think about investing in a cover - there are some quite nice pucker MINI ones, although it's all hassle! But it'll certainly preserve the fabric and protect from sun, cats, resale value etc as well!

The journey's about an hour, the first two thirds over nice A roads, but then into town - although if I drive I come in early enough to avoid most of the traffic so few heads about to turn! This morning I treated myself to the sunroof open after a while.

Unfortunately the car does have to brave the elements, so I will look into the cover, but am already being laughed at because I am forever tending our new addition - the cover might be one step too far for the family to handle

Thanks.

[Dawn]

I never put mine down if its wet or even slightly damp, on the new roof i tend to just wipe it with a clean damp cloth anyway and its staying really nice.
When i did get the old one wet, ie washing, id go for a drive after to dry it off, any old excuse

[NickyJ]

If my roof is slightly damp I'd put it down, as long as it wasn't going to be down for hours, but I'd never put it down if it was soaking wet.

Matt, just give the roof a quick rub off with an old towel or something to get rid of the morning dew then you should be ok for your trip to work, that's what I'd do

[Matt_and_Cat]

All sensible ideas - why didn't I think of a towel first? I'll try that next time. Looking at the forecast, I doubt I'll have much chance in the next few days, though )-:

[thebigyin]

What are you people talking about!!!
I signed a Contract when I took delivery of my MCSC that said I had to have the top down 90% of the time. It did not say I could keep the top up if there was moisture on it !!!
I put the top down soaking wet, the only time I actually might do anything special is when I brush the 6 inches of snow off of it before taking it down still with ice and snow on it.
It is a CAR, it is a Convertible top - it is not a Belgian lace tablecloth!

[Dawn]

Quote: Originally Posted by thebigyin (original)

What are you people talking about!!!
I signed a Contract when I took delivery of my MCSC that said I had to have the top down 90% of the time. It did not say I could keep the top up if there was moisture on it !!!
I put the top down soaking wet, the only time I actually might do anything special is when I brush the 6 inches of snow off of it before taking it down still with ice and snow on it.
It is a CAR, it is a Convertible top - it is not a Belgian lace tablecloth!

We don't have those contracts over here
I was advised when i bought my Convertible NOT to put the hood down when wet, i can only go by what the MINI sales guy advised me to do
Whats the remainder 10% ? just out of curiosity
Don't do table cloths, espec lace ones, waayyy too last year

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by thebigyin (original)

What are you people talking about!!!
I signed a Contract when I took delivery of my MCSC that said I had to have the top down 90% of the time. It did not say I could keep the top up if there was moisture on it !!!
I put the top down soaking wet, the only time I actually might do anything special is when I brush the 6 inches of snow off of it before taking it down still with ice and snow on it.
It is a CAR, it is a Convertible top - it is not a Belgian lace tablecloth!

We're not being overly protective here, we're just following what the MINI Owners handbook suggests.

If the roof is wet, i feel its fine to lower it for short periods, but if going on a long journey, keep it up for the first few minutes and the wind should dry it off, then lower it

Make sure you've treated your roof using the autoglym roof shampoo and protector. This protetcor stops water soaking in, instead it beads on top - making cleaning much easier.

[Matt_and_Cat]

My concern was over the comments in amongst on the forums that talked about white marks appearing on the roof - coupled with the instructions saying not to put the roof down when wet.

Having said all that, it's not raining so rarely these days here that the roof is coming down at every opportunity!!!

I'll look into the autoglym protector as well.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[thebigyin]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dawn (original)

We don't have those contracts over here
I was advised when i bought my Convertible NOT to put the hood down when wet, i can only go by what the MINI sales guy advised me to do
Whats the remainder 10% ? just out of curiosity
Don't do table cloths, espec lace ones, waayyy too last year

the 10% is detailed in the first page of the attached contract - it involves being within earshot of a Banjo or Kazoo band, going through a carwash, when it is raining and you are travelling less than 25 mph (because above that speed you can have the roof down and you don't get wet, etc, etc.
I was told by my MINI Motoring advisor not to operate the roof below 15 degrees Fahrenheit (about -10 degrees Celsius)