Hi there, I'm Alice - the founder and Admin of automotivebros.com. I am a car enthusiast and a great source of knowledge in the automobile industry. Talk of vehicle repair tips, advice on the right car products, emerging car brands and so on - I puts it right and square, and in a step-by-step manner. My straightforward blog posts help readers squeeze the juicy nuggets of info with ease. Well… that’s it for now, big time!

Jeep Soft Top Maintenance 101

March 29, 2021
/ FAQs
/ By Alice Brown

Tune-up your Jeep and keep it cruising effectively with routine maintenance, inside and out. Review the basic Jeep CJ7 soft top maintenance steps to get more out of your daily commuter or off-road warrior. Create a cleaning and care routine that takes every material into account and keeps your cruising comfortably.

Review Your Cleaning Products and Schedule

The most important step in soft top maintenance is your cleaning routine. These tops are more lightweight and prone to damage than hardtops, so you need to keep up on your cleaning routine to get the most out of your jeep. Any mild detergent will do, but consider purchasing specialized soft top cleaner for a thorough, gentle clean.

Schedule a full exterior clean every month. If you don’t take your Jeep out every day and park in a garage, then you can get by with a cleaning every 2 or 3 months. Plan on more frequent washing if you encounter road tar, bird droppings or tree sap.

How To Wash Your Soft Top

Start by rinsing off your soft top with a regular garden hose. Put away your pressure washer, as this high-pressure tool can damage a soft top. Don’t clean your Jeep outside in temperatures under 54 degrees, and try to avoid direct sunlight.

Pick up a soft bristle brush and use your soft top cleaner to scrub down your soft top. You can use your favorite car shampoo on the body of your Jeep for a full exterior clean at once.

Once your Jeep YJ soft top is fully washed, use it thoroughly. Consider drying your soft top off with a microfiber towel or letting it air dry.

Use Soft Top Protectant

Protectant is a great product that reduces the damaging effects of UV rays and moisture. A clean cloth is all you need to apply this product to a washed soft top. Follow the application instructions carefully. Most protectants aren’t suitable for use on soft top windows.

Consider a Hardtop in the Winter

Jeep hardtops are rugged options for harsh weather conditions. If you want to extend the lifetime of your soft top, invest in a hardtop for winter driving. Be sure to thoroughly clean and dry your soft top before storing it, otherwise you may have mildew issues to deal with in the spring.

Purchase a hardtop that fits your year and model of Jeep for easy installation. These hard alternatives are heavier, so you may need a friend or two to safely install one. Hardtop maintenance is similar to the maintenance of the rest of your Jeep body, but be sure to follow the included cleaning recommendations.

Shop for Soft Tops Online

Even the most thorough maintenance routine can’t protect your soft top from wearing out. After 3-to-5 years of use, your soft top may need to be retired. Shop for a new soft top Jeep CJ5 or other style to replace your faded, worn-out one. Enjoy a refreshing ride this summer or commute in style with an affordable, reliable soft top. Shop online today to compare your options and order maintenance items for your Jeep.

21 Oct, 2022

Are Dodge Chargers Expensive to Fix?

14 Sep, 2022

Fleet Fuel Cards for Optimal Car or Truck Expense Tracking

29 Jul, 2022

Top Simple Ways to Improve the Look of Your Car

23 Jun, 2022

A look under the hood of Waymo robotaxis

22 Dec, 2021

What are toll roads, and how to pay the tolls?