Is it safe to drive a convertible on the highway?

Even though they lack a fixed roof, which is what many understand to be an integral part of a car's structure, late-model convertibles are actually no riskier than their roofed counterparts, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which analyzed crash and fatality rates.

Are convertibles safe on the highway?

Despite the relatively flimsy appearance of their roof structures, late-model convertibles are no riskier than nonconvertibles, according to the analysis of crash and fatality rates. In fact, both crash rates and driver death rates were lower for convertibles than for nonconvertible versions of the same cars.

Are convertibles good for road trips?

Any convertible is better than an SUV, and all the SUVs will leave your luggage visible from the outside, and, most SUVs will get much worse gas mileage.

What are the disadvantages of convertible cars?

Are convertibles loud on the highway?

Driving a convertible car can be bad for your ears

As you can guess, the possible hearing loss is partly due to the excessive wind noise – and wind noise spikes – at freeway speeds. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, decibel levels higher than 85 are excessive.

FACING MY FEAR: Driving a Convertible Car!

Are soft top convertibles worth it?

A key advantage of a soft-top includes lower cost because the fabric is cheaper than metal and the more complex components found in hardtops. If something goes wrong with a soft-top, it's usually easier and cheaper to fix because the mechanical system isn't as intricate.

Can convertibles cause hearing loss?

“Although driving for short distances under such levels of noise exposure is unlikely to cause a significant degree of noise-inducedhearing loss, our study demonstrates that long-duration driving at high speeds with the convertible top open (down) will increase the driver's risk of hearing loss.”

Why you shouldn't buy a convertible?

They're more expensive than other cars. Maintenance costs more, too. There's less passenger and cargo space. Convertible tops can leak.

Is insurance on a convertible more expensive?

Why do convertibles cost more to insure? A convertible may cost more to insure because of the higher purchase price they carry. In general, vehicles with a high price tag will cost more to repair or replace, so insurers charge more to cover the higher cost of a potential physical damage claim.

Are convertibles high maintenance?

Convertibles Need Maintenance

Eventually, the folding-top mechanism will require maintenance or repair. The movable tops typically have to be realigned periodically so that they fit tightly against the windshield and windows. Fabric tops may need to be patched or replaced if they wear down or are vandalized.

Are convertibles safe if they flip?

The risk of a roll-over accident in a convertible is minimal, since the vast majority of them are sports cars with a low center of gravity. Any car, however, can roll over in the right circumstances. If you're in a convertible when it happens, your odds of survival are considerably less than in a hardtop.

How often do convertibles break?

1. A properly maintained convertible top lasts an average of 5-7 years. 2.

Is buying a convertible a good idea?

A convertible could be a good idea when you are trying to maneuver and park in a particularly tight space or if you've parked a garage where there isn't enough room to open the doors to get out. For most people though, buying a convertible is more about them being cool and having a lot of fun when the weather is nice.

Can you drive a soft top convertible in the rain?

Roof materials have improved, but not enough to guarantee that water will stay outside. Whether you drive a hard-top or soft-top convertible, heavy rain and snow can still make you susceptible to leaks.

Should convertibles be garage kept?

Although a garage is ideal, convertibles can also be stored outside. In this case, you need to really consider a water-resistant yet breathable cover, one that is thicker for cars parked outside and a proper, snug fit.

What type of person drives a convertible?

Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of convertible buyers were older than the age of 45, while 60 percent of new-car buyers on average were 45 years old or older. More than 50 percent of convertible consumers had a bachelor's degree, while only 38.2 percent of new-car buyers on average had a similar level of education.

Why are used convertibles so cheap?

Soft-top convertibles are typically cheaper to fix if something does go wrong though. They are much less complex than a hardtop convertible and have fewer motors which makes them cheaper to service. Replacing a soft-top is also cheaper if something does get damaged compared to replacing a hardtop.

Is a hardtop convertible better than a soft-top?

Because a hardtop features more mechanical and electrical components, the price will often be higher, depending on the model. Also, when it's time to replace or repair your top, the soft top could save you money, with potentially cheaper parts and fewer things that can go wrong.

How noisy is a convertible?

80 percent of convertibles tested at 55 mph had a sound level exceeding 85 decibels when the top was down. Driven at 75 miles per hour, the average sound level was roughly 89.9 decibels, which is comparable to vacuum cleaners, heavy trucks, a trash disposal, or loud music.

How loud is a convertible car?

Convertibles exceed safe noise levels

The study found that at 50-, 60- and 70mph, the noise levels in a convertible reached 90 decibels. It's generally accepted that permanent hearing damage occurs when noise levels exceed 85 decibels.

Are all convertibles loud?

Unfortunately, convertible vehicles have louder cabins than traditional vehicles no matter what material you choose for the car's roof. This is mostly due to the way that convertibles are designed.

Is a hard top safer than a soft top?

Advantages of a Hardtop

Durability: Hardtops are clearly the more durable option. They're solid and can withstand significant damage that would normally tear through a soft top. That means they'll last longer overall, so you won't have to deal with as much maintenance.

Are convertibles easy to steal?

They are as difficult to steal because of lack of FOB and alarm system that disables the ignition. In addition my convertible has a motion sensor inside the vehicle that will set off the alarm if someone even reaches into the vehicle. That and alarm are set automatically whenever the car is locked.

How safe is a hard top convertible?

The study found that 21 percent of droptop drivers killed in a crash were ejected, versus 17 percent for a hardtop. In rollover incidents, the chances of leaving the cabin were 43 percent for convertibles and 35 percent for coupes.