Why can't you open/close a convertible top when driving?
Posted by JarJarAwakens@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 33 comments
I rented a Mazda Miata convertible once and it was the first time I was in a convertible. I tried to open the roof while driving and the computer said you can't open or close the roof at speeds above something like 6 miles per hour. What happens if you are on the expressway and can't safely slow down if it starts raining or hailing?
Objective_Ocelot8883@reddit
You’re worried about the top in the rain, ahhh I see you’re new to the targa/convertable life.
We aren’t just car enthusiasts, we are rain radars too.
Sanpaku@reddit
Its to spare Miata owners a $2000 expense for a replacement for the one the wind ripped off.
I had an NB. It was theoretically possible to unlatch the top and drop it at speed. But I wasn't dropped on my head as a child.
nicclys@reddit
Drag
Stedlieye@reddit
Because it will try to turn into a parachute and rip itself off of the hinges.
That should also answer your other questions.
scottb90@reddit
Lol I really thought this was common sense
pm-me-racecars@reddit
Here's a video
rphillips367@reddit
Literally this 👌🏾
captain_sta11@reddit
Like the others said. It becomes a sail and would most likely break.
If you’re on the highest and it starts raining, you pull over and put it up. Not that complicated
subpotentplum@reddit
Or you speed up so the windshield keeps you dry. :D
ChodaPagoda@reddit
OP is not going to understand how this one will work for sure 😅
Dedward5@reddit
Things that shouldn’t need explaining.
Laz3r_C@reddit
physics is hard for some
glade_air_freshner@reddit
Something this basic shouldn't even require basic education to understand. Ever use an umbrella in a windy rain storm?
glade_air_freshner@reddit
Think about it.
Naught2day@reddit
Not all convertible's are the same. As long as I am below 35mph my top can go up or down. Don't remember what it was in my S2000 but pretty sure it wasn't zero.
NothingLift@reddit
Most newer convertibles are 35mph
Guitarstringman@reddit
If you have to ask that, you probably shouldn’t be driving any car
Just_some_n00b@reddit
My F-type can do it up to 30mph 🤷🏼
Flimsy_Train3956@reddit
Same with my AMG GTC.
Xlaag@reddit
Well that’s a jag he’s talking about a Miata.
Embarrassed-Field236@reddit
Darwinism
Expensive_Candle5644@reddit
To answer your question you drive to the next exit and pull under a gas station canopy and put the top up or you pull over at the next bridge you pass under and put it up. This is why you see motorcycles on occasion parked under bridges in heavy rain.
17_ScarS@reddit
Is this a serious question?
Personal-Goat-7545@reddit
Go back to sleep
mijoelgato@reddit
Who said you can’t?
fludeball@reddit
The car dead, apparently.
mijoelgato@reddit
Only will do so once, after that OP’s gold.
Recent_Tear6025@reddit
Common sense ain’t so common anymore.
NoCarpenter8194@reddit
How is this not obvious?
pm-me-racecars@reddit
I used to have a convertible. There's a speed where you'll stay mostly dry above that speed, like drier than if you were in a normal car with the windows open in the same rain. If it's raining really bad, roll the windows up too. Being on the highway in the rain isn't a huge problem.
In the city, where you can't do more than 40km/h and there's nowhere to pull off, that's when you get wet.
Smart_History4444@reddit
Common sense goes a long way. I don't even know why this is a question
GetawayDriving@reddit
Good thing you were driving an RF because if you had rented a soft top you probably would have damaged it. The soft top is just a latch and if you pull it at highway speed that thing will turn into a kite.
Do we really need to explain? Wind would rip the top right off.
If it starts raining with the top down, and you can’t slow down, the same wind that would rip your top off will carry the water over your head. You probably wouldn’t get wet. The problem is when you slow down. But once you slow down, just stop and put the top up.
Or you know, check the weather.
TheCamoTrooper@reddit
I had one of my latches fail and had to unclip and reclip it to get it to grab, it wanted to rip off backwards, I've put it down when driving at like 30 but wouldn't try much faster than that