convertibles in the winter (garage, car, top)

[artyst]

can anyone tell me what to expect with my convertible beetle in the winter? i grew up in the midwest so i know about winter, i just didn't own a convertible then!! one nice feature my car has is heated seats

[Jason_Els]

No different really. Convertibles usually have heavy duty heaters to counteract the slightly greater heat loss, but modern convertibles are sealed well enough to keep the heat in. Hardtops usually don't have any more insulation than a convertible does but the VW roof is lined and has a glass window and defroster so don't sweat it. The one thing to be careful of is road salt stains on the canvas. Try to at least rinse those off when you can.

[artyst]

thanks jason that was very helpful. what about snow and ice sitting on the top. i will have a garage, but sometimes the car will have to be parked outside.

[Jason_Els]

Again, unless it's very wet and heavy snow I wouldn't worry. Convertible tops don't last for ever but if you take care of yours with routine maintnance you should be fine. Don't sweat it.

The only thing you need to be careful of is stowing the top when it's wet. Just like when it rains, only put the top down when it's completely dry. Otherwise it's like an ordinary car.

If you're uber-worried about it then get a car cover though a garage is just fine.

Or trade it in for an EOS.

[artyst]

thanks again jason. nope, no EOS in my future! love my beetle

[cntrythyme1]

heated seats will be great when you are stuck in a four foot snow drift in the middle of the road waiting 3 hours for aaa to sent a tow truck.

[artyst]

cntrythyme1 i drove over snow piles in milwaukee, wi with a honda cvcc!! i expect my vw will travers as well. and i don't think the winters in the southern tier are as bad as the winters in milwaukee.....no worries