A convertible car is a type of auto, which can act as an open air vehicle, as well as the one with a roof. The roof can either be hinged or folded. When folded, it goes into the trunk or the rear of the car. it operates either manually or automatically. Different cars have different automatic systems ranging from hydraulic to electric. There are two major types of roofs; soft tops and the hard tops. The soft tops may be constructed of vinyl, canvas or some other soft fabric materials. The hard tops, are the name suggests are made up of rigid materials like aluminium or plastic.

A huge range of auto mobiles are manufactured and marketed in convertible form. Different models have different pros and cons.

The soft top has a lot of disadvantages which can be set in motion if godforbid you are in some sort of an accident, as mentioned before the top is just of the problems, poor break-in problems also cause a lot of problems. Along with that the sun and the rains cause deterioration of the fabric roof over time. The soft roofs also decrease or obstruct rear visibility.

The hard tops have a bigger set of pros and cons. It protects from sun and rains. Though it doesn’t deteriorate quickly but its price is very high. When folded it literally eliminates the trunk space. Mechanically it is more complex as compared to the soft top, so it has a higher repair cost. The mechanical operation of the roof relies on battery, so if the battery fails one can be left vulnerable to rain.

As far as passenger safety is concerned, these cars are rated as good. Along with safety belts, most of the models also have air torso bags which prevent injuries in case of an accident. Some also have head restrain desins whiich are known for protecting against whiplash in rear crashes.

These days there are endless options of convertible cars are available. Wether you opt for a new, used or custom made, make sure you have all the pros and cons of each type in mind. Choose wisely; drive safely. Have fun on the road.