Driving a Porsche or Audi convertible with the top down is the epitome of laid-back luxury. The wind on your face, the tree-lined streets zipping by – nothing says “classic cool” like a convertible. But driving a convertible with the top down also comes with certain risks, especially in Portland, Vancouver and other Northwest cities. What if it rains? What if you hit a patch of gravel? What about birds?
The following are seven helpful tips for driving Porsche cars or Audi convertibles with the top down without ruining your hair, your clothes or your upholstery. Enjoy!
1. Seat Belts, Seat Belts, Seat Belts!
It’s no joke: When driving a convertible, there is a very real threat of actually falling out of the car. If you get into an accident and are not wearing your seat belt, you could be thrown a far distance and suffer major injuries, even death. Buckle up when cruising in your convertible.
2. Shades, Man, Shades
Another important consideration when driving an Audi convertible with the top down is eye protection. You probably think people who drive convertibles wear sunglasses just to be cool, right? Well, the truth is that eye gear such as sunglasses helps protect your eyes from not only the sun, but also from bugs, dirt, debris and anything else that might be in the air. Sunglasses will protect your sight as well as increase your cool factor – what’s not to love about that?
3. Protect Your Pets
If you have a fuzzy companion that rides in your convertible, he or she needs to be secured, too. Pets are much more likely to take a dangerous tumble out of a moving convertible than humans, yet many owners of Audi or Porsche cars do little to prevent that from happening. Invest in a portable pet carrier to keep your pet safe during trips. You can probably even find one that matches your car’s interior.
4. Keep It Neat
When driving an Audi convertible with the top down, the wind can really whip the interior of the car into a frenzy. Loose papers, garbage, food and even articles of clothing can fly out of a moving convertible quite easily and litter the highways and neighborhoods. Before you go out for a sunny top-down drive, take five or ten minutes to make sure your car is clean and free of debris.
5. Be a Considerate Host
Most people who own Porsche cars or Audi convertibles will keep a hat or hair clip and a pair of sunglasses in the car for themselves. But those who don’t own a convertible won’t always think to bring those things along on a car ride. A considerate convertible owner knows to keep an extra pair of everything in the glove compartment or under the seat, including sunscreen and protective lip balm, to help their passengers enjoy the ride too.
6. Watch Where You Park
The thing about birds is they don’t seem to care much about the quality of your convertible’s leather interior. They’ll do their business just about anywhere. If you aren’t going to put the top up when you park, make sure you stay away from trees, power lines, overhangs, or any feature that may be a roosting place for birds.
7. No Funny Business
Convertibles are fun, true, but they can also be dangerous. Horseplay and excessive movement can lead to accidents. Do not let your passengers change seats or lean into the back seat from the front. You may come across as overly-strict, but it’s better than being irresponsible and contributing to the injuring or death of a friend.
Driving a Porsche or Audi convertible with the top down may be most enjoyment you’ll ever get out of a car. By following the above suggestions, you can enhance the pleasure of a top-down trip for both yourself and your passengers and prevent any unfortunate problems or accidents.
