When the summer comes along, and the temperature starts to rise, many drivers find themselves eager to hit the open road and enjoy a relaxing drive. And what better way to enjoy the wind on your face on a sunny day than by driving top down in a convertible?

Ya sea que estés mirando comprar uno nuevo o usado convertible, your choices aren’t as simple as picking between manufacturers like BMW, Chevy, Ford, or Toyota, or the overall price. Instead, you must also take into consideration other significant factors, such as the type of convertible you are looking to purchase — a hardtop or a soft-top.

Para ayudarlo a tomar la decisión más informada al seleccionar su próximo convertible, comience por identificar los cuatro beneficios principales de cada tipo de capota convertible.

Los beneficios de un convertible con techo rígido

1. Protección contra robos

As with most vehicles, both hardtop and soft-top convertibles have a rear window to allow the driver to safely see behind them when the top is up. However, some soft-top convertible windows can be made of plastic, which can easily be slashed or torn open. This is the opposite for hardtops, as each rear window is always made of the same type of glass as your standard windows on the rest of your vehicle, giving you more protection from any potential theft.

2. Mejor aislamiento

Dado que los techos descapotables con techo rígido se construyen de forma muy similar a los techos convencionales, ofrecen una protección y un aislamiento similares a los de los descapotables con techo blando. El aislamiento acústico también es una ventaja adicional del techo rígido, ya que su diseño ayuda a reducir el ruido que usted y los pasajeros del descapotable perciben al conducir.

3. La seguridad es clave

Independientemente del tipo de auto, camioneta, SUV o convertible que desee comprar, hay algo que destaca por encima de todo: la seguridad. Si bien la calificación general de seguridad de su convertible dependerá de la marca y el modelo, tanto los de techo rígido como los de techo blando cuentan con barras antivuelco para ayudar en caso de vuelco. Sin embargo, los techos rígidos ofrecen un nivel adicional de seguridad que no se puede replicar en los techos de lona de los de techo blando.

4. Durabilidad y longevidad

Because of their design and the materials they are made of, not only do hardtop convertibles offer better insulation, but they are also made to last longer. As they are often made of fabric and have a plastic rear window in them, most soft-top convertibles can be easily damaged or suffer from cracking. Tearing can also happen when driving at higher speeds with a soft-top. When damages like these occur, the entire top may need to be replaced, regardless if you were consistent with mantenimiento y conservación regulares. Even if you manage to avoid any significant damage, depending on the materials your soft-top is made of, you will still have to replace the top every few years, often costing between $900 to $1,500 each time.

Los beneficios de un convertible de capota blanda

1. Reducir el tiempo de espera

Si sueles tener ganas de salir a la carretera, una capota de lona podría ser la opción ideal. Gracias a su diseño y materiales, las capotas de lona se pueden subir y bajar más rápido que las de techo rígido. De hecho, la mayoría de las capotas de lona funcionan correctamente incluso a velocidades ligeramente superiores a las de un descapotable de techo rígido, en cuyo caso se recomienda detenerse por completo antes de bajar la capota.

2. Más espacio

Most convertibles, regardless of their top, tend to be on the smaller side compared to a standard vehicle. Because of this lack of size, making the most of every available inch of cargo space is often a key factor for those considering purchasing a convertible. Due to the way soft-top convertibles are built, you will have more available cargo room than in a hardtop. This is mainly due to the fact that hardtop convertibles have to retract their roof into the trunk when the top is down.

3. Perder algo de peso

A soft-top is typically made out of fabric and will have either a plastic or glass rearview window. These slight differences ultimately result in soft-top convertibles weighing less than hardtops. Without the additional 100 or so pounds of added weight of a hardtop, a soft-top convertible will experience less stress and strain on components such as the engine or suspension when driving. Lighter vehicles, while also helping you experience better fuel economy, help you Ahorra en la bomba.

4. Más ahorros

Along with getting slightly better fuel economy compared to hardtops, soft-top convertibles tend to feature fewer mechanical and electrical components than hardtops. There are fewer chances for your convertible top to break or malfunction with fewer components, helping you save on potential repairs. This is especially important to consider, as many extended auto warranties or vehicle service contracts most likely won’t cover repairs to your convertible top.

Sin embargo, aún puede tener tranquilidad cuando se trata de los componentes vitales de su convertible con la ayuda de un Plan de protección del vehículo Endurance. Designed specifically to fit your needs and budget, each Endurance coverage option includes a free year of Beneficios Elite Endurance, offering perks such as 24/7 roadside assistance, key fob replacement, and tire repairs or replacements.

You can also upgrade to Endurance’s Advantage plan to save on expensive repairs and receive up to $3,500 in maintenance coverage. This means not only will you have the most comprehensive coverage available, but you’ll also have access to services such as 3 oil and filter changes, alignment checks, tire rotations, and more covered at no cost to you.

Para obtener más información sobre cualquiera de los niveles de cobertura de Endurance, solicite una presupuesto gratuito y sin compromiso hoy o visite nuestro Centro de Aprendizaje para encontrar más artículos útiles y esclarecedores que le ayudarán a sentirse más seguro para el camino que tiene por delante.