3 –35 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Soft Top)
CAUTION
Remove leaves or other matter that may accumulate on and around the convertible top.
If leaves or other matter block the drain filter, water may enter the vehicle. Clean the drain
filter at least once a year.
Refer to Convertible Top Maintenance on page 6-64 .
Before opening the convertible top, make sure the rear window defogger switch is turned
off. Otherwise the heat generated from the defogger could damage the convertible top and
the internal material.
Before lowering or raising the convertible top, stop in a safe place off the right-of-way and
park on a level surface.
Make sure nothing is on the convertible top or near the back window when raising or
lowering the convertible top.
Even small objects may interfere and cause damage.
Do not drive through an automatic car wash; it may damage the convertible top.
Do not raise or lower the convertible top when the temperature is below 5 °C (41 °F) ; this
will damage the convertible top material.
Do not lower the convertible top when it's wet. If the convertible top dries while folded, it
will deteriorate and mold.
Lowering the convertible top while it's wet can also cause water to drip into the passenger
compartment.
Do not raise or lower the convertible top in a strong wind as it could damage the
convertible top or cause an unexpected accident.
NOTE
The power windows go down automatically in conjunction with the convertible top
opening/closing. However, this is a function for improving the operability, and it does not
mean there is a problem. If the vehicle battery is disconnected for vehicle maintenance or
other reasons, the power windows will not go down automatically. If the power windows
do not go down, the automatic open/close mechanism for the windows must be reset.
Refer to Operating the Power Windows on page 3-31 .
The windblocker reduces the amount of wind coming into the cabin from behind when
driving with the convertible top opened.
Refer to Windblocker on page 5-140 .
When lowering the convertible top, make sure objects inside the vehicle are not blown
away by the wind.
Secure all loose objects inside before driving with the convertible top down.
To help prevent burglary or vandalism and to ensure that the passenger compartment
stays dry, close the convertible top securely and lock both doors when leaving the vehicle.
The soft top is made of high quality material and if it is not maintained correctly, the
material could harden, becomes stained, or have an uneven gloss.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 35 2016/08/11 20:28:35
