Can you Use a Jeep Soft Top in Winter?

One of the many joys of owning a Jeep is the option for rooftop customization. Want a hard top? Done. Prefer a soft top? You got it. Want to ride around with fresh air in your hair and no top at all? Easy. Whatever fits you and the situation you’re driving in, you can accomplish with a Jeep. They’re rugged vehicles, though, and they’re made for serious driving, whether that’s tackling a difficult off-road trail, helping you at a job site, or providing everything you need on a camping trip. As such, Jeeps are a very popular choice for drivers who want a vehicle that they can use all year round. Even if you’re off the tarmac, your Jeep is more than up to the task of handling cold weather, rain, snow, ice, and mud. But what about your Jeep’s soft top? Is it usable in the winter months, when the temperature drops and moisture fills the air? Here’s everything you need to know.

Can You Use a Soft Top on Your Jeep During Cold Weather?

Jeeps are made to handle the elements, and the tops are no exception. You can absolutely use a Jeep soft top during the winter, whether you have a brand new vehicle or an older model. The soft tops are designed to handle cold weather conditions, and unless they’re damaged, they’ll keep any rain, snow, or other moisture from entering your vehicle. So, if you see snow start to fall but you’ve got a trail to hit or a job to get to, don’t worry: you’re more than good to drive your Jeep, even if a soft top is on.

What to Know About Using Your Jeep Soft Top in the Winter

Even though it’s perfectly safe to drive your soft top Jeep in the winter, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to maximize performance, safety, and durability.

It May Be Less Flexible and More Fragile

Your Jeep’s soft top is likely to be less flexible when the weather is cold. Lower temperatures will cause the soft top to become rigid, which will make it more susceptible to damage if you’re not careful. Be very careful if removing your soft top, and avoid scraping snow and ice off of it when possible.

Avoid Leaving It Out in the Snow

Your Jeep is built to withstand harsh winters but, whenever possible, avoid leaving a soft top Jeep outside during the winter. Over time, the harsh elements can damage the soft top, giving it a shorter lifespan. Your Jeep won’t be in any danger left outside during the winter, but if you have a garage or a carport, use it when you’re not planning on driving your vehicle for a while.

You’ll Be Less Insulated

While soft tops will keep the rain and snow out of your vehicle, they won’t keep the cold temperatures out. There’s less insulation in a soft top Jeep than one with a hard top, which means that if you get stuck in your vehicle in the winter, you’ll get very cold very fast. Because of that, it’s important to always have the necessary safety equipment in your Jeep. If you’re off-roading in the winter, make sure you’re prepared for the worst, because the soft top won’t keep you warm if something bad happens.

Tips for Maintaining the Soft Top for Your Jeep

Winter can be harsh, you’ve got this. Here are some tips for maintaining your Jeep’s soft top during the harsh winter months.

Cover Whenever Possible

Whenever you can, keep your Jeep covered. A garage or carport is ideal, but even just putting your Jeep under a car cover during the winter goes a long way. The more you shield your Jeep from the moisture, cold air, and harsh wind, the longer the soft top will last.

Clean it Often

While Jeeps can handle cold weather, the elements will slowly start to break down your soft top. Water and ice can damage the soft top, as can the minerals left on the material by rain and wind. It’s a good idea to clean your soft top frequently regardless of the season, but especially in the winter.

Use a Soft Top Lubricant

The material of your soft top will be fine in the winter, but sometimes the hardware will struggle. Cold weather can cause the hardware to freeze or get stuck, or otherwise cause some damage that will make it very difficult to attach or detach your roof. To keep this from happening when it’s cold out, use a soft top lubricant a few times in the winter. Don’t let cold weather or moisture keep you from driving your Jeep in the winter, even if you have a soft top. As long as you take proper care of your vehicle, you’ll be just fine. Whether you need a whole new soft top, replacement parts, or cleaners, you’ll find what you’re after right here.