Going Topless

This is a reposting of a previous blog, but the need to go topless is still valid today.





It happened again yesterday, as it does just about this time every year. This one was a nice black BMW Z4. It caught my eye in the rear view mirror nearly a half mile back, in and amongst the clutter of the other cars. The Z4 navigated effortlessly past each of the slower cars, then roared by mine. It was a chilly 40 some degrees, but the top was down and the driver was smiling ear to ear. Immediately I had the fever again, the fever to own a convertible.

It is an absurd idea living in Maine. It makes no sense at all. What do we have, only two or three days a year that a convertible might actually be comfortable? The rest of the days it is either too hot or too cold, rainy, snowy, icy to enjoy. So what is the attraction? Is it the feeling of freedom, of unlimited visibility? Is it the bonding with nature; the ability to smell and hear the flowers and the birds (along with the tractor trailers and the buses)? I don’t know, and at this point, I don’t care. The passion and desire is there again.

One year I tried to satisfy the craving by renting a convertible for the weekend. Calls to several rental car companies in the area found that convertibles were not even available in this market, at least for that year. Probably because having a convertible in northern New England makes no sense. That still doesn’t matter. Each year, spring fever sets in and I want a convertible.

My sister has a Chrysler Sebring convertible. She says that if the day is not perfect, she doesn’t hesitate to turn on the heat or the air conditioner as she drives with her top down, whatever it takes to not miss the fun. Another friend of mine drives his VW Cabriolet in the middle of winter with the top down, his beret pulled down tight, scarf flying and sunglasses pasted to his head. To them, a convertible in New England makes perfect sense.

I thought that the purchase of my Scion TC would satisfy this convertible craving. The entire roof is glass with two separate sun roofs that illuminate both the front and the back seats. The front roof panel powers open to expose the whole front to fresh air and freedom. It is still not good enough. When this spring fever hits, the total freedom of a genuine roadster will only do, or at least a facsimile. The Z4 would be fine. Today is a nice enough day that a Pontiac Solstice, Mazda Miata or Ford Mustang would also satisfy.

The rag top desire will leave just about the time of the first frost. During the deep freeze of January and February, the thought never even occurs to me. But spring comes every year and another Z4, or something similar, will spark the fire. Those of you who own convertibles know the feeling. Enjoy the luxury of having the choice of going topless. There are those out there like me who are envious. Enjoy your ride!

MaineAutoMall.com Auto Blog

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DETAIL YOUR CAR

My parking lot at work is Ground Zero for various species of pigeons, sea gulls, and any other bird that feels the urge. Almost every day one lucky vehicle wins the lottery and becomes the target for a bird in need. Some cars luck out with a few precise droppings; others become victims of intense carpet bombing, covering the car from front to back in a variety of shades and colors. It can be down right nasty, and at the very least, not at all good for a vehicle’s exterior.

Between acid rain, Mother Nature’s wrath of weather fury and the birds from above, it's now more important than ever to protect your car’s finish with a little TLC. Wash your car when it’s dirty (get that bird off while it’s fresh), wax the car’s finish at least twice a year, regularly vacuum the soccer dirt away and occasionally wash the grime off of your windows. These simple acts will make you feel good about your car, and add years to your fit and its finish.

Don’t fall for the misconception that if your car has a clear coat finish you don’t need to wax it. Clear coat is not some magical, space age treatment, but is nothing more than another layer of paint that happens to be clear. It’s prone to scratches, and can show wear and tear if not taken care of properly. A clear coat finish needs a protective layer of wax just like any other. Clean and wax your car regularly.

You can’t feel good about your car if its interior is dirty or full of clutter. Get rid of the stuff. You don’t need those old receipts, sales flyers and McDonald’s wrappers. The last thing you need in an emergency stop is flying debris hitting you in the head or distracting you. While you’re at it, get your vacuum out. Having clean carpets, upholstery and dash board will make you feel like you have a new car, reenergizing your love affair with your most expensive possession.

I’m always amazed what a difference it makes to clean the windows of my car. Gradually over time, a thin film accumulates over the interior glass, especially noticeable on the windshield. Whether it’s the gaseous residue from the plastics of the interior materials, dirt, pollen or other particulates, they all adhere to the glass. The film’s affects are most noticeable during night driving where the coating adds to the glare from headlights and street lights, as well as distorting distance perception with oncoming traffic. Clean your windows inside and out, you’ll be amazed what a difference it makes.

It’s surprising how much people are willing to pay for their car, and then choose to not take care of it. Don’t let the birds win, protect your car with a little wash here and a little wax there. Your car will look and feel like new.

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