The Art of Going Topless (in Your Car)
Driving a topless car is an art. Okay, it’s not a terribly complex art, maybe not on par with glass-blowing, but it nonetheless a subtle art that requires preparation.
Driving a convertible is very special indeed. Ask anyone who owns one. Once you go topless, you never go back.
That said, can you really expect to drive a cabriolet year-round in Canada? When the mercury dips to -40°C, the answer is a firm “no.” That would be suicide—especially on the highway. The Arctic winds would whip right through you.
That said, you can reasonably expect to use your convertible nine months of the year!
But how do you survive the cold?
We generally see convertibles on the road in summer, when the sun is strong and temperatures are sky high.
What you may not know is that driving a convertible in cooler months can be very pleasant, too. It’s just a matter of being prepared—kind of like for winter camping.
If you want to survive the experience, you just have to dress appropriately. Is it 8°C outside and you want to drive with the roof folded down? No problem! Just slip on a good jacket, tuque, scarf and mitts. That’s it!
By bundling up, you can significantly extend the season for your convertible. There may be laws on winter tires, but there aren’t any about driving convertibles in the cold season.
Of course, we’re not recommending that you go top-down in the middle of winter or when it’s raining. All we’re trying to say is that you can get more enjoyment out of your cabriolet. All too often, driving is an obligation—but a convertible is a great reminder of the freedom and energy of days gone by.