Ballooning Effect Of Convertible Top While Driving
- This effect is caused by a difference in air pressure between the inside and outside.
- When driving at 80 km/h (50 mph) or faster, the convertible-top seal along the side window lifts off.
| 80 km/h (50 mph) | approx. 0.5 mm |
| 100 km/h (60 mph) | approx. 1 mm |
| 125 km/h (80 mph) | approx. 2 - 3 mm |
| 150 km/h (90 mph) | approx. 5 mm |
| 180 - 200 km/h (112 - 125 mph) | approx. 10 - 20 mm |
If you drive at high speed for a long time, the fabric top will balloon out (Ballooning effect). This will cause folds or creases → see figure in direction of travel in the fabric top, which will disappear again after about 30 - 60 minutes. Hood tension is considerably reduced during this time.
If you drive at high speed with the windows down and/or without the weather deflector, the resultant differences in pressure will press the fabric top in. The fabric top can touch against the head of tall drivers. Hood tension is also reduced temporarily in this situation.