The Ups and Downs

• Follow specific steps to safely lower and raise your Miata soft top. Always put the windows down before lowering or raising the top on all model years. Also, when lowering the top in an older model, always unlock the top's front latches before you unzip the vinyl back window. Doing so relieves the tension on the zipper and it's less likely to break. Newer soft tops with glass windows will fold automatically with the top.
  
  

Give It the "Boot"

• Use the "boot" cover to protect the lowered soft top from dirt damage in older models (pre-2006). The boot is a custom cover that snaps over the soft top when it's down. It takes a few extra minutes to put it on, but doing so will help keep your soft top looking like new longer. The soft top in 2006 and newer Miatas automatically folds between the cockpit and the trunk and essentially creates its own boot.
  
  

Keep It Clean

• Keep your Miata soft top clean. Use a good quality vinyl protector/cleaner---but never Armorall because it is a sealant and will prevent the vinyl from "breathing." If the vinyl can't breathe, it will eventually crack. If you have a cloth soft top, use a cleaner specifically for fabric material. Try to rinse off bird droppings, tree sap and other types of dirt as soon as you notice it, especially if you park your car outdoors. Parking in the shade is a good idea, too, to avoid fading and other types of sun damage.
  
  

Do Windows

• Maintain your Miata soft top's rear window or else it can become discolored and prone to cracking. Regularly clean and condition zippered vinyl windows with a vinyl protectant or cleaner. Never use sharp objects to scrape ice or snow off of a vinyl back window. If your soft top has a glass window, use a phosphorous-free, ammonia free cleaner made especially for cleaning car windows.