Since 1986, the Jeep Wrangler has been an iconic model of America's most prolific off-road machine maker. Currently on the fourth generation, known as the JL, the Wrangler offers a fantastic feature that few can match: a removable soft top.

The soft top on a Wrangler is arguably its finest party piece, as it allows you to experience the wild in the purest way possible without actually alighting from your vehicle. A removable soft top makes a traditional sunroof look inadequate. Of course, you'll have a lot of questions about Jeep Wrangler tops, including where to buy new ones. That's why we've got a range of Jeep tops available including soft tops, hard tops and bikini tops. If you need a Jeep Wrangler soft top replacement, just hit up the relevant section above.

Of course, if you want your Jeep Wrangler to wear its soft top all the time, that's totally up to you. However, savvy Jeep enthusiasts or ‘Jeepies' tend to keep a hard top on hand as well. That way, they can install that when the rainy or snowy season rolls around, as well as when they're running around town doing errands and family duties. Even the best soft top can't match the weather protection, refinement, and insulating properties of a proper hard top.

In this article, we're going to talk about installing and removing the soft top on a Jeep Wrangler, as well as how long you can expect a soft top to last, plus how to care for it.

Steps to Install a Soft Top on a Jeep Wrangler

It's really easy to install a soft top on your Jeep Wrangler. The steps are as follows.

• Unclip your front sun visors to gain access to the latches.
• Remove the Velcro straps from the side bows on your Wrangler.
• Open its tailgate.
• Lift the soft top and drop its sidebar onto the rail, sliding until it clicks.
• Pro Tip 1: Have someone on hand to help you lift it.
• Pro Tip 2: make sure that the rail is clean and free of debris before doing this.
• Fold the header over the windshield.
• Reach inside the front doors and loosely fasten the latches. Do not tighten them yet.
• Fold down the sail panels and hook them into the rail above the taillights.
• Pro Tip: make sure that the rail above the taillights is clean.
• Slide the tailgate bar through the rear window strip, ensuring that the rubber seal is on the bottom and outside edge.
• Roll the tailgate bar into place on the clips above the taillights.
• Zip the window closed and shut the tailgate.
• Open the rear doors to gain access to install the rear quarter windows.
• Use Velcro to help hold the windows in place, and zip them up a few inches.
• Tuck in the retainers and zip them up all the way.
• Now, you can tighten and secure the front windshield latches.

How Long Your Soft Top Should Last

The time you can expect your top to stay in good shape depends on a variety of factors. The typical life span for a Jeep Wrangler soft top is between three and five years. Factors that may lengthen, or shorten its life include:

• Where it's stored when not in use.
• Whether it's used permanently on your Jeep Wrangler.
• How often it's exposed to sun, rain, and snow. Remember that UV light also causes deterioration of your Jeep Wrangler's soft top, particularly the windows.
• How often you wash and clean your Jeep Wrangler and maintain your soft top.

Of course, your soft top could easily sustain damage that can drastically shorten its life. For example, a wayward branch on the trails could rip a tear in it. You've got to be mindful of this when driving on wooded trails, as you can't drive through the tree cover like you would with a traditional hard top.

How to Take Care of Your Soft Top

Your Jeep Wrangler's soft top needs some care now and then, if it is to last you a long time. If you rarely wash your Jeep, or rely on the rain to do the job for you, your soft top may last a couple of years at most. And don't even think about taking your Jeep Wrangler into a car wash if it's wearing a soft top. The rotating brushes will damage the top and shorten its lifespan.

Furthermore, you should invest in dedicated soft top cleaning products, of which we've got a great range. These chemicals are tailored to clean and maintain your Jeep Wrangler's soft top without leaving any oils or residues. Furthermore, you'll want to use a special vinyl window cleaner rather than regular glass cleaner.

Don't use a hard brush when cleaning your Jeep Wrangler's soft top. It's highly recommended to stick with a soft cloth and use perseverance rather than brute force when cleaning stubborn stains such as bird droppings or tree sap. If you must use a brush, stick with a soft-bristled brush and start very gently.

Don't use a high-pressure washer on your Jeep Wrangler's soft top. A regular hose is recommended, and you can also use a bucket. Remember, cleaning your Jeep Wrangler's soft top can't be a quick and easy affair, unless you don't mind buying yourself new soft tops every Christmas.

Everything For Jeep Wranglers At 4 Wheel Parts

At 4 Wheel Parts, the Jeep Wrangler is a staple model for us. We've got a great array of parts for conceivably every requirement and area of this iconic Jeep model. Why not call over at one of our myriad stores scattered nationwide, or shop online? Either way, you're availing yourself of the best prices, a fantastic array of products, and unmatched after-sales service. Join the 4 Wheel Parts community and you're off-road needs are well catered for.