Likely will do most driving with top down. Any advice on whether to just leave the top down when garaged? Wondering whether it is better, worse, or no impact to long term viability of the hydrolics vs raising it back up each time. '06 XK8.

 

I also keep the top down most of the year, but I think it's really better to keep it stored up to prevent the creases from becoming permanent. It's also probably good to exercise the mechanism and micro switches.

 

Agree with RJ237 on top creases especially if you have a lighter color top.

 

I keep mine down most all the time. I have not see any adverse effect on the top so far. I figure that putting it up whenever I wash the car is enough to keep it's shape.

If you do keep it down like me I would recommend using the cover otherwise there are a couple places that the top will rub and wear from the wind flopping it about. I now try to keep the cover on as much as possible after noticing the rubbing issue.

 

I would be leery of leaving it down. I've owned two convertibles. A 2004 Volvo C70 that was garaged with the top down, and then this 1998 XK8 that was garaged with the top up.
The difference in appearances between the two is astronomical. The Volvo top had large crease marks at every pivot point, and was very stretched out. And it was 6 years younger to boot!

I was a bit embarrassed of the top, so I never took real close photos of it. Haha. But you can see a bit of what I'm referring to in these two photos.

 

If you wish to leave the hood down for long periods of time with the cover in place I recommend that you have an assistant help you lower the top while cushioning it where the canvas will rub against itself. A soft, lint-free towel or cloth will suffice. Even with the cover in place, the vibrations from driving will wear the material. Once my car was parked with the hood closed for two weeks, the folds faded away, but the slight abrasions remained. There are two places on both sides of the vehicle, the finish edge above the doors and between the rear windows and quarter windows.

 

Verdict is... I'll put the top up and down as needed. Thanks all

 

Wise beyond your years Grasshopper!

 

MY experience tells me to always put the vert top up every day. In the least, you avoid the mouse nest issue, which can suck the hairy moose lips.

 

Additionally, i have good results with the ultrasonic rodent devices. In a single car garage two are advised with one under the engine compartment. Use the larger units, not the ones that mount to/hang from an electrical outlet. Never had an issue for many years even when storing materials that attract the pests.

 

Better than a moose nest

 

 

Here in Northumberland we have no such worries.
It stays well and truly up most of the time or we freeze and get wet.

Agree with the comments on creases and think if it's unused for any length of time it's better up.