OffroadAdmin
If you have a Jeep Wrangler in snow and ice conditions, you might be wondering if your soft top is ok to use throughout the colder months. Having a Wrangler soft top during the winter season is something you need to take good care of. This seems like common sense to many Jeep owners, but not everyone out there is aware of it.
So, Is It OK or Not?
While many people switch over to the hardtop in winter, there are those who like to just keep the soft top on throughout the entire year.
To answer your lingering question, yes, it is completely fine to use Jeep soft tops in the winter. If you don’t have dual tops, a soft top will still be able to keep you warm during those cold months. Jeep heaters are known to be quite good, and they also heat up quickly. One thing to note, though, is that you shouldn’t be treating the soft top on your Jeep like you would a regular window.
Wrangler Soft Top Winter Maintenance
If you’re not delicate and careful around your soft top, the cold temperatures can create a problem. Freezing temperatures make the vinyl less flexible, and this can result in cracking. You don’t want to attempt to lower the soft top when temperatures drop to below freezing. The flexibility in the soft top material is what makes it able to move around freely. But cold temperatures restrict that.
Another thing to be careful of is rolling up the vinyl windows in the colder months. Even if you try to zip them open, it can potentially cause them to crack, similar to how glass cracks.
Ice and snow removal
If it’s winter and you happen to spot some ice buildup on the soft top windows, your gut reaction might be to try and scrape it off. You have to resist that urge because using a scraper on it will create big scratches all over it. The worst-case scenario is that it could even crack open, and the warranty for soft tops doesn’t cover that.
When you’re around the soft top in the wintertime, you’ll want to walk on eggshells. Accidentally bumping into it while trying to brush off snow could actually puncture the material. Something as simple as this could ruin the functionality of the vehicle.
How Do You Remove Snow and Ice on Wrangler Soft Top Windows?
Sometimes you see tips online, such as dumping hot water on soft top windows to get rid of ice build-up. While this tip might look like a good way online, it’s probably best to avoid it as it could cause the windows to crack.
There are all sorts of different methods out there that people use to get rid of snow and ice on windows in the winter:
- Some people have stated that they use hair dryers, but this doesn’t make much sense since the heat inside the vehicle does just the same thing;
- Other people use covers for their vehicle and just leave it right over the soft top until morning. This solution might work for some people as well, but caution still needs to be exercised.
The tips for getting rid of snow and ice as fast as you can are endless, but the most efficient and safest way to do so is just cranking up the heat in the vehicle and letting it do it on its own.
This strategy requires a little planning ahead of time, but at least you won’t risk the event of your soft top cracking apart. Just ensure that you’re not in too much of a rush by giving yourself about 15 minutes for the heat to melt off the ice, and then be on your way. Starting the vehicle 15 minutes ahead of time will also give your engine a chance to warm up, and you’ll be nice and toasty when you’re ready to leave.
If you accidentally end up cracking the soft top windows, you’ll probably have to take it into a dealership or manufacturer that can either repair or replace them. Just Jeeps offers a wide variety of Wrangler soft tops, and maybe you’ll even find a better one than your current soft top and decide to upgrade.
Conclusion
Running a Wrangler soft top in winter isn’t too risky. It just requires a little extra patience. With modern materials, strong Jeep heaters, and proper care, a soft top can handle snow and ice without a problem. Treat it right, and your Wrangler soft top will get you through winter comfortably, even when the weather doesn’t play nice.
Wrangler Soft Top FAQ
Do newer (2024–2026) soft tops handle cold better than older ones?
Yes, because newer materials are more durable and better insulated. However, vinyl still stiffens in freezing temps, so keep in mind the winter maintenance rules mentioned above.
Will a soft top keep my Jeep Wrangler warm enough in winter?
Yes, no worries. Jeep Wrangler heaters are surprisingly powerful and warm up fast. Once the cabin heats up, you’ll be just as comfortable as with a hard top.
Should I ever lower my soft top in freezing temperatures?
Nope. That’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Cold vinyl loses flexibility, and trying to fold it down can lead to cracks or permanent damage.
Is it okay to zip or unzip Wrangler soft top windows in winter?
Only if your Jeep is warmed up first. Let the interior heat soften the windows before touching zippers to avoid stressing or cracking the vinyl.
What’s the safest way to remove snow from a soft top?
Use a soft brush and light pressure. Never scrape, and don’t push down hard. The material can puncture more easily in cold weather.
Can I use an ice scraper on Wrangler soft top windows?
Definitely not. Scrapers can scratch or crack the windows, and that kind of damage usually isn’t covered under warranty.
Last modified: January 14, 2026
