//Frequently Asked Questions.
Why do I need a smart top?
Well apart from it being one of the coolest gadgets around for a vehicle, turning any convertible into a "transformer”, which impresses both children and adults alike, there are many usability and safety benefits.
1. Operation of the roof while moving (limited to a predetermined safe speed)
Ever been stuck in traffic or at traffic lights and it suddenly rains? Don't be caught out again. Smart top allows one touch operation from within the car to raise and lower the roof even whilst the car is moving.
2. One touch operation
With a single touch of the roof button you can raise and lower the roof or all the windows. This allows you to concentrate on the driving whilst a smart top concentrates on opening or closing your roof.
3. Greater usability of your car's best feature.
We have found customers regularly say they lower the convertible roof far more often on even the shortest of journeys as there is no delay to get the roof up or down. This can be activated and completed whilst setting off and parking up meaning no delays whilst the roof is stowed away.
4. Feeling the heat?
Ever had that uncomfortable feeling on a sweltering hot day where you need to get into the car start the engine and then hold the roof button for what seems like an eternity until the roof and Windows come down and let the heat out? No more with Smart top. The roof can be lowered using the remote whilst external to the vehicle meaning heat can be dissipated before you get anywhere near the driver's seat.
5. Unexpected shower and you've left the roof down?
Don't be that person that has to run back to the car and get drenched to put the roof up, whilst onlookers smirk at the convertible owner who left his roof down. With a smart top, as long as you are within remote range, the roof can be raised from the house, the office or the cafe, and nobody is any the wiser as to whose car it is. All in all we feel it's quite a compelling case to get one!
Can a smart top do anything else?
Yes, there are other features that are model specific. For instance, the smart top may allow you to adjust the configuration of your windows on an SLK to leave the small rear windows up whilst front two remain down. It may also allow you to set a chirping noise whilst locking and unlocking the car .
Other additional features include adjusting the position of Mirrors when reverse is selected so you can see the curb whilst parking helping to avoid catching the wheel when parallel parking.
The unit can also adjust wiper settings on some models to give them a delayed second “flick” after screen washing. This avoids the driver having to operate the stalk several times to clear the screen.
**These features vary depending on vehicle so please contact us for details.**
If the roof opens whilst moving, will it get damaged if somebody catches the switch and it opens whilst I'm on the motorway?
During installation we can programme a predetermined speed that the roof will open up to a maximum of 30mph. Above this speed there is no chance of an accidental activation.
I don't want my roof to work whilst the car is moving but I do want all the other features. Can you set a smart top up to do this?
Yes. The modules are fully customisable.
Won't operating the roof remotely before starting the car drain the battery?
Not under normal circumstances. There is sufficient power in a good car battery to operate the roof many times but still have power to start the car. This would only potentially be an issue with cars that have a significantly weakened battery that is close to the end of its usable life. These batteries are likely to cause starting issues whether or not the smart top is used. If your vehicle has a very weak battery we would recommend fitting a new battery before using the smart top remotely.
Can't I just fit this myself why do I need wise technology to install it?
It is possible to DIY install these devices. However they require a reasonably good knowledge of auto-electronics and computing. They are not for fitment by the faint hearted! What you get with a Wise Technology install is full updating of your smart top module to the latest software, our expertise on knowing the best settings for your SLK , installation of the device to the manufacturers specifications, and our ability to configure the unit to your own specification. Whilst we have seen successful DIY installs we have also had many calls seeking help where a DIY install has not worked and correcting mistakes made during a DIY install can be far more costly than the price of the install itself.
Will I have to travel miles and be without my car for you to install it?
No, we offer a mobile fitting service and we can come to you. Installation normally takes just a couple of hours and you don’t have to leave your car anywhere. If you are outside our local fitting area please still contact us as we do fitting trips to other areas of the UK where we can install a number of owners' smart tops in one trip. As soon as we have enough interest we’ll be in touch to arrange a mutually convenient time.
I don't want to take time off work. Can you install at weekends?
Yes, we can install your Smart Top on both Saturdays and Sundays.
How much does it all cost?
It can vary depending on a number of factors including the cost of the smart top for your model of vehicle, the complexity of the install and the distance we have to travel to carry out your install. As a rough guide approximate Install prices at the time of writing vary from £150 to £350 depending on complexity and location. You will need to add to this the cost of purchasing your smart top module which again, at the time of writing, varies from approximately £150 to £480. Please contact us and we will be able to advise on specific pricing for your model of car with no obligation.
Can you fit smart tops to any convertible car?
We started out in business as SLK specialists and predominantly work with this make of car however smart tops are available for many makes and models of convertible. We're happy to consider installs in other makes and models of vehicle. The general rule of thumb is that provided your car has an electrically powered roof that doesn't require manual user intervention (e.g. mechanically latching/unlatching by the driver), then there is a good chance that there's a smart top to fit your vehicle. Please contact us with the specific make, model and year of vehicle and we can advise what options you have.