The owners of convertibles will certainly know how to quickly answer the question that serves as the title of this article, and even from this author's own experience, believe me: it is possible to drive with the top open in the rain without a drop hitting us.
It is not very difficult to understand the phenomenon. From a certain speed, the car's aerodynamics will make the airflow that goes up through the windshield, continuing towards the rear of the car, to act as a virtual roof, a kind of force shield, which prevents the rain from enter the cabin.
A Mazda MX-5, as the video points out, is perhaps the best example for this type of experiment, thanks to its more vertically oriented windshield — the author of the video mentions a speed of 72 km/h (45 mph) for make this possible. In the case of four-seater convertibles, you'll need more speed if you want to keep the rear seats dry.
It's all spectacular until they hit slow traffic, an intersection or a traffic light…
To understand the science behind the phenomenon, the DriveTribe video below explains it all, blow by blow:
About the “Cold Start”. From Monday to Friday at Razão Automóvel, there is a “Cold Start” at 8:30 am. While you drink your coffee or gather the courage to start the day, keep up to date with interesting facts, historical facts and relevant videos from the automotive world. All in less than 200 words.