2007 Sebring model. As temperatures heat up, many residents are working to get their "soft" bodies back in shape. Between lunges, crunches and situps, Major Chrysler Jeep Dodge discovered consumers want to firm up more than just their legs, arms and stomachs this summer. They also want to firm up their tops- their convertible tops. In fact, a recent Chrysler brand survey revealed 62 percent of Americans want hard convertible tops.

While a majority of consumers prefer "hard" bodies and hard convertible tops, the survey also revealed a softer side of America. Here's the hard truth about the softer side:

•Get the Ice Cream Scoop: More Americans prefer the soft-serve version of ice cream compared to the hard, handpacked style (50 percent to 43 percent).

•Paperback Preference: Nearly seven out of 10 consumers (69 percent) would rather have a soft cover book when they're reading at the beach or on a summer road trip.

•Soft Rock Soothes: The Beach Boys, Steppenwolf, Lynard Skynard and other classic rock artists were identified by Americans as making some of the best convertible driving songs.

•Raise the "Soft Top" Roof: One in three Americans (33 percent) still prefer soft-top convertibles, and the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible is the first convertible offering three automatic latching top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted, steel, retractable hard top.

"No matter where you live, there's just something special about driving a convertible. It's exhilarating, windows down, hair blowing in the wind," Bruce Bendell of Major Chrysler Jeep Dodge, said. "Regardless of whether you prefer the hard or soft top option on the all-new Chrysler Sebring convertible, this summer is the perfect time to have fun cruising around town in the open air."

Whether you are a first-time convertible driver, planning to buy a new convertible or thinking about renting one, all convertible drivers and passengers should be familiar with a few universal driving tips that apply to all convertibles:

•Lock Your Valuables: Don't leave important papers or valuables in plain sight when the top is down, put them in a locking glove box or take them with you.

•Sing, Sing, Sing: Top-down fun and good music go hand in hand- but think about what you're blasting since everyone around you can hear your music choices.

•Protect Your Pet: If they're not used to riding with the top down allow pets time to adjust by taking them on short trips, at low speeds and eventually work your way up to cruising full speed.

•Hair Raising Experience: Driving with the top down can add extra volume to your usual hair style. Take a quick peek in the mirror to make sure the extra volume has enhanced- not detracted from- your appearance.

•Soak Up The Sun: Top down driving is a great way to get a daily dose of Vitamin D, but don't forget to apply sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends wearing sunscreen that protects you from the sun's harmful rays every day if you plan on being in the sun for more than 20 minutes.

The completely redesigned 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible offers a sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. The Sebring convertible also offers three automatically latching convertible top options, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob.

The Chrysler Sebring convertible has long held the title of America's favorite convertible. In fact, it has earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States for seven of the past 11 years.

For more information about the Chrysler Sebring convertible, visit www.chrysler.com/sebringconvertible or go to Major Chrysler Jeep Dodge at 44-01 Northern Blvd., Long Island City.