If you don't operate it, it won't be folding or unfolding. It is this movement that can hurt your top material in cool weather. Having your top down all winter and driving it like that is no different from all those who have it down, with a hardtop over it. It's still subjected to the same cold and you say you won't be driving it when there is a chance of getting crap on it, so what's the harm? None that I can see.

 

I leave the top up all winter mainly so I don't caught with the top down on a cold but clear day when a drive would be fun. Also IMO the top is a little happier being stowed up and stretched out rather than down and folded when it's sitting in the cold most of the winter.

This is a little off topic but don't forget your stock tires will offer much less grip in freezing weather even if the road is dry. Sermon over.

 

Xviper brought up a good point that hasn't been commented on again, that is, bringing the top down and up in stages. I did that the other day, not with the same intention as xviper pointed out of letting the top catch up to the movement, but because I wanted to hear if anything makes a crackling sound or something out of the ordinary.

However it would be good practice to bring it up and down slowly in stages.

W