Sofia Martinez
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause your car's plastic dashboard to crack and fade, leaving you with no choice but to repair or replace it. To prevent this, you can use a UV-blocking spray, a sun visor, or a dash cover to protect your dashboard from UV rays and extreme temperatures. You can also park your car in a garage or shaded area to limit sun exposure. Regular cleaning with a microfiber cloth and appropriate interior cleaning products can also help to maintain your dashboard.
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What You'll Learn
Use a dashboard cover
A dashboard cover is a great way to protect your plastic dash from sun damage and extreme temperatures. It is a vital accessory to protect your dashboard from cracking and fading. Dashboard covers are tailored to your vehicle's model to ensure full coverage. They are available in various materials and colours to match your car's interior.
The first step in installing a dashboard cover is to ensure your dashboard is free of dust and dirt. Use a dashboard-safe cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface. You can also use an ammonia-based glass cleaner for this step. Once the surface is clean, prep the underside of the cover with masking tape, weights, cardboard wedges, sandpaper, and RTV silicon adhesive. Add adhesive around the openings and edges of the cover, then place it on your dashboard.
Using a dashboard cover is a simple and effective way to protect your plastic dash from sun damage. It is a more permanent solution than sprays and protectants, and it can also improve the appearance of your car's interior.
In addition to using a dashboard cover, there are other ways to protect your plastic dash from sun damage. Parking in shaded spots or using a garage can limit sun exposure. Using a windshield cover or sun visor can also help to keep the sun out of your car and reduce heat buildup.
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Park in shaded spots
Parking in shaded spots is an effective way to protect your car's plastic dash from the sun. While it may be challenging to find a shaded parking spot, it is worth the effort to protect your car's interior.
Shaded parking spots can be found in various locations, such as under trees, in the shadow of buildings, or in indoor parking lots or structures. These spots provide shelter from the sun's rays, reducing UV exposure and limiting sun exposure for your car.
Parking in a shaded area can help prevent your dashboard from drying out and cracking. It also reduces the internal temperature of your car, making it more comfortable to enter and drive.
In addition to finding shaded spots, you can also use a windshield cover or sunshade to keep the sun out of your car. These tools can be especially useful during the warm summer months when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
By combining shaded parking spots with other sun protection methods, you can effectively reduce sun exposure and protect your plastic dash from damage.
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Use a sun visor
Using a sun visor is a great way to protect your plastic dashboard from sun damage. The sun visor blocks direct sunlight from entering the car when it is parked, reducing heat buildup and protecting the dashboard from UV exposure. This is especially important if your car is frequently parked outside for extended periods.
The sun visor helps to prevent cracks, fading, and warping of the dashboard material caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. UV rays are the primary cause of dashboard deterioration, and by using a sun visor, you can create a barrier between the dashboard and these harmful rays, keeping it looking fresh and maintaining its resale value.
In addition to using a sun visor, there are other ways to protect your dashboard. Parking in shaded spots or using a garage can limit sun exposure. Applying UV-blocking sprays or using dashboard covers can also provide protection against sun damage.
It is also important to regularly clean your dashboard with a microfiber cloth and appropriate interior cleaning products. This will help to remove dust, stains, and grime, keeping your dashboard looking new and reducing the need for professional restoration.
By using a combination of these protection and maintenance methods, you can effectively safeguard your plastic dashboard from sun damage and keep it in excellent condition for years to come.
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Clean and protect regularly
To keep your plastic dashboard looking new, it is important to clean and protect it regularly. This will prevent damage and deterioration, such as cracking and fading, caused by constant UV exposure.
Firstly, it is important to reduce UV exposure. While parking in a garage or covered parking spot is ideal, this may not always be possible. In this case, you can use a windshield cover or sun visor to keep the sun out of your car, especially during the summer months. Window tint can also be an effective solution, blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays.
Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining your plastic dashboard. Use a soft, microfiber cloth to dust your dashboard weekly and perform a deep clean monthly using appropriate interior cleaning products. Avoid using household cleaners as they may contain ammonia or alcohol, which can damage materials like vinyl and leather. Instead, opt for a dashboard-safe cleaner or a product specifically designed for plastic dashboards, such as Turtle Wax Dash & Glass, which removes dust and grime while leaving behind a layer of UV protection.
There are also several products available to protect your plastic dashboard from UV damage, including UV-blocking sprays and dashboard covers. When choosing a protectant, look for one that contains UV inhibitors, which make surfaces more reflective, allowing UV rays to bounce off rather than be absorbed. For example, 303 products are highly recommended for vinyl and plastic interior components, and RENEW PROTECT's DASH is a safe and effective alternative to conventional protectants, offering a non-greasy finish and complete defence against UV fading and cracking.
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Apply UV-blocking sprays
To protect your plastic dashboard, you can use UV-blocking sprays. These sprays create a barrier between your dashboard and harmful UV rays, preventing plastic trim from premature cracking, fading, and hardening. They also restore plastics to their original colour and condition.
Before applying any protectants, ensure your dashboard is free of dust and dirt. Use a dashboard-safe cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface. Clean the crevices using a detailing brush, and ensure that the dashboard is completely dry before applying any protectants.
Apply the UV-blocking spray in a thin, even layer using a microfiber applicator pad. Work in small sections to ensure consistent coverage across the entire dashboard.
For best results, reapply the UV-blocking spray every 3-5 weeks, or more frequently if your car is regularly exposed to intense sunlight. In addition to using UV-blocking sprays, you can further protect your dashboard by parking in shaded areas or using a garage, and using a windshield cover or dashboard cover to block direct sunlight.
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