Have you ever entered your vehicle on a hot summer day and touched the dashboard only to find out that it feels like it has been placed in a microwave? Not only is it irritating, but too much sun also poses a real threat as it may cause the car to have a tarnished appearance and lose its market value as well.
It’s fair to say that many car owners struggle with this specific issue, especially considering how during almost every season of the year there is an extremely bright sun over India. The intense UV rays can cause fading, cracking, and warping of the dashboard leading to expensive repairs in the future.
Knowing the methods of shielding your dashboard is something important for saving time and financial resources in the future. A proper looking dashboard improves the overall driving experience, but also the car’s value when it comes to selling it. Think of it this way, you buy a new car and years later when you get tired of it, it still looks new.
In this article, we will figure out the most effective ways of preventing our dashboard from getting damaged by the sun. Others are just simple and easy to do techniques, you will be provided with easy to utilize advice that will fit your busy schedule. Moreover, we’ll present some of the best accessories that help to maintain the dashboard in the desirable condition.
Let’s get started and explore some of the effective methods which we can adopt in order to take good care of our cars’ dashboards while making sure that it does not lose its charm with time!
Sun Damage – Causes and Effects
Your Dashboard – What Exactly is it?
Your dashboard is more likely to be made out of vinyl material. And as we all know, vinyl materials are susceptible to UV damage. Here’s what you may expect:
- Loss of Color: All the reds, yellows etc., fade and lose their brightness, making the car appear older than it actually is.
- Cracking: This occurs after long exposure to UV rays, cracks are not only unsightly but weaken the ability of the dashboard to withstand pressure as well.
- Warping: The material can warp due to heat, changing the shape of various parts of the dashboard and interfering with its function.
Effects of Dashboard Damage
- Visual Improvement: A clean dashboard is a positive addition to a car that has been well maintained.
- Function: Cracks and warping of materials can alter the manner in which airbags and other protective measures are deployed.
- Price upon Sale: Clean interior of the car increases the chances of having a better price when selling the car
Ways to Maintain the Beauty of the Dashboard
1. sunshades
Sunshades assist in reducing direct sunlight to the dashboard and other parts of the car. This is probably the simplest and cheapest of them all.
Different colors of sunshades come as ‘reflective’, ‘accordion’ and some can be made to fit any and all design types.
Benefits: They effectively absorb and block any radiations coming from the sun and also help in decreasing the heat, hence saving your dashboard and other components.
2. Put on Dashboard Protectants
Dashboard protectants are appropriate products that are built to protect the dashboard from UV rays.
How to Use: Start by cleaning your dashboard well before you can apply the product. Use a microfiber cloth to ensure a nice thin layer that will allow for proper penetration.
Recommended Products: Browse for products that are light in oils and are explicitly made for UV rays.
3. Park Smart
Shady places are ideal when parking, especially in the summer.
Alternatives: If, however, you cannot avoid it and have no other option then park in the sun, you can use a car cover that can reduce the overall UV and heat impact on the paintwork.
4. Regular Cleaning
Maintaining a certain level of cleanliness around your dashboard area can reduce risk of harm over time.
What to Use: Use a gentle spray cleaner, some soapy water or a special car cleaner solution, and a microfiber cloth. Do not use strong cleaners, which can destroy the protective film.
Frequency: Minimum of once a month should be dedicated to cleaning the dashboard area.
5. Install a Dashboard Cover
A complete dashboard cover can help slow down any rise in temperature around the dashboard area even on hot sunny days.
Materials: Try to find thin covers made of heavy felt or carpet, which will also enhance the appearance of the cover and the car as well.
Benefits: Other than helping with the sun, they also help with glare during driving.
More Suggestions That Could Help You Maintain Your Car Dashboard
Protection from Heat and Cold
Never Leave Them on the Dashboard: Hats, sunglasses, and electronic devices may get damaged when exposed to very high temperatures inside a vehicle.
Stick Window films: Tinted windows will block more than 90% of the sun’s rays from penetrating the car.
Think of Painting Your Car Such That It Matches Your Shade
Difference Between Dark and Light Colored Dashes: Dark dashboard will heat up too much and have severe fading. You have to apply more protection in case of a dark color dashboard or any interior surface.
Conclusion
Protecting the dashboard of a vehicle from the sun is however a task that every car owner should take seriously for maintenance aspects. By practicing these very simple but effective approaches, one is almost assured of positive results in maintaining the look of every single aspect inside the car.
By simply being responsible and creative year round, you will be able to maintain the quality of your dashboard; thus, optimizing both your experience behind the wheel and the value of your vehicle if you decide to sell it.
If you’re looking for protection for your dashboard and any accessories, make sure to check out Mecarnic. They have a huge collection of quality products to make sure you maintain the standard of your car. So don’t wait and protect your car!
