Dash dressing that actually protects the dash?

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CBR.worm

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Are there any? My '06 G35 sits in the garage most of the time that it is not moving and has had a couple different 'protectants' applied over the years since new. Usually I don't use anything, just wipe it with a wet cloth. Now if you touch the dashboard with your fingernail, the textured coating will come off. The dash has also cracked near the VIN tag. It is apparently too late for this one, but are there any protectants that actually do protect for the future?

I have used Armor All and McGuires low-shine wipes on this one.
 
It's FL, UV and heat cycles.

A good windshield insert that blocks all sun when sitting IMO is the best move. Then the protectants and inhibtors are only necessary sometimes. They likely are going to be consumed in this too.

It seems that lexol and 303 have the best results. Ive heard that lexol replentishes plasticizers, which may be important.

It would be nice to do an experiment on this in a controlled way. I havent seen one...
 
I have read some posts/articles that using any of the many "protectants" actually causes the dash panels to crack.

Im a car fanatic, including detailing my cars. My 32 years of car ownership have definately shown me that using protectants will not stop a dash from cracking. Im definately going the no protectant at all route from here on out. Im just keeping them very clean.
 
A five-year old car from a luxury marque with a dash that's cracking and a deteriorating finish? That's very, very disappointing.
 
303 is OK, but using nothing is better, especially with a window insert. I have found no product able to stand up so far to the FL sun.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Jeff_in_VABch
Im just keeping them very clean.



The dust will keep UV away from those spots as well as any protectant
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: chubbs1
303 is OK, but using nothing is better, especially with a window insert. I have found no product able to stand up so far to the FL sun.


How is using nothing better? 303 is designed to stop UV damage and is far better then nothing.
 
I've had good luck with Lexol (Vinylex) and with the Meguiars Boat and RV protectant.

Then again, the dash on our 1982 BMW (the dash of which are known for cracking) got a steady diet of Armor-All for about 15 years and has no cracks, either.
 
Originally Posted By: JRed
A five-year old car from a luxury marque with a dash that's cracking and a deteriorating finish? That's very, very disappointing.


My thoughts exactly! However, I wonder if any of the protectants used on it caused this?
 
Originally Posted By: Jeff_in_VABch
I have read some posts/articles that using any of the many "protectants" actually causes the dash panels to crack.

Im a car fanatic, including detailing my cars. My 32 years of car ownership have definately shown me that using protectants will not stop a dash from cracking. Im definately going the no protectant at all route from here on out. Im just keeping them very clean.



I am with you 100% I stopped using protectant around 2001 on my interiors. I keep them clean and they look wonderful - no glossy shine or greasy feelings - just natural clean. And no cracking. I noticed that when using protectants in the past that I would get plastic parts turning brittle and I just dislike the glossy used car/ghetto shine look.
 
Gloss makes me
grin.gif
I use Armor all and have not had issues so far...in my sonata I also have a sun shield for the front becuase my car is like an oven over the summer.
 
I also dont like the film that builds up on the windows and interior parts/fabric of the car when protectants partially evaporate from a hot dash and then deposit when it's cool.

Does 303 leave a window film after awhile?
 
Originally Posted By: 4x4chevydude
Gloss makes me
grin.gif
I use Armor all and have not had issues so far...in my sonata I also have a sun shield for the front becuase my car is like an oven over the summer.


Does anyone remember the Armor All Low Gloss product?

I see that they have re-introduced a low-shine version of the product again. I guess the ghetto shine look is slipping from vogue again.

Anyone remember using transmission fluid on the tires back in the 70s before all these shine products were available? Those were the days.
 
I know this is not a what you're looking for, but I have dashmats on both vehicles and will always use them. I also use sun shields if I'm parking for any length of time. I broke down and bought a really nice one for the Accord due to the large windshield.

I don't trust protective sprays or coatings. They simple do not hold up compared to an actual physical barrier. The benefit to a covering is not only the dash protection, but the interior will not get as hot either.
 
I use Pledge Extra Moisturizing. BEST interior detailant hands down! I learned about this on a Harley forum. Makes the interior look new and makes the color look very deep and rich,BUT it doesn`t atract dust and doesn`t make everything geasey and pastey like all of the other auto protectants do. Makes everything feel nice and slick,and not sticky.

Give it a try,you`ll never use auto protectants ever again.
 
Originally Posted By: CBR.worm
Now if you touch the dashboard with your fingernail, the textured coating will come off. The dash has also cracked near the VIN tag.


Same EXACT thing happened to my 3000GT after using Armor All. Then on the other hand,my dad used to have a 1990 Delta 88 and never once used any kind`ve protant on the dash. Car sat outside 24/7 and never saw the protection of a garage. To this day the dash still looks brand new with no fading or cracks whatsoever (my dad gave the car to my nephew`s friend who still drives it). So I say *no* to auto protectants.
 
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