Sun shades, strategic parking, and protective sprays can all help protect a car’s dashboard from UV damage. With our famously sunny, hot climate, these tips are especially important for us Aussies.
Here are 5 simple tips on how to protect your car’s dashboard and interior from sun damage and UV rays.
Why It’s Important to Protect Your Car’s Dashboard from UV Rays
Sun damage can be brutal on a vehicle’s interior. Certain components, such as plastics, electronics, the dashboard, and fabrics are especially vulnerable to UV damage.
As plastic components sit in scorching heat, your car’s dashboard is in a vulnerable location. Dashboards often face direct exposure to UV rays, leading to excessive exposure over time.
This thermal stress causes the dashboard to expand and contract, putting it at risk of cracks, fading, and damage. UV rays also break down fabrics, such as vinyl or leather, and fade finishes.
Possible risks and damage from UV exposure include:
- Fading and loss of sheen
- Cracks on the dashboard
- Cracked or fading seats
- Brittle trim pieces
- Warping
- Damage to electronics, such as dashboard lights, cabin sensors, screens, and digital displays
- Possible damage to internal components housed in the dashboard, such as the airbags
With continued UV exposure over time, it can negatively affect your car’s function, appearance, and feel. The damage, such as cracked paint or broken displays, can reduce your car’s resale value.
5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Car’s Dashboard and Interior from Sun Damage
- Park Strategically
- Use Sun Shades and Dash Covers
- Use Protective Sprays
- Crack the Windows
- Regularly Clean and Condition the Dashboard
1. Park Strategically
When possible, park your car in the shade, a covered parking spot, or a garage. This is the number one way to prevent dashboard damage from the sun.
It can also be helpful to park so that the rear of your car faces the sun. This can cut down on how much sun hits the dashboard and front seats.
You May Also Like: 10 Easy Ways to Protect Your Car Without a Garage – Shevron
2. Use Dash Covers and Sun Shades
We know it isn’t always possible to find a covered or shaded parking spot. That’s when dash covers and sun shades become necessities.
Sun shades are foldable, flexible screens that are easy to put in place. These convenient shades act as an effective, affordable way to protect your vehicle from UV rays. By reflecting UV rays rather than absorbing them, sun shades act as a reflective armor for your car’s dashboard.
Investing in sun shades and dashboard covers can save thousands in the long run, considering the cost of replacing a dashboard.
Along with being an easy way to protect the dashboard, sun shades and dash covers can also protect your vehicle’s:
- Electronics
- GPS units
- Soft-touch plastics
- Console
- Steering wheel
- Seats and upholstery
Read more about how car sun shades work here: Do Car Sun Shades Work? – Shevron Auto Accessories.
Bonus: Dash covers and sun shades can also keep your car cooler, even without air conditioners. By blocking how much sunlight can enter your car, dash covers and sun shades naturally keep the interior cooler. This is crucial for surviving Perth summers, especially if your car doesn’t have A/C.
For more tips on keeping your car cool without A/C, read our guide here: How to Keep Your Car Cool Without AC – Shevron.
3. Use Protective Sprays or Waxes
Applying UV protectant sprays or waxes is another effective way to protect your vehicle’s interior from sun damage. Think of these protective sprays and waxes as sunscreen for your car.
These products feature special ingredients that act as heat repellents and UV inhibitors. By blocking UV rays and bouncing them off the car, it prevents the sun from absorbing into the dashboard’s delicate plastic.
4. Crack the Windows
Keeping your car’s windows slightly cracked can help stimulate airflow and reduce how hot the interior gets. The increased circulation can also reduce moisture build-up on humid days, cutting down on odours.
5. Regularly Clean and Condition the Dashboard
Regularly cleaning and conditioning your car’s dashboard can help protect it. Specialty cleaners and conditioners designed to get rid of buildup and grime can help maintain the dashboard’s finish.
Protect Your Car’s Appearance and Function with Custom Auto Accessories from Shevron
UV rays and high temperatures can break down your car’s dashboard and interior, leading to fading, cracking, and damage. Fortunately, a few simple steps, such as using sun shades and dash covers, can protect your car’s function and value.
Need help fortifying your car against UV rays and damage? We carry products designed just for that! From enhancing comfort to preserving your dashboard, our range of custom car accessories are at the forefront of vehicle protection. Proudly family-owned and operated, we’ve grown to be one of Australia’s largest custom auto accessory manufacturers and distributors. Contact us for personalised product advice.