UV rays are your number 1 car interior enemy
UV light from the sun is a form of high-energy radiation that breaks down materials through a process called photodegradation. Car dashboards, typically made of plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), are especially vulnerable.
Car dashboard damage due to sun & UV rays
A car parked in sunny climates (e.g., Arizona or Florida) might show dashboard damage in just a few years, while one in a cloudy region (e.g., Seattle) could last decades. Direct sunlight is the killer—garage parking or shade makes a huge difference.
How to block UV rays and protect your car plastics and interior dashboard from solar damage
Here are a few tips you can follow to minimize the risk of UV rays damaging your car’s dashboard. I have added a link to my YouTube channel and a video of my favorite anti-UV product from Turtle Wax.
- Amazon: Turtle Wax Dash & Glass
- eBay: Turtle Wax Dash & Glass
- Use a windshield sunshade to block UV rays.
- Apply a UV-protectant spray (like 303 Aerospace Protectant) to create a sacrificial layer.
- Tint your windows with UV-blocking film—some block up to 99% of UV light.
Feedback
Do you take any special steps to prevent the sun from damaging your car’s plastics and interior dashboard? Let me know your favorite routine and products in the comments. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel so I can make more content like this.