The dashboard of your automobile is more than simply a feature-rich panel; it’s an integral element of the vehicle and a canvas that preserves memories of countless trips. Moisture and dust quickly gather on the dashboard. You subject the dashboard to temperature variations every time you turn on the car’s AC system or the heat. This can cause cracks to form over time, reducing the overall look of your vehicle’s interior.
This post will show you how to fix a cracked dashboard using low-cost components in a short amount of time.
Complexity Of Dashboard
A car’s dashboard consists of three layers. The bottom layer, a glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic, is not visible. On top of that is a layer of polyurethane foam. The top layer on older vehicles is, of course, PVC. Recently, dashboard covers have been composed of PVC mixed with something called ABS. ABS stands for acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, a block copolymer.
PVC combined with ABS practically achieves the same result as PVC with an additional plasticizer, but the ABS does not evaporate, allowing the dashboard to stay much longer. Plasticizer is still used, however, because consumers appear to enjoy the new car fragrance!
Where Do The Cracks Come From?
Your car’s dash is just below the windscreen, so it receives frequent sunlight exposure, which causes the vinyl’s PVC to progressively lose its chlorine content. After that, the coating hardens and becomes brittle, losing its ability to change its size in response to temperature. Then, the areas with more tension will see the first cracks form.
If you don’t address these issues immediately, the fractures will spread over your dashboard. The foam beneath will start to inflate as a result of absorbing moisture from the air. This results in the common crack that older cars frequently have.
It would take at least three days to remove and repair a dash that has cracks all the way through. As a result, you should act as soon as there is any damage because waiting will make the process more expensive and time-consuming.
Repairing Car Dashboard Cracks
1. Supplies You Need
- Dashboard Repair Kit
- Sandpaper
- Cleaning Solution
- Putty Knife
- Paint
- Microfiber Cloth
2. Assessing the Damage
The first step in fixing a cracked dashboard is to determine the degree of the damage. Is it a minor, superficial crack, or has it expanded to a large area of the dashboard? You can choose the most effective repair method by carefully inspecting the crack.
3. Preparing the Surface
Begin by washing the area thoroughly with a cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. This will remove any dirt, grime, or debris that might interfere with the restoration process. After cleaning the surface, use sandpaper to lightly roughen the region surrounding the crack. This will allow the repair materials to adhere more efficiently.
4. Filling the Crack
The exciting portion now begins: filling the crack. You may be able to fill the crack directly with the dashboard repair kit if it is minor. Adhere precisely to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer, applying the filler in sparse layers and allowing it to completely dry between applications. To reinforce the repair of larger fractures or areas where the dashboard has begun to deteriorate, plastic filler may be required. Once more, ensure that you adhere to the product’s instructions and give sufficient time for drying.
5. Sanding and Smoothing
It’s time to sand and polish the restored surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently smooth away any excess filler until it is flush with the dashboard surface. Take your time with this stage, since a flawless finish will significantly improve the end outcome.
6. Painting and Finishing
After filling and smoothing the crack, it’s time to paint and finish the repair. Begin by applying a coat of paint that matches the color of your dashboard. Matching paint is available at most auto dealers or by contacting your vehicle’s manufacturer. After the paint has dried, use a clear coat to preserve the repair and give it a glossy appearance. Allow the clear coat to thoroughly dry before reassembling the dashboard.
How to Prevent Dashboard From Cracking?
There are various things you can do to keep your dashboard from cracking. Unfortunately, many of them can be challenging and time-consuming. When repairing or maintaining a car dashboard that is damaged, it is best to obtain professional assistance.
Simple things you can do to keep your dashboard from cracking include using a windshield sunshade to deflect some of the direct sunshine and heat off your dashboard. Even with a sunshield, it is tough to stay cool in hot summer circumstances. Shade is always better when seeking a parking location.
Also, keep your dashboard free of dust and unnecessary materials such as notebook pages, discarded food cups and containers, and children’s toys, all of which can trap heat and melt onto your dashboard.
Bottom Lines
A cracked dashboard is more than just a visual issue; it indicates that your vehicle’s interior requires maintenance and attention. Frequent interior auto detailing can assist keep your dashboard in good condition and stop cracks from forming.
Keep in mind that every crack tells a story—one that need not be one of abuse. With the proper care and attention from a professional service like Al Zaabi AutoCare, your car’s dashboard may instead tell a story of well-maintained beauty and longevity.
FAQs
What is the material of a car dashboard?
Dashboards are made from a variety of materials. Plastics are often used because they are lightweight and easy to form. Polypropylene is the most widely utilized material due to properties such as opacity. Polyurethane is also a popular material because of its superior shock absorption.
How much does it cost to repair a cracked dashboard?
Expect to pay USD 1,500 or more for skilled repairs. Rather than patching in the gaps, most technicians replace the entire dashboard, leaving no visible repairs. New dashboards typically cost between $900 and 950 USD, and installation may add an extra USD 500 to the repair cost.
How do you repair a fracture in the plastic car interior?
To fill and reinforce the damaged area, apply an automotive-grade flexible epoxy. Make sure the epoxy is suitable for the plastic you’re working with. Allow rubbing alcohol to evaporate after cleaning the area. Mix the epoxy properly and then apply it with a body filler applicator.
Can your vinyl wrap a dashboard?
Yes, you can. Vinyl dash covers are a popular solution to protect your vehicle’s interior from heat, cold, and wear and tear.
Is Vaseline suitable for vehicle dashboards?
People have compared Vaseline to Armour All in terms of its capacity to remove minor markings and scratches while also improving the overall condition of a car’s dashboard. The trick is to clean the dashboard first, then apply a small amount of Vaseline on a microfiber cloth and wipe it down.
