The best way to maintain your vehicle’s excellent condition is to keep it clean, stay on track of its maintenance schedule, and fix issues as soon as they arise. While drivers often focus on the parts and components that power their vehicles, it’s also important to check the state of your ride’s interior.
One of the ways to make your vehicle look and feel brand new is by replacing old, worn-out, and damaged accessories on your dashboard. From dash covers to dash light rheostats, there are plenty of parts that can help you spruce up or repair your dashboard.
To help you narrow your options, here’s a list of seven of the best dashboard accessories you can invest in.
Installing a dash cover is a quick fix that allows you to cover up your cracked, faded, stained, or damaged dashboard. It also helps protect it from scratches, chipping, and sun damage.
Dash covers come in various colors (gray, black, brown, etc.) and come in dash mat or molded designs. Dash mats are typically made of polyester material, while molded dash covers are made of high-quality thermoplastic.
Despite regular maintenance, factors like frequently parking under the sun and driving in places with warmer climates can cause the panel to fade, chip, or crack. To prevent these issues, consider getting an instrument panel cover for your dashboard.
An instrument panel cover is a kind of dashboard panel that attaches to the vehicle’s instrument cluster. It can help you:
Instrument panel covers come in various colors and materials. Choose one that’s designed specifically for your year, make, and model to ensure fast and easy installation.
A dash light rheostat controls the brightness of your car’s dash lights. Usually equipped with a plastic or metal casing, it controls the brightness of the dash lights by managing the resistance in a circuit. Make sure the dash light rheostat you’re eyeing is compatible with your vehicle to avoid problems during installation.
Even if you’re not a smoker, a functioning cigarette lighter is a must-have in your vehicle. Not only do they light up cigarettes, but they also power small electrical devices like mobile phones and tablets. Keep your devices fully charged on long trips by repairing or replacing the damaged socket before hitting the road.
Instrument cluster panel accents are designed to improve your dashboard’s look and cover up imperfections. If your dash or gauge panel has a larger hole opening than your gauge diameter, you can use panel accents to revamp them.
Dash accents add style and personal flair to your dashboard. Make sure to pick a style and finish that complements your vehicle’s interior. To ensure an easy installation, get dash accents that are specifically designed for your make and model.
Aside from installing dashboard accessories, here are other ways to make your dash look and feel brand new:
Keeping your dashboard clean should go beyond dusting dirt off. Make sure to wipe it down thoroughly with the appropriate cleaning solution.
Grab a bucket and mix a half-gallon of warm water with a tablespoon of car wash solution. Dip a clean cloth or rag into the mixture, wring it out, then use it to clean your dashboard. Make sure to wipe tight, hard-to-reach spaces. Once you’re done, dry off your dashboard with a clean, lint-free rag.
Another way to keep your dashboard in tip-top condition is by applying a protectant on its surface. Not only will it protect your dashboard against UV damage, but it will also help prevent discoloration and fading over time. Remember to use a solution that’s suitable for your dashboard’s material.
Apply two tablespoons of the protectant to a clean rag, then use that to smear the solution all over your dashboard. Once you’re done, use another clean, lint-free cloth and wipe any leftover protectant off your dashboard until it’s dry.
Your dashboard can fade, turn brittle, or even melt when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. The easiest way to prevent sun damage is to park somewhere shaded. You can also invest in tinted windows to limit the UV rays entering your cabin. Another cost-effective alternative is to buy sun shades for your windows instead.
Your dashboard makes up a large part of your vehicle’s interior, so it pays to keep it in top shape. With the help of the accessories listed above, you can switch up the look of your interior without spending an arm and a leg.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.