- UV radiation causes discoloration, protective layer loss, and cracking.
- Extreme heat and thermal cycling degrade plastics and plasticizers.
- Age, cheap materials, neglect, and harsh cleaners accelerate cracking.
- Shade or sunshades and regular maintenance with UV products prevent cracks.
Dashboard cracks are a common aesthetic issue affecting both older and newer cars. While they do not affect safety, they can mar the interior and become costly if ignored. Understanding the causes and applying preventive measures can significantly extend the dashboard’s life.
This guide reviews the main causes of dashboard cracking and effective prevention strategies to help you keep the interior looking as good as new.
Main causes of dashboard cracks
Ultraviolet radiation – the main enemy of the interior
- Discoloration - the first sign of material degradation
- Loss of protective layer - the surface elasticity is lost
- Structural cracking - the first superficial cracks appear
- Deep deterioration - affecting the plastics’ integrity
Thermal factor – extreme heat
- Thermal expansion - the repeated expansion and contraction of materials
- Changes in physico-chemical properties - loss of plasticizers in the material
- Accelerated drying - removal of natural moisture from the plastic
- Internal stresses - leading to material cracking
In scorching summer days, cabin temperatures can exceed 70°C, and the dashboard can reach 80-90°C in sun-exposed areas.
Secondary factors that worsen the problem
- Vehicle age - older materials have reduced resistance to environmental factors
- Material quality - cheap plastic dashboards degrade faster
- Lack of maintenance - neglecting cleaning and protection
- Use of unsuitable products - aggressive detergents that remove the protective layer
Effective prevention methods
Sun protection
Strategic parking
- Using underground or covered parking
- Looking for natural shade areas (under trees, near buildings)
- Positioning the car with the dashboard in shade when possible
Sunshade - an affordable solution
- Installing a front sunshade reduces the dashboard temperature by 15-20°C
- Side sunshades protect exposed areas of the front windows
- Reflective models provide superior protection
- Investment of 50-100 RON can prevent repairs worth hundreds or thousands of RON
Preventive maintenance
Regular cleaning
- Use plastics-specific detergents
- Avoid alcohol- or ammonia-based substances
- Wipe with microfiber cloths to avoid scratches
Applying protective products
- UV protection creams and sprays for plastics
- Products that restore plasticizers in degraded materials
- Apply every 2-3 months for maximum effectiveness
Controlling interior climate
Efficient ventilation
- Open windows to rapidly lower the temperature
- Use air conditioning to maintain a constant temperature
- Avoid thermal shocks by gradual cooling
Early identification and repair of problems
Alarm signals
Early stage:
- Localized discoloration
- Slightly rough surface to the touch
- Loss of natural gloss
Moderate stage:
- 1-2 mm superficial cracks
- Visible texture changes
- Areas with a dry appearance
Advanced stage:
- Visible cracks over 3 mm
- Detachment of chunks of material
- Structural deformities
Stage-based repair solutions
For small cracks (under 2 mm):
- Repair kits with flexible plastics
- Cost: 30-80 RON
- Working time: 1-2 hours
- Effectiveness: 80-90% for superficial problems
For moderate cracks:
- Professional repairs with special resins
- Cost: 200-500 RON per area
- Durability: 3-5 years with proper maintenance
For extensive damage:
- Complete dashboard replacement
- Cost: 1500-4000 RON (depending on car make)
- Warranty: 2-3 years for original parts
Practical tips to maximize durability
Optimal maintenance routine
Monthly:
- Cleaning with specialized plastic products
- Checking for early signs of degradation
- Applying UV protection products
Seasonal:
- Thorough inspection for new cracks
- Renew protection treatments
- Check sunshade effectiveness
Annual:
- Assessing the overall interior condition
- Replacing worn protection accessories
- Planning potential preventive repairs
Smart investments in protection
The cost of prevention is always lower than the repair:
- Quality sunshade: 50-150 RON
- UV protection products: 30-60 RON/year
- Preventive repair: 100-200 RON
- Complete dashboard replacement: 1500-4000 RON
By adopting a proactive approach and applying proper preventive measures, you can completely avoid dashboard cracks or significantly delay this natural wear process.
