Dash Mat vs Dash protectant

aussiei30GD2sr · **November 29, 2013, 00:54:19**

Whats everyone experiences with using dash protectect sprays vs having a genuine Hyundai dash mat?

example - Meguiar's Dash & Trim Protectant

From a looks view I'd say not having the dash mat looks nicer but is the protective sprays do what they say they do?
Can they stuff the material the dash is made from?

Anyone knows of good products and experiences.

cheers

Phil №❶ · **Reply #1: November 29, 2013, 01:06:26**

We put dash mats in both cars immediately. They reduce the temperature of the plastic dash material and most importantly keep damaging UV radiation away from the plastic as well. I believe the annoying film that deposits itself on the interior of the window results from chemicals, emitted by plastic components when they get very hot.

Do not use any vinyl protector on your steering wheel, it could void your insurance apparently. (This is an unsubstantiated statement which needs verification.)

rustynutz · **Reply #2: November 29, 2013, 01:52:06**

I've used Armor All on all my car dashes, door trims and steering wheels and never had a problem.
One vehicle I had for close to 20 years and the dash had no cracks up until I disposed of it.

Quote from: Phil №❶ on November 29, 2013, 01:06:26

Do not use any vinyl protector on your steering wheel, it could void your insurance apparently.

Does anyone know that for a fact?
Only time I've heard of it was when one of our members bought it up as a possible reason they might void a claim....He supplied no evidence that that was in fact the case.

As someone that does use protectant sparingly on the steering wheel I believe that if any excess is wiped off and the wheel itself isn't slippery, then I reckon you have no reason to worry...

Oh, and I have looked at my insurance company product disclosure and failed to find any mention of anything even remotely related.

Surferdude · **Reply #3: November 29, 2013, 02:14:41**

I use Armorall on the dash and other vinyl/plastic surfaces with no problems.
I have also used it sparingly on the steering wheel a few times and like Rusty, make sure all excess is wiped off. It's not slippery.

But I think the dash mats are a good idea to reduce glare.

Dazzler · **Reply #4: November 29, 2013, 07:08:49**

I like dash mats.. They don't seem to get as hot as a bare vinyl dash does so I think they might keep the car a bit cooler too.. Sometimes the aftermarket ones are better shape/material/look than the manufacturer ones (so shop around if you decide on a mat)

I used to find any protectant used even sparingly on the dash increased the shine and thus the reflection/glare. Just my 2 cents worth (but no charge for today only)

The Gonz · **Reply #5: November 29, 2013, 10:47:31**

Free advice is worth the price, Dazz.

Just Rick · **Reply #6: November 30, 2013, 13:44:15**

Quote from: Dazzler on November 29, 2013, 07:08:49

I like dash mats.. They don't seem to get as hot as a bare vinyl dash does so I think they might keep the car a bit cooler too.. Sometimes the aftermarket ones are better shape/material/look than the manufacturer ones (so shop around if you decide on a mat)

I used to find any protectant used even sparingly on the dash increased the shine and thus the reflection/glare. Just my 2 cents worth (but no charge for today only)

Funnily enough I have an after market dash mat in both of ours,but every now and then,I take it off and apply a small amount of armour all,just so the plastic doesn't dry out,don't use any product on Cyrils steering wheel(plastic stock wheel)but do use armour all leather wipes on Bruce with no issue

Doggie 1 · **Reply #7: December 01, 2013, 00:36:48**

I'm with Rick on this one.
I use a dashmat but also protect the dash with protectant come cleaning time.

Surferdude · **Reply #8: December 01, 2013, 04:34:06**

This thread has convinced me to (finally) go out and buy the dash mat I've been promising myself for 4 years.
It's hanging in the garage as we speak (write).
I might even go out and fit it soon.

agentr31 · **Reply #9: December 01, 2013, 12:46:32**

dash mat, noting like a PHYSICAL barrier!

bit like sunscreen VS a cotton shirt... the sunscreen 'wears out' after a while, the shirt protects all day long

Dazzler · **Reply #10: December 01, 2013, 21:11:20**

Quote from: agentr31 on December 01, 2013, 12:46:32

dash mat, noting like a PHYSICAL barrier!

bit like sunscreen VS a cotton shirt... the sunscreen 'wears out' after a while, the shirt protects all day long

Very well put Ian!

But some don't like the look of them mate.. they would say....

What looks better, a half naked girl with just some sunscreen on or one wearing a T-shirt?

Surferdude · **Reply #11: December 01, 2013, 23:25:41**

Quote from: Dazzler on December 01, 2013, 21:11:20

Quote from: agentr31 on December 01, 2013, 12:46:32
dash mat, noting like a PHYSICAL barrier!

bit like sunscreen VS a cotton shirt... the sunscreen 'wears out' after a while, the shirt protects all day long

Very well put Ian!

But some don't like the look of them mate.. they would say....

What looks better, a half naked girl with just some sunscreen on or one wearing a T-shirt?

That might depend on the girl................................

Phil №❶ · **Reply #12: December 01, 2013, 23:41:01**

T-Shirt for me.

Dazzler · **Reply #13: December 02, 2013, 00:50:54**

Quote from: Phil №❶ on December 01, 2013, 23:41:01

T-Shirt for me.

Yeah, definitely a T-shirt for you

I wouldn't want to see you half naked with sunscreen on

Phil №❶ · **Reply #14: December 02, 2013, 02:32:05**

aussiei30GD2sr · **Reply #15: December 02, 2013, 05:56:25**

agentr31 · **Reply #16: December 05, 2013, 12:18:11**

lol...

Stinger · **Reply #17: December 06, 2013, 00:50:38**

Any thoughts on the GD Model in regards to a protectant of the front dash? I think the dash mats look bad and don't stick .
Personally not a big fan of armourall, so an alternative would be good. The GD model also looks like a vinyl like appearance as apposed to a hard plastic...

rustynutz · **Reply #18: December 06, 2013, 01:34:37**

This is supposedly good, never tried it myself though.....

303® Aerospace Protectant 16oz.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #19: December 06, 2013, 08:20:59**

The dash mat on my GD stays put without the use of the adhesive tape, never a problem.
I don't like Armorall either as it's too oily and greasy, but other brands are better, like Maguires.

rustynutz · **Reply #20: December 07, 2013, 06:12:35**

Armorall vs Meguires which one wins??!?! - YouTube

rustynutz · **Reply #21: December 07, 2013, 06:13:36**

I dunno about the Maguires but the Armor All instructions do say to let it penetrate and then wipe off any excess.
This is where I reckon people go wrong and wonder why it then feels greasy or oily....

Phil №❶ · **Reply #22: December 07, 2013, 08:19:32**

Not a very scientific test. He wiped the dust off both sides after 6 weeks, with the same rag.

Surferdude · **Reply #23: December 07, 2013, 10:02:57**

I can only spek from personal experience here.
Some people used to use Armorall on their tyres. It attracted and held dust like you wouldn't believe.

But I use it on dashboards and interior trim (not cloth

) and have done for years. I do make sure I wipe off any excess after a few minutes.
Never had a problem with stickiness or oiliness.

The Gonz · **Reply #24: December 08, 2013, 01:52:33**

Back in the 80s when I was excited about vynil I used to hear all sorts of bad things about Armorall doing damage to your car interior - oh, wait, that might have been this ...

Phil №❶ · **Reply #25: December 08, 2013, 02:54:29**

Wax and polish as you dust, with Mr Sheen.

Bloody advertising, it's got to me.

rustynutz · **Reply #26: December 08, 2013, 03:12:30**

Used Mr Sheen for more years than I care to remember on helmet and visor...

rustynutz · **Reply #27: January 03, 2014, 23:49:05**

Bought a bottle of the 303 Aerospace Protectant yesterday...on special at Autobarn for $19.99

I'll let you know what I think of it when I get around to cleaning my car...

ttc · **Reply #28: January 04, 2014, 04:10:43**

Dash mat for me, I got one for Christmas, he knew I wanted it straight away, told me the dealer had no stock and then gave it to me on Christmas day. It was nice of him to buy it but he did know I wanted it straight away as I found the dash reflected a lot onto the screen

When I eventually get to it I'll put protectant on the dash underneath it, but no need atm it stays put.

In my last job one of the guys had my truck for the day and he thought he was being helpful by cleaning the steering wheel with armour all. Lots of it, made life fun as my hands just slid around it, spent ages wiping it off as it was bloody dangerous.

Surferdude · **Reply #29: January 04, 2014, 04:14:04**

Quote from: ttc on January 04, 2014, 04:10:43

In my last job one of the guys had my truck for the day and he thought he was being helpful by cleaning the steering wheel with armour all. Lots of it, made life fun as my hands just slid around it, spent ages wiping it off as it was bloody dangerous.

Sounds like the sort of practical joke an Aussie co-worker would pull.