Cracked dashboards are a sign of structural problems that go beyond what can be fixed by a leather or vinyl filler. The vast majority of dashes are constructed from either rigid plastic or vinyl laminated to a dense foam pad. Neither can be subpatched. Below will tell you how to repair a cracked dashboard and where do the cracks come from.
It is easy to repair a cracked dashboard. Just follow the four steps. They are color mix, time for a sausage roll, firm press, wash, and wait. Keep reading.
How to Repair Cracks?
Here are the details:
Color Mix
If your car’s interior is either white or black, you won’t likely choose to mix colors there. But in this instance we used a packet of white Sugru with a little black in order to make a grey to match our interior! (Hint: When blending colors, it is always simpler to start lighter and add more black than the opposite.
Time for a Sausage Roll!
Not an edible one, obviously (but then again). Simply roll your Sugru into a thin sausage shape and place it over the cracks in your car.
Firm Press
The next step is for you… firmly press the In case you didn’t guess, Sugru is down.
Wash and Wait
To smooth the surface finish of the Sugru and remove any lumps, bumps, or fingerprints, wipe some soapy water over it. After 12 to 24 hours, the Sugru will be ready. The interior of your car is fixed and ready for more great years of service!
Where Do the Cracks Come From?
The chlorine in the PVC and vinyl in your car’s dash gradually dries out because it is situated directly beneath the windshield and is therefore constantly exposed to sunlight. The coating then loses its ability to expand and contract in response to changes in temperature and turns hard and brittle. Where there is more tension, the first cracks will then start to show. The cracks on your dashboard will spread if you don’t fix them right away. As airborne moisture is absorbed, the foam beneath will start to expand. This results in the typical crack that is frequently seen in older cars. A completely cracked dash is hardly salvageable without removal and putting in a good three-days of work. Therefore, you should take action at the slightest sign of damage, otherwise it will become time-consuming and costly.
FAQs
Why Do Car Dashes Crack?
However, the dashboard is typically made of a substance known as PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. Although this is a durable material, it can break down when exposed to extreme heat and UltraViolet (UV) sun rays. Ultraviolet light is the number one cause of cracking in a car’s dashboard.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Cracked Dash?
RepairPal’s estimation of the cost to replace a dashboard. The average cost for dashboard replacement is between $1,953 and $2,102. The cost of labor is estimated to be between $568 and $717, while the cost of parts is $1,385. This range does not account for taxes and fees, your particular vehicle, or your particular location.
Can You Wrap a Cracked Dashboard?
Wrapping your cracked dash truly is the only lasting solution for a cracked dashboard. We acknowledge that most people find the process to be simple, but we also recognize that some people might not feel confident handling a task of this size.
Can You Vinyl Wrap a Dashboard?
Yes, you can. One of the most well-liked methods of shielding the interior of your car from heat, cold, and wear and tear is with vinyl dash wraps.
Summary: How to Repair a Cracked Dash in a Car?
To repair the cracks in your plastic car dash, you could either bond them together or patch them up. Here are some products that should work:
- Polyvance Mini Weld 7
- Pratley Powda Bond
- J-B Weld Plastic Bonder
Note that these products will stop the cracks from spreading, but they won’t make your dashboard look new. For better results, you will need to sand the repaired cracks until the surface is smooth and repaint your dash—or replace it altogether.
You can prevent additional cracks from forming and improve the look of your dashboard by caring for it on a regular basis. Here’s how:
- Apply a UV protectant or lubricant
- Purchase a dashboard cover
If your dashboard damage is the result of a collision, your car insurance may be able to help you replace it—as long as your policy includes collision coverage.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. Thank you for reading.
