I'm having a constant problem with my dash getting dirty from wind blown dust when i have the sun-roof open. Is it recommended to use Armor All protectant wipes to clean the dashboard or should i use some other product. I've heard that Armor All can cause your dash to crack after extensive use. Is this information wrong, if so, what should i use for the dash.

 

I don't recommend. I used 1/2 diluted (cuz I want to avoid the gloss looking) Armor All last weekend. And the result sucks! I ended up getting inconsistent gloss patch. And it drove me nut. So, unless you like the "bling bling" look on your dash, stay away from it. Now I use my bottle only on tires.

 

Why is the font so small?

Don't like ArmorAll. If you use it once you pretty much have to keep using it as its near impossible to remove.

 

Armour All worked pretty well on the dash of my IROC-Z. The Z had a black dash, it was parked outside for about 4 years and it never cracked or had any other kind of discoloration. I put Armour All on it every time I washed it. It does, however, leave a shiny finish which tended to really glare off the inside of the windshield on a sunny day. Per recommendations on this board I picked up a bottle of 303 aerospace protectant yesterday and plan to use it when I clean the dash and interior this weekend. I bought it at the local marine supply store.

 

Can you recommend anything other than Armor All? I dont want to be stuck using just one product the entire time i have the car.

 

Can you tell me how the 303 protectant works out for you? I plan to thoroughly clean my ride this upcoming weekend and want to do the interior as well as the exterior. Two weeks ago, i used Armor All on my Accord, before trading it in for my TSX, and it resulted in one helluva glare from the sun . I don't want to experience that in the TSX.

 

I use stuff called Black Magic. Has the same sort of Amour All Finnish but seems to come off alot easier. A spary bottle lasts quite a long time as well. A small amount seems to spread well.

 

If you do a search on "303" you'll find several threads on it. There are several threads on "cleaning the dash" or check out the FAQ on interior cleaning. Here's the "cleaning the dash" thread: http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2989

 

Thanks for the info, i just ordered a bottle of 303 from:
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/303-30340.html for $12.95.

 

303 is the best stuff hands down. A month after putting on the dash, still looks good as new

 

I use some vinyl cleaner/protectant from Meguiar's. Can't recall the exact name. It's a bit too shiny at first, but after a few days the sheen goes away, and it leaves a nice surface that does not seem to attract dust. I think it has magic "dust repellant" in it.

 

The only product I've found that keeps the TSX dash clean and matte looking is Einszett Cockpit Premium. I ordered it from here: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/1z-924510.html

No residue, you can use it on the entire dash and not worry about getting smudges on the stereo or anything.

 

Cockpit premium is my choice also. No shine and it doesn't attract much dust. Vinylex is ok too but it leaves a bit of a satin finish.

 

Did the shiney dash reflect radar from the cops, you know does the reflection make the radar waves bounce off your dash so they cant track you, kinda like the stealth bomber? Oh yeah do you have the custom t-tops? Sorry couldnt resist.

 

I've used Armor-All on my Golf for 8 years and it worked fine.

The main reason for cracking dashboards is lack of any protection, which leaves them dry and thus cracking.
I don't see a reason why Armor-All would cause the dash to crack


However, when I used it in my TSX it left patches, so I switched.
Now I'm using Lexol Vinylex and I'm very happy with it.

 

 

I always thought the reasoning behind Armor All cracking dashes is because it's water based. Water will dry out, dash heats up really good, fades, eventually cracks. I'm sure it's a long term thing.

 

I really don't like to use products on the dash. Whenver I clean, I simply use a damp rag. Products give the dash a greasy shine that I think is best left for the tires.

If you need the serious protection, I guess the Lexol would probably be the best...but even then, I'd only do it once a month or so (if your car is parked constantly in the sun)



BTW...I've never bought a bottle of Armour All...never will, never would.

 

303 is not greasy.

Also, greasy shine on tires is no good either, mostly because the product you apply will end up on your rear panels. Zaino's Z16 (i think) is the best stuff I've used for tires. Shine lasts forever, and it is not greasy.

 

Don't like Armor All at all.

I use lemon Pledge. Been using it for years. Got turned on to it after watching a friend use it on his fenders of his Honda 250R ATV. Switched from the metal can to the plastic squeeze bottle, but still the one. No shine, no dust-magnet qualities.

 

i agree, lemon pledge is really good when applied in moderation. as a matter of fact, i'm using it right now! i found armor all works just as well on more plasticky materials, but since i spoil my car, i use the pledge. the coat lasts a while and leaves a slippery but smooth and fairly dry finish.

best of all it, smells really.............oh sorry, blacked out again. mmm........lemonny goodness.

 

use a damp wet cloth, and wipe every day. Problem solved

 

Can't recommend Armor All. I use Cockpit Premium - bought online from autopia.com Gives a nice matte finish, pleasant smell. Not at all greasy.

 

I use the Cockpit premium also. i highly recommend it.

 

ive heard water-woolite mixture works pretty good but haven't been able to try it for myself yet. its 5:1

 

After all the hubbub I bought some Cockpit Premium.

Comments:

1) Don't leave your windows up in the sun afterward... the smell is pretty strong if you do.

2) I think this stuff is OK, but I think I'll go back to pledge afterwards... better smell (and less of it), just a little shinier (can't believe how matte this stuff is!) and cheaper too...

 

Cockpit premium is great stuff. If you have an Iroc Z it works great for cleaning the garter belt or cd hanging from your mirror. Also works great for grooming your mullet. LOL

 

I don't like anything on my dash, I just want it to be as clean as it was the day it left the factory. I have found only one product that does this, make the car look OE new.

www.griotsgarage.com sells some stuff called interior cleaner. It's 10bucks, 35oz. I use it every couple of washes, you can use it on leather and fabric too. My interior (tan) looks perfect mint. Plust my dash isn't all shiny just show room new clean.