1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Dashboard protection...tips?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by qdllc, Sep 5, 2013.

  1. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    952
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Plastic actually doesn't need conditioning so any more than removing dust is unnecessary. The factory leather (at least in the 2010-11 higher trims) is covered with a plasticizer so no conditioning is necessary to prevent cracking, unlike uncoated leather.
     
  2. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,795
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Are you reading my posts?

    Did I use the word "conditioning"?

    I think I even said " It's not like the 70's and 80's when dash's would dry out and crack".

    It's plastic...it can get dirty. IMO 303 Aerospace Protectant...is an excellent product, to clean and protect. I'd recommend it. I use it in conjunction with Meguiars interior detailer...which is more of a pure cleaner and I think less of a protectant.

    The OP was looking for dash protection "tips". Yes....I use a sunshield, occasionally 303, a duster, and Meguiars Interior Detail spray. That's the regime I apply as opposed to buying a Dash Mat.

    I can tell you from experience...it works. If the 303 is providing UV protection I don't really need? Who cares? It's a cleaning and protective product that is well respected and IMO works great.
     
  3. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    952
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    My point is the dash doesn't get dirty with dirt/oil/grease like on seats and elsewhere where we regularly come into contact so all you really need is the California mini duster to remove dust. Unless you're the careless type (or have careless passengers who put their feet, etc. on the dash), there's no reason to touch the dash at all and get it dirty and hence no water-based cleaner.
     
  4. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,795
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Fantastic if you personally are happy with a level of dash care that starts and stops with using a duster.

    I find that even using a duster, eventually I need to clean the dash. Even without visible dust on the dash, eventually the plastic IMO just needs to be cleaned. Again I can tell you it looks a lot better after a 303 treatment, and/or a Meguiars Interior Detailer treatment than it does before the treatment and that's without much or any dust build up.

    You might want to try cleaning your dash.....you might be surprised at how much better it can look.
     
    NoMoreNow likes this.
  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,795
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I use both 303 and Meguiars Interior Detailer....I like 303, but it does provide a little bit of gloss in comparison, I would call 303 very low gloss...but not non-gloss.

    During the summer months I use 303...the rest of the year Meguiars Interior...I have to say I think I like the look with the Meguiars just slightly better. More of just a clean look....I'm sure Meguiars isn't providing the UV protection the 303 does provide. I'm also relatively sure I probably don't need the UV protection of the 303...but it can't hurt.

    I like to use the 303 on the dash and other plastic and rubber pieces.
     
    NoMoreNow likes this.
  6. Wayward

    Wayward Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2012
    145
    26
    0
    Location:
    Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I hope you like it, mine fits perfect and I think the black goes well with the dark grey interior.
    I only used 2 of the velcro strips cut into smaller pieces and used at strategic places where the dash curves, up front by the windshield and around the cutout for the speedo etc.
     
  7. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2013
    5,884
    3,486
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Swiffer duster works well too. Buy it at Target.
     
    The Electric Me likes this.
  8. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2005
    3,686
    699
    2
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    I use it regularly too. Great product to keep surfaces dusted off.
     
  9. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    1,358
    395
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Well, it's in and installed. Perfect fit. Used only two 1-inch bits of Velcro to make it hug the curves on the sides of the dashboard display. These two contacts ensure it won't slide.

    Pics....

    IMG_1819.JPG

    IMG_1820.JPG
     
  10. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    1,358
    395
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    As far as JuicedHybrid goes....

    Requested an RMA on 9/5/2013.
    Got RMA to return to manufacturer (CoverKing) on 9/9/2013.
    After a couple of inquiries and having to show proof from UPS that it arrived at CoverKing on 9/13/2013, told a refund would be processed in 2-3 business days on 10/1/2013.

    It's now 10/3/2013...no credit on the account yet, and I don't know if I'm getting the full $49.00 back or not.

    I also notice that my negative review of their dash cover seems to have vanished....hmmm. :whistle:

    **UPDATE**
    Finally got the refund. They docked me 15% even though the dash mat didn't fit as it came from the supplier. So, don't bother with the ones carried by JuciedHybrid and don't put any stock in their "simple, unconditional, no nonsense" guarantee.

    I posted another 1-star rating for their product. We'll see what happens to that.

    **UPDATE - Part 2**

    JuicedHybrid deleted my negative review of the product....
     
  11. Wayward

    Wayward Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2012
    145
    26
    0
    Location:
    Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Glad you got it and then it fit for you as well as it did for me.
    I think they look really nice in our car. Not like the old thick carpet ones they used to be when I was young.
     
  12. tplife

    tplife Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2013
    85
    24
    0
    Location:
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Don't like dashcovers at all. Regular use of a jumbo sunshade and a matte-finish clean/wipe solution containing UV inhibitors has always worked from Day One, and our 15+ year old cars without cracked or faded dashes show it's a winning formula.
     
  13. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2013
    5,884
    3,486
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
     
  14. Sassylady

    Sassylady Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2013
    26
    2
    0
    Location:
    Birmingham, Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have purchased for the last 20 years covers from DashMats for every car I've owned, my husband's cars and my sons' pickups, and for son's Delorean. I just ordered one for my 2010 Prius and I really like it. I have a velour one on my 20 year old Camry. I also ordered the mat for the back window shelf of my Camry to prevent the sun fading of the top of the back of the seats and destruction of the speakers. The mat didn't degrade, rot, fade and still looks new. I get lots of compliments on them. I order a charcoal color when interior is gray or black to cut down on the heat absorption (black) and reflection (I use charcoal - a dark gray instead of lighter colors).