How to buy and install a car dashboard overlay
Your car's dashboard cover helps protect vital components from damage, including various sensors around the steering column, radio, heating and air conditioning controls. However, over time, the dashboard can crack and fade, mainly due to exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
While you can take precautions to prevent this, such as using a sunscreen or conditioners designed to prevent dryness and cracking that result from years of exposure, they don't always work. Using a dashboard cover is another way to protect your dashboard from damage. By following a few simple steps, you will be able to buy and install a dashboard cover in no time.
Part 1 of 1: Buying a Car Dashboard Cover
The first part of the process of buying a dashboard cover involves determining what kind of cover you can afford, the exact cover you need, and where to purchase it. Once you find the right dashboard cover, all you have to do is buy it and install or replace the old one.
Step 1: Come up with a budget. First you need to determine how much you can afford to spend.
Cost plays an important role when choosing the dashboard cover you buy for your vehicle. Better and more refined design increases the overall cost of dashboard coverage.
Another consideration is the type of vehicle, as the price of dashboards on luxury cars, like many parts, can be significantly higher than on less expensive cars.
Step 2: Determine Which Dashboard Cover You Need. Next, you need to determine the color, material, and size of the dashboard cover you want.
Dashboard covers are made from a variety of materials, including:
- Suede: Although not as durable as other types of materials, suede gives a car dashboard a sophisticated look.
- Fabric: Fabric dashboard covers come in a variety of colors and designs.
- Carpet: Carpet is very durable but may feel dated.
- Molded: Rigid, molded dashboard covers are very durable, although they must be made specifically for the type of vehicle to fit properly.
Dashboard covers come in a wide variety of colors, including solid and multi-color finishes, as well as patterns.
You must also keep in mind the specific make, model, and year of the vehicle. Most often, dashboard covers are designed for specific vehicles, although you can find generic models that can be customized to fit your specific vehicle's dashboard.
Step 3: Check local retailers and websites.. The last step in buying a dashboard cover is to visit your local retailer or buy online.
Local retailers are the best option as you don't have to wait for a case to be delivered if they have the right case in stock. The downside is that the retailer may not have the exact dashboard cover you prefer. Some popular local retailers include AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts and O'Reilly Auto Parts.
You can also search the web at sites such as Advanced AutoParts, Amazon, and JC Whitney, among other sites.
Another option is to buy through a dealer. The dealership offers the exact dashboard cover for your vehicle make, model and year. More often than not, the dealer will have to order the exact part you are looking for.
Part 2 of 2: Installing the car dashboard cover
Necessary materials
- purifier
- Microfiber towel
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Once you have received the dashboard cover, you need to install it. This includes removing the old cover, cleaning the dashboard properly, and adjusting the new dashboard cover to size.
Step 1: Remove the old dashboard cover. If an old dashboard cover is installed, it must first be removed.
For molded covers, this usually means removing the screws at both ends and at various points around the dashboard. You should also look for screws in the defroster vents.
When removing the suede, cloth, or carpet dashboard trim, pull it away from the dashboard. Be aware that some covers are attached to the car dashboard with Velcro. To remove or replace Velcro fasteners, carefully peel them off and use rubbing alcohol to dissolve and remove the adhesive.
Step 2: Prepare a new dashboard cover.. Before installing a new dashboard cover, be sure to thoroughly clean the car's dashboard with a cleaner and then let it dry.
Then, for the suede, cloth, and carpeted dashboard covers, roll them out on the dashboard, making sure all the holes line up with the corresponding area of the dashboard, the radio with the radio hole, the air vents with the holes for the air vents, and so on.
The molded dashboard covers simply snap on and any holes should line up easily when the cover is properly installed.
- Functions: When installing an unmolded dashboard cover, allow it to rest in the sun for a while before installation. This allows the lid to relax, making it easier to put it back in place and providing a smoother fit overall.
Step 3: Install the New Dashboard Cover. The type of dashboard cover determines how it is attached to the car's dashboard.
Suede, cloth or carpet dashboard covers usually snap into place and are held in place by their weight. Sometimes you may need to use the Velcro that comes with the case to make sure it stays attached. This requires that you align the Velcro fasteners sewn into the cover with the ones you attach to the dashboard.
The molded dashboard covers snap into place but also require screws to be tightened further to secure. Most caps have screws on both ends, and some have vent holes. For more information, see the instructions that came with the dashboard cover.
Dashboard trim provides protection for your car's dashboard. This ensures that the dashboard remains in top condition and is free of scratches, dents and dents. This will help ensure that your car does not depreciate if you later decide to sell it. If you have any questions about installing a dashboard cover, see a mechanic to get the answers you're looking for from one of our experienced technicians.
