Car dashboard: everything you need to know

The car's dashboard acts as an interface for the driver when the driver is moving. Indeed, it will provide information on the current vehicle speed, engine RPM, fuel level, or even any malfunction with the indicator on. In this article, we'll share with you everything you need to know about a car dashboard: its role, how to clean and repair it, and what is the cost of having it repaired in a workshop.

🚘 What is the role of your car dashboard?

Also known as dashboard, the instrument panel is located in the passenger compartment of your vehicle. It is placed in front of the user, behind sweeping car. Its role is important in informing the motorist about several key elements that need to be checked while driving:

• Vehicle speed : issued by the counter;
• Engine revolutions per minute : usually located to the left of the speedometer, the tachometer allows you to monitor gear ratios;
• Fuel level : in the blink of an eye, the driver can find out the level of the remaining fuel;
• Temperature coolant : when it reaches too high a level, you will receive a notification on the control panel;
• Number of kilometers traveled : often present below or above the speedometer;
• Indicator is on : These can be simple indicator lights (headlights on, flashing lights on), an alarm or an alarm. The last two, orange or red, will alert you if one of your devices is malfunctioning.

💧 How to clean sticky car dashboard?

Most of your car's dashboard parts are made of plastic. Over time, it can start to stick and this will change the visibility of the elements. To clean your dashboard if it sticks, you can use several different solutions:

1. Black soap : the most natural solution, applied with a damp sponge all over the dashboard;
2. Microfiber damp cloth. : if the plastic is not too sticky, a simple damp microfiber cloth is sufficient;
3. Body shampoo : Designed to clean all body components, this product will deeply clean the dashboard and make it shiny;
4. Degreaser : it is especially effective, it should be left on sticky areas for a few minutes and then wiped off with a cloth;
5. Plastic cleaner for rooms : Designed for this kind of problem, this cleaner will degrease and clean plastic stains from your car dashboard.

These techniques can also be applied to the steering wheel or gear lever if they also stick.

⛏️ How to repair car dashboard?

Over time, your desk can be damaged and have several damages, such as cracks in the skin, plastic, or even the windows protecting the tachometer as well as the speedometer. To repair them, you can use the following tools:

1. Tube of silicone sealant : ideal for repairing small cracks and filling them invisibly. As a rule, it is necessary to make two passes to completely cover the surface;
2. Silicone sealant : It targets medium to large cracks, completely covers them. You can then use paint to even out the color of the dashboard;
3. Fiberglass Resin : the latter will fix cracks in the glass of the dashboard, it also fills in cracks or bumps.

If the wear on the dashboard is too great, you will have to contact a professional in the garage to carry out the necessary repairs on it.

💸 How much does it cost to repair a car dashboard?

The price of a dashboard repair will vary according to several criteria. Indeed, if the defects are simply material, mechanic can use mastic and welding kit to repair the assembly.

However, if the electronic components have been damaged, it will take longer on your vehicle to diagnose and repair the faults. On average, it takes from 50 € and 200 € for this type of intervention.

The various parts of your dashboard should be cleaned regularly behind the dashboard. As soon as it shows significant signs of wear, do not hesitate to have it checked by a professional. Use our online garage comparator to find a garage near your home at the best price!