What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, if you've ever seen a 10-year-old Hilux with a dash that looks like a dried-up riverbed, you know what our sun does to plastic. I once worked on an old Commodore where the dash literally crumbled in my hand, nasty stuff. This checklist is about preventing that and getting rid of that sticky, dusty film that builds up after a run through the red dirt. It's for anyone who wants their interior to actually last more than five years in this heat.
The Gear You'll Need
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Pre-Start Checklist
What You'll Need
The Dirty Work: Step-By-Step
Dry Dust and Vacuum
Run the brush attachment over the dash and vents. If you just spray liquid on red dust, you'll end up with a muddy mess in the cracks.
Clean the Vents and Buttons
Use your soft brush and a bit of cleaner to agitate the dust out of the AC vents and steering wheel buttons. Wipe away the grime immediately.
Wipe Down the Main Surfaces
Spray your cleaner onto the cloth, not the dash. This stops 'overspray' from getting all over your windscreen, which is a massive pain to clean off.
Apply UV Protection
Apply your protectant (like 303) evenly. Give it a minute to soak in, then buff it dry with a clean microfibre. You want a matte finish, not glossy.
Door Trims and Seals
Don't forget the tops of the door cards where people rest their elbows. High salt areas need this cleaned often to prevent the vinyl from hardening and cracking.
Final Inspection
What You'll Need
Watch Out
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