Saving Your Dash from the Aussie Sun

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with those cheap, greasy sprays you find at the grocery store. You know the ones that leave your dash so shiny you can see the reflection in the windscreen? It's dangerous, mate. Plus, those silicone-heavy products actually attract dust like a magnet. I learned this the hard way on a black Commodore I used to own, one trip down a gravel road and the whole interior was orange. Use a water-based protectant like 303 Aerospace or Bowden’s Own Interior Detailer instead. They leave a factory matte finish and don't turn your car into a dust trap.

Don't just spray stuff directly onto the dash. A customer once brought in a Ranger where the overspray had spotted the inside of the instrument cluster glass, total nightmare to fix. Spray your cleaner onto a short-pile microfiber cloth first, wipe the surface down, then use a second, clean dry cloth to buff it off. This ensures you've got an even layer and no greasy streaks. Simple, but it makes a massive difference to the final look.

If you've just come back from a trip and your interior is caked in that fine outback dust, do not start wiping it with a wet rag. You'll just create a muddy paste that gets stuck in the grain of the vinyl. Use a soft detailing brush (a clean makeup brush works wonders, don't tell the missus) and a vacuum first. Get the dry stuff out of the cracks and seams before you even think about touching it with a liquid cleaner.

People always forget the rubber seals. In our heat, they dry out and start squeaking or, worse, they let in salt air if you live near the coast. While you're doing the dash, chuck a bit of rubber conditioner or even a wipe of aerospace protectant on those seals. It keeps them supple so they actually do their job when the rain finally hits.