You may not have given much thought to protecting your car’s dashboard, but there are quite a few benefits to doing so. Since it sits right below the car’s front windshield, your dashboard is exposed to UV rays on a daily basis, whether or not it’s in use, which can cause it to fade or weaken over time. The longer you’ve had your car, the greater the chances are of the dashboard becoming covered with scratches, spills, dust, or even cracks. If your dashboard is polished and/or shiny, you may even have noticed that the sun’s rays reflect off of it into your eyes and impair your vision on bright days—not something you want to be worrying about while driving. Fortunately, a dash cover offers a solution to all these issues in one convenient product. They completely cover your dashboard to hide any flaws for a more aesthetic look, safeguard it from further wear, and block the glare from the sun. If you want to buy a dash cover to help safeguard your car, here are a few recommendations.
Purchasing a Car Dash Cover
Here are a few things to think about before buying a car dash cover:
- Compatibility: The most important factor in picking the proper dash cover comes down to the make, model, and year of your car. Since every car brand has a different design and interior, their dashboards will be shaped differently. And even within the same brand, different models of cars that came out in different years may not have identical dashboards. Since your new dash cover won’t do you any good if it doesn’t properly cover or entirely fit your dashboard, be sure to check a product’s listing and make sure the make, model, and year all match up with your vehicle before you buy it.
- Molded vs. Carpeted: The two types of dash covers you’ll see on the market are molded and carpeted models. Molded dash covers are the pricier of the two since they tend to have a more precise fit. They’re also incredibly easy to install thanks to that precise fit; all you have to do is slide them into place or, in some cases, add a small adhesive. A carpeted dash cover will come pre-cut and tend to be made from more durable materials. They’re secured to your dash by Velcro straps. Consider which of these two models you might prefer for your car.
- Durability: Since a car dash cover’s main purpose is to shield your dashboard from harm, look for options that offer the widest range of protection possible. A good dash cover should be resistant to UV rays, scratches, spills, and smudges. You don’t want it melting under the hot sun, after all. Models that are easy to clean are also an optimal choice, as regular cleaning keeps them in better condition and extends their service life. Look for car dash covers that are machine washable if possible or that can be steam cleaned, vacuumed, wiped down, or at least brushed.
Best for Toyotas: JIAKANUO Car Dashboard Cover Mat
If you drive a Toyota, this car dash cover is ideal for your vehicle, especially if you drive a 2007-2011 Toyota Camry. Whether you’re looking to protect a new dashboard or improve the appearance of an old one, this cover is a good option. The light gray color will suit the interior of just about any car, and the polyester material is durable and sturdy. The precision patterns and hand-finished details will enhance the dash cover’s appearance. It will protect your dashboard from cracking and fading and shield your eyes from the sun’s glare. Since it blocks UV rays, it can actually help keep the interior of the car cooler. Installation is simple, thanks to the included Velcro tabs. If you don’t own a 2007-2011 Toyota Camry, a similar car dash cover with slightly different contours is available. It’s suitable for left-handed drivers.
Best for Chevys: SPEEDWOW Dashboard Cover Mat Carpet
If you own a Chevrolet/GMC series car, especially if it was made between 2007 and 2014, this is the car dash cover for you. If you own a slightly different model or yours was made in a different year, worry not, as there are six other alternative covers with identical features for other Chevy/GMC cars. It protects your dashboard from the sun, which prevents cracking and warping, and reduces the glare reflecting off the dash so that it’s easier on your eyes. The dark color is especially useful in this regard, as it absorbs rather than reflects the sunlight. The cover will also help keep your car’s interior warm in cold months and cooler in hotter weather. If your dashboard currently has any stains or other imperfections, this cover will mask them from view. Nor will it block your heating and cooling vents, as the cutouts are designed to fit around them. The fabric is made of a solution-dyed polyester with UV inhibitors that prevent the color from fading even after extended time in the sun sewn on top of an anti-slip silicone base. It’s designed not to inhibit sound, so don’t worry if you have flat speakers that are enveloped by this cover. To install, simply dampen your dashboard with a semi-wet towel, unfold and smooth out the cover, properly align it over your air vents, and gently press down to secure it into place.
Best for Nissans: Yiz Dash Cover Mat Y29
This thick, precisely tailored car dash cover is ideal for Nissans, particularly a 2007-2012 Nissan Altima or 2007-2012 Altima Sedan Coupe. There are two other alternative models if you own a Nissan in a different make. Unlike some models, this car dash cover is available in black, brown, or light gray, so you can best match your new cover to your car’s interior. It’s also suitable for left-handed as well as right-handed drivers. It protects against all sorts of sun and UV damage, from cracking to fading to windshield glare. This cover also prevents your dashboard from baking and heating up on hot days, so the interior stays cooler. If you have a new dashboard, it will keep it looking perfect and pristine, spruce up your current dash, and prevent any further damage. Velcro fasteners are included for quick and secure installation. For best results, clean the dashboard of dust and debris before you attach the cover.
Best for Acuras: Yiz Dashboard Cover with Climate Sensor
This car dash cover is perfectly tailored to fit Acuras, especially those models made between 2004 and 2008. The Velcro fasteners make it easy to install. Simply wipe down the dashboard with a semi-wet cloth, paste the Velcro strips along the dash, place the cover over them, align it properly over the air vents, and press down gently. This cover is equally great for keeping new dashboards in perfect condition or hiding old stains, splotches, and damage, as well as preventing further wear and tear. The sewing detail along the cover not only gives it a subtle aesthetic enhancement but ensures its durability and quality. It protects against sun damage of all types, fading, and cracking. It’ll also prevent windshield glare from UV rays, so you don’t have to worry about the brightness hindering your vision while driving, even on bright sunny days. As a bonus, it has a cooling effect on your car’s interior, thanks to its UV-blocking properties. It’s suitable for left-handed drivers and available in black or gray.
