Cracking of the dashboard in your car is not very common and is mostly seen in older cars. However, in case you are facing such a problem, read the article and follow the repair instructions given.
A dashboard can crack due to various reasons. It could be either due to UV rays from the sun, a result of a car crash or even just due to regular wear and tear as a result of excess usage. A cracked dashboard spoils the appearance of your car interior and needs to be repaired or replaced quickly. Replacing it is the best potion is such cases, though a highly expensive one. In case the damage is minor, you can try out a few things to repair the problem yourself, saving the cost of replacing the whole thing.
The table below suggests the possible options, their merits and demerits to help you make the best suited decision.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Replacing with a new dashboard |
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| Recover the dashboard from the company |
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| Replacing the old dashboard with a used one |
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| Fix a ‘cap’ on the damaged dashboard |
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| Repairing a cracked dashboard |
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How to Repair a Cracked Dashboard
The best way to repair a cracked dashboard is by using silicone caulking. Silicone has the strength to hold the cracks together and is flexible. Also, this is a simple and inexpensive method you can try out, by following the steps listed below:
Step 1
With the help of a utility knife, make a V-shaped incursion around the crack. Avoid making the cut too deep. Before you do anything else, clean up the crack from the inside as well as outside. Take out all dust settled from within using blower or a damp cloth and allow the area to completely dry.
Step 2
To ensure that the silicone stays in the crack, stick a painter’s tape on either side of the crack. This will prevent it from spreading on to the dashboard, as silicone shines after drying.
Step 3
Fill the crack on the dashboard with silicone and let it dry for about 15 to 20 minutes, after which you can remove the tape. In case the rack is small, you can remove the tape first and then let it dry. If the crack is bigger, you can apply a coat of vinyl on it before it totally dries out or else it won’t soak in the coating.
Step 4
Let the silicone dry on the dashboard for 2 to 3 hours, and then apply paint on the bigger cracks, so that they are not visible.
Since the major cause for a cracked dashboard is exposure to sun and UV rays, a good way to prevent this would be by covering the dashboard when the car is kept outside during daytime. You can use a towel or any piece of cloth for the same.