| Best Choice |
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DashSkin Molded Dash Cover | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
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AutofitPro Custom Fit Dashboard Mat | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
|
DashSkin Ebony Molded Dash Cover | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. DashSkin Molded Dash Cover
- 2. AutofitPro Custom Fit Dashboard Mat
- 3. DashSkin Ebony Molded Dash Cover
- 4. Angry Elephant Black Carpet Dashboard Cover
- 5. Covercraft DashMat Original Dashboard Cover Dodge Ram
- 6. Seat Covers Unlimited Velour Dash Cover
- 7. Angry Elephant Dodge Ram Charcoal Carpet Dashboard Cover
- 8. DashMat Original Dashboard Cover Chevrolet and GMC
Looking for a quick and affordable way to upgrade your vehicle’s interior style? Dashboard covers can do that for you. Not only that, but they can also help protect your dash configuration against sun damage, heat, dirt and scratches, prolonging its life and saving you money long-term.
To help you find a quality dash protector that adds a touch of personal style to your ride’s interior, we’ve compiled a list of 8 best dash covers that come in a variety of materials, colors and styles. Read on to find the right one for your car today.
The Best Dash Cover
Molded of durable and UV-resistant ABS plastic so that it fits over your vehicle’s existing dashboard perfectly, this dash cover by DashSkin protects your vehicle against UV rays while concealing any existing cracks and holes. It’s molded to blend right with the existing dashboard, provided you choose the right color and install it as instructed, offering a seamless and smooth look. Speaking of colors, there are three available: Agate which is a very dark grey, almost black, Mist Gray which is a medium grey, and Camel which is a warm light brown.
The cover is pretty easy to install as it comes with a silicone adhesive and a thorough instruction guide. No special tools are required – all you have to do is mount it over your existing dash configuration properly an set it in place with the adhesive. The product is warranted for life against breakdown and UV damage, so once you set it, you’re covered for life.
- Rigid ABS plastic
- Molded to the shape of your dashboard
- Easy installation
- Lifetime warranty
- 3 color options
- Brand DashSkin
- Model 9801DR-Mist Grey
Affordable, durable and stylish, the custom fit dashboard by AutofitPro is a great choice if you like comfy, plush dashmats. The cover mat is made of a silicone sheet with anti-slip backing on the bottom and a soft, black fabric on top that not only offers 100% protection against harmful sun rays, but reduces dangerous windshield reflection too. This type of a dash mat cover also helps decrease the dashboard temperature during hot weather, which makes driving during those scorching hot summer months more bearable.
Because this is first and foremost a dashboard sunshield, the installation is super-easy. All you have to do is place the cover on top of your dash configuration and you’re done – no adhesives or Velcro strips needed. As for the fit, every piece is laser-cut and custom-made to match the exact layout of the vehicle’s dashboard, so a proper and snug fit is guaranteed.
- Dashmat sunshield cover
- Silicone sheet + fabric
- Custom fit
- Super easy installation
- Brand AutofitPro
- Weight 12 ounces
If your 07-14 GM truck dashboard is in need of some serious fixing or maybe needs to be replaced, don’t throw it away just yet. Instead, give the DashSkin molded dash cover a try – this molded plastic dash cover installs right over your existing dash configuration, protecting it while making your entire vehicle interior look and feel like new. This cover works great even if large pieces of your dashboard are missing, so as long as there is enough left on the edges of the configuration to support the cover, you’ll be good.
Made of rigid plastic and vacuum-molded specifically to your vehicle’s dashboard, this cover blends with your existing interior seamlessly. It also helps it comes in four different colors, including black, cashmere, cocoa and dark titanium, so it’s not hard to pick the product that fits right in. Of course, the product does a great job at protect the dash from UV rays, fading, chipping and cracking, so it’s a solid cover all-around. The installation takes less than 30 minutes and the cover comes with the silicone tube.
- Rigid ABS plastic
- Vacuum-molded
- Easy installation
- Lifetime warranty
- 3 color options
- Brand DashSkin
Designed and made in the USA, this carpet dash cover by Angry Elephant perfectly protects your dashboard from harmful UV rays, and as a result, prevents fading and cracking. Every piece is laser-measured, custom-fit to a specific vehicle so a perfect fit is guaranteed. The dash mat is patterned to not interfere with your vehicle’s airbags and it’s held in place by Velcro tabs, which come with the product itself.
What about the installation? A piece of cake – plenty of Velcro strips are provided, so all you need to do is fit the mat on your dash configuration and secure it with the Velcro strips. Although not necessary, you may want to let the cover sit overnight or let the car sit in the sun for a while so everything can flatten out nicely and evenly. As a bonus, the dashmat comes with a lifetime warranty from fading and fraying.
- Carpet dash cover
- Laser-measured, custom fit
- Minimizes hazardous windshield glare
- Easy installation
- Lifetime warranty
- Black color
- Brand Angry Elephant
- Weight 6.1 ounces
The original DashMat by Covercraft has been around since 1979 for a good reason – it’s durable, protective, good-looking and budget-friendly. This car dashboard cover is custom-patterned for a perfect fit so it’s easy to set it up to blend in nicely with your existing dash configuration. Most importantly, it protects against sun damage, plus it easily covers imperfections and even minor cracks and holes in older dashboards.
This type of a dashmat keeps the interior of a vehicle cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, so it’s ideal for those living in more extreme weather areas. As for the installation, it’s pretty easy since the cover comes with all the Velcro strips you need. Best of all? There are 11 color options, from black to gray to navy to beige, so it’s easy to find the carpet cover that complements the interior of your car. Also, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- Carpet dash cover, polyester fabric
- Custom fit
- Reduces windshield glare
- Easy installation
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 11 color options
- Brand Covercraft
- Model 1541-00-25
- Weight 1.4 pounds
Made from quality Velour, the dash cover by Seat Covers Unlimited is a great choice if you’re looking for a stylish, old-school way to protect your dash configuration and reduce that dangerous windshield glare. The soft and luxurious fabric will protect your dash configuration from UV rays, fading and cracking while providing a touch personal style as the covers come in various colors, including black, silver, red, tan, navy and others.
Perfect fit and easy installation are ensured by using computer programmed cutting machines that custom-cut the dash cover for your exact vehicle. Of course, the cover is made to fit all the vents, sensors, airbags and other features your car may have, so fitting should not be a problem. It also helps the product comes with a self-adhesive Velcro and a lifetime guarantee on fading and shrinking.
- Velour dash cover
- Custom fit
- Minimizes windshield glare
- Easy installation
- Lifetime warranty
- 9 color options
- Brand Seat Covers Unlimited
- Weight 2 pounds
Another custom dash cover by Angry Elephant, this one too made from carpet but in a different color – charcoal or taupe gray. Like the previous cover by Angry Elephant, this one is also designed and made in the USA and custom cut to ensure a seamless fit and installation. Like all carpet dash covers, this one too is a good choice if you want to protect your dashboard from fading and cracking while reducing hazardous windshield reflection.
Each dash carpet piece is laser measured to fit a specific vehicle so all the sensors, vents, cup holders, etc., fit right in, ensuring easy fit all-around. Speaking of fitting, the installation takes about 5 minutes – the dash protector comes with Velcro strips so all you have to do is fit and secure it and you’re pretty much done. The product comes with a limited lifetime warranty which covers fraying and fading.
- Carpet dash cover
- Laser-measured, custom fit
- Reduces windshield glare
- Easy installation
- Lifetime warranty
- Charcoal color
- Brand Angry Elephant
- Weight 1 pound
This dash cover comes in eight different colors, including grey, black, and navy. It’s designed for current generation Chevrolet and GMC vehicles with one defrost vent. The vent and sensor openings are pre-cut, and it features hook and loop fasteners for quick and easy installation. It also features a passenger-side airbag opening when applicable.
The cover is made of soft foss fiber that will not fray or unravel. It is UV-resistant and will not shrink or lose its color in the heat. It does not cover the air vents, so they can work freely and as intended. Overall, it’s very durable, helps to keep your car cool, and prevents damage to your vehicle.
- Eight different color options
- Fits Chevy and GMC vehicles
- Vent and sensor openings are pre-cut
- Hook and loop fasteners for installation
- Brand Dashmat
- Model 0399-00-47
- Weight 12.8 ounces
Best Dash Cover Buying Guide & FAQ
Finding the right dashboard protector for your vehicle is no easy task. From truck dash covers to car dash covers to plastic, carpet, Velour and suede, there are hundreds of options out there. Which option is the best when it comes to protection and which one is better when it comes to style? Furthermore, is buying a dash cover really more affordable than simply replacing your old and worn out dash configuration?
The answers to these and many other questions can be found in our handy little buying guide. Here, we cover everything you need to know about dashboard covers, as well as how to find the best dash cover for your specific vehicle. And if you need more information than the buying guide provides? Our FAQ section should be able to answer any additional questions you may have, including what fabric and color is the best for your vehicle and how to prevent a dashboard cover from fading. Read on to find out how to buy a quality dash cover that complements your interior.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dash Cover
To purchase a quality dash cover that not only protects your dashboard configuration but helps elevate or personalize the style of your vehicle interior, consider the following things.
- Your vehicle
Let’s start with the basics – since most dash covers are designed to fit particular vehicles, it’s crucial to know your ride’s make, model and year. You don’t want to spend hours looking for a perfect cover only to end up wasting your money by buying a piece that doesn’t fit your vehicle’s dashboard! Always start by looking at the cover’s design and whether or not it’s compatible with your specific vehicle (in our Top 8 list, you’ll see this information right in the title of each product). Of course, there are universal models available that you can always have custom fit to your dashboard configuration, but since this route requires more time (and often more money) than just buying the right model off the bat, we don’t recommend it.
- Your style
Dash covers come in different materials, colors and styles. The easiest way to pick a cover that will complement your vehicle interior is to choose the one that fits with the existing interior style. For example, if your interior is black, choose a dark cover that blends right in; black or dark gray plastic dashboard covers would look great. If, on the other hand, you’d like to freshen up your interior by bringing in some contrast, go for lighter covers such as grays or light browns; even a camo dash cover might work, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast! In any case, it’s best to choose custom dashboard covers as they ensure the best fit and therefore look.
- Your needs and budget
The number one reason people buy dash mats and custom dash covers is to protect their dashboards or to camouflage the existing damage and prolong the configuration’s life as much as possible. So, if you’re looking to purchase a dash cover as a preventative measure, congratulations – you think responsibly and will prolong the life of your car dashboard for years, if not decades. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to buy a cover to cover up the accumulated damage – no worries, you’re actually in the majority here as most people start thinking about dash covers once their dashboards are already significantly damaged. Whether you’re in the prevention or camouflage group matters because it affects what kind of a dash cover you need. Preventative folks can afford to buy simple sunshield covers that are usually cheap, super-easy to install and style. These types of car dash mats are usually made of a fabric that protects the dashboard against UV rays and it’s easy to find the color and material that perfectly fits the existing interior.
But what if your dashboard is significantly damaged and some chunks are missing? Instead of getting rid of what’s left and purchasing a whole new dashboard configuration, buy a quality rigid dashboard cover. Molded dash covers specifically are a great choice as they’re sturdy, durable and can be mounted even on very damaged dashboards, as long as there is enough material left on the edges to support the cover.
Finally, consider your own budget – it’s no secret that quality covers cost more so if you’re looking to buy something that will last you a lifetime, be prepared to spend a bit more money. Know that however much you spend on a cover, it will still be cheaper than buying a new dashboard itself.
Benefits of Using a Dash Cover
All dashboards get damaged over time; even if you go to great lengths to clean and protect your vehicle, some damage is unavoidable. Sunlight and heat cause the dash to fade, chip, warp and even crack and no matter how many protective formulas and cleaners you use, you simply cannot protect it from every hazard. But that’s why we have dash covers – a quality dash cover will protect your dashboard against harmful UV rays and heat and even block dirt and scratches, while adding a touch of personal style to your vehicle’s interior.
- Sunlight Protection
UV rays can cause great damage to your dashboard, including discoloration and cracking. Since it’s located directly under a windshield, your dashboard is exposed to daily sunlight attacks, no matter the season. And if you live in an area that gets a lot of sun all year round? Good luck keeping that dashboard decent-looking even for a year without a cover. With a quality dash cover or dashmat, on the other hand, you’ll be able to keep your entire dashboard configuration like-new for years to come. This is because most dash protectors are built of UV resistant materials which help protect the dashboard and prolong its life.
- Heat Protection
Similarly to UV rays, heat can damage your dashboard, especially if you live in areas with scorching hot summers. Without proper coverage, a dashboard can get extremely hot which leads to fading, warping and eventually cracking. Not to mention, a hot dashboard will significantly increase the temperature of the interior – not a pleasant driving experience during red-hot summer days! A proper dash cover will be resistant to harsh sunlight and will therefore keep much of that heat away from your deck, lowering the temperature of the entire interior.
- Keeps Dashboard Dirt and Scratch Free
When dust, dirt and grime build up on your dashboard, the finish becomes faded and dull. Plus, larger dirt particles can cause scuffs and scratches, leading to chipping and cracking. The best way to protect your dashboard from dirt and scratches is to use a dash cover – a quality cover will keep your dash configuration looking clean, neat and like-new for a very long time, lengthening its life and ultimately saving you money.
- Adds Personal Style
Installing a dash cover can not only help you protect your dashboard but also add a touch of personal style to your vehicle interior. Bored of the same old gray dash staring at you every single day? Jazz up your ride by installing a brand new custom dash cover. It’s one of the most affordable but effective ways to brighten up your vehicle interior. Plus, a new dash cover will help cover up any existing dashboard damage, helping improve the overall style of your interior.
What Material Should I Select?
Dash covers come in various styles and materials, each with their own unique look and feel. Choose from the following materials to round out your interior style.
- Carpet
Dash protectors made of carpet are the most common and popular covers out there. It’s no wonder why – they add a warm and welcoming touch to any vehicle and since they come in a range of colors, it’s super-easy to pick the style that complements even the trickiest of interiors. They also help reduce light reflections.
- Velour
If you like old-school car interiors, velour dashboard covers are for you. Soft and plush, velour covers have a warm and comforting feel as well as that old-fashioned, cool look. They’re also quite durable and great at withstanding extreme temperatures.
- Suede
If you like a touch of luxury, suede dash covers are the way to go. Soft, with a fine sheen and excellent feel that lasts, suede covers add high class to any vehicle. They also offer excellent protection, are easy to clean and will last a very long time.
- Molded Dash Cover
These dash covers are molded for every shape and nuance a vehicle may have and as such, offer a smooth and seamless look that can complement the look of any interior. Being that they’re one-piece covers, they cover up any existing damage perfectly, giving your vehicle a whole new face.
Dash Cover Installation Guide
Installing a new dash cover is a piece of cake, but a few tips and tricks never hurt.
- Clean your existing dashboard: using a wet rag and preferably a dash cleaner, clean your entire dash configuration, removing any dirt, grime or dust.
- Test fit the dash cover: your dash cover should fit snugly over the entire dashboard so before you start applying any adhesives, test fit it – minor tweaks and adjustments may be needed so make them if necessary.
- Apply the silicone/use Velcro: apply the silicone to the underside of the cover, only around the edges and vent holes. If using Velcro, cut the tape into 1-inch strips and place them at the front and back of your dashboard.
- Place the cover dash: apply your new dash cover to the dashboard, starting with the front end – everything should fit snugly and perfectly which, depending on your dash cover, may require a little bit of wiggling or straightening.
Best Dash Cover FAQ:
A dash cover is a protective and concealing cover for the dash configuration. By protecting your dashboard from sun and heat damage, a cover can prolong the life of your dashboard and lead to a better-looking interior.
This is entirely dependant on your preferences. If you like a seamless look, molded dash covers are your best choice; if you want your vehicle to have a warm and welcoming feel, carpet dashmats are great; if old-school groove is more of your thing, velour dash covers are perfect.
Quality dash mats, especially if they’re custom fit, will not interfere with any features or accessories in your vehicle, including the airbags. All the dash covers featured in our Top 8 list are designed not to interfere with the airbags.
Depending on the material of your dash cover, you may need to clean it with a special dash cleaner, vacuum it or spot clean it with warm water. Generally speaking though, the best way to clean any dash cover is to use warm water and a rag as some chemicals can adversely affect certain cover materials.
Most dashboard covers are UV-treated to resist fading, however, all dash covers do eventually start to fade. The best way to reduce fading is to use covers in conjunction with sunshields.
Our Top Pick
While all the dash protectors featured on our Top 8 list are great products, the best dash cover reward goes to DashSkin Molded Dash Cover. This one-piece cover gives a seamless, smooth look, elevating the style of any vehicle interior. And since it’s made of rigid ABS plastic which is UV-resistant, durability and quality is guaranteed. Speaking of which, the cover comes with a lifetime warranty against UV damage and breakdown which means it offers a fantastic value for the cost.
Sources:
- Do car interiors turn toxic in the summer? – HowStuffWorks
- 4 Tips For Protecting The Interior Of Your Car This Summer – HuffPost
