Scratched Dashboard? Here's How to Fix It Like a Pro

A scratched dashboard can be a real eyesore, especially if you take pride in keeping your car looking its best. Whether it's a scuff from a pet's paw, a scratch from tossing a bag onto the dash, or signs of wear from years of sun exposure, dashboard scratches are more common than you might think. Luckily, many of them can be fixed easily at home.

At AutoManiacs, we believe car care shouldn't be overwhelming. Our streamlined products and easy-to-follow advice are designed to help everyone, from casual drivers to seasoned detailers, keep their cars in top condition.

What Causes a Scratched Dashboard?

Your dashboard faces a lot of daily abuse. Some of the most common causes of scratches include:

Sharp objects like keys, sunglasses, or mobile phone holders
Rough cleaning with abrasive tools or harsh chemicals
Pets jumping on or over the dash
Long-term UV exposure drying out plastic or leather

AutoManiacs Tip: Use a gentle, multi-surface interior cleaner like the AutoManiacs Interior Cleaner to remove dust and grime without risking new scratches.

Can You Fix a Scratched Dashboard?

Yes! Dashboard scratches can be repaired with the right techniques and materials. The repair process depends on the depth of the scratch and the dashboard material (plastic, vinyl, or leather).

How to Fix Light Dashboard Scratches (Step-by-Step)

What You'll Need:

Microfiber cloth
Heat gun or hair dryer
Interior detailer or dressing (e.g., AutoManiacs Interior Coating)

Step-by-Step Process:

Clean the Area: Remove dirt and debris using a soft cloth and interior cleaner.
Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hair dryer or heat gun on low to warm up the scratched area. This softens the plastic and helps the scratch blend in.
Buff with Interior Coating: Apply a UV-protective product like AutoManiacs Interior Coating to restore shine and protect from future damage.

Fixing Deep Dashboard Scratches

What You'll Need:

Dash repair kit (includes vinyl filler and grain pad)
Fine-grit sandpaper
Protective coating (like AutoManiacs Interior Coating)

Steps to Repair:

Clean the surface with AutoManiacs Interior Cleaner.
Apply filler to the scratch and smooth it out.
Match the texture using a grain pad (included in many kits).
Seal the area with a protective dressing to keep the repair looking fresh.

How to Fix Leather Dashboard Scratches

If your vehicle has a leather dashboard, extra care is needed.

Assess the Scratch:

Surface-level marks can often be improved with conditioning.
Deeper cuts may require repair kits.

What You'll Need:

pH-neutral leather cleaner
Leather conditioner
Leather repair kit (for deeper damage)

Steps:

Gently clean the leather to remove dirt and oils.
Apply leather conditioner to reduce the appearance of surface scratches.
For deep scratches, use a filler and color-matching solution.
Seal and protect with a final leather protectant.

While AutoManiacs doesn't currently offer leather-specific products, our Interior Cleaner is safe for most surfaces and ideal for prep.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Future Scratches

Keep sharp objects off the dash
Clean with soft microfiber cloths
Use UV-protective interior products regularly
Install a dash mat or cover

Pro tip: A regular routine with AutoManiacs Interior Cleaner and Interior Coating protects against damage and keeps your dashboard looking new.

When to Seek Professional Help

Not all dashboard scratches are DIY-friendly. You should consider professional repair if:

The dashboard has cracks or structural damage
Electronics or airbags are affected
Time or confidence are factors

Make It a Habit, Not a Hassle

Fixing a scratched dashboard doesn't require expensive services or hours of effort. With the right products and a little guidance, you can restore your dashboard and keep your interior looking flawless. AutoManiacs is here to make car care feel more like self-care.

View our Interior Detailing Kit and make your dashboard shine again.