Take care of your carpets When thinking about how to prepare your car for winter, it is worth finding out…
How to care for the dashboard and plastics inside the car?
(photo Moje Auto)
The share of plastics in the mass of passenger cars increases dramatically every year. In the years 1980-1990 it was 7,5%, in cars produced in the years 1991-2004 -17%, and in cars produced in the years 2005-2015 it is estimated that it increased to approximately 38%.
The main materials from which plastic elements are made are polyurethanes, polypropylenes, polyethylenes and polycarbonates. The average use of plastics in the construction of passenger cars is: vehicle interior about 65%, - body about 15%, - drive system about 10%, - electronic equipment about 5%, - and chassis about 5% [1].
(graphic: My Car(
The use of plastics in the construction of passenger cars has both positive and negative aspects. The weight of the vehicle certainly decreases, which has a positive impact on fuel consumption. Plastics are easier to process and are cheaper, which affects the final price of the vehicle. The negative aspects certainly include the quality and durability of the materials.
Plastics used in the production of passenger cars
They can be divided into:
Thermoplastics, i.e. a material that becomes soft and easy to shape when heated. However, after cooling, it hardens and takes a new form. It is: polyethylene (dashboard, front and rear mudguard), polypropylene (front and rear bumper strip, headlight cover, dashboard), polyvinyl chloride (door strip, front fender strip, rear and windscreen cover) polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate .
Duroplasty, which melt and do not dissolve at high temperatures. They are hard and brittle and brittle upon impact, e.g.: Bakelite and other phenoplasts, polyester and epoxy resins, poly(ethylene oxide), poly(vinyl oxide), polyacetylene, some polyamides (dashboard).
Elastomers they have rubber elasticity even at elevated temperatures - they have properties similar to rubber (used mainly for the production of seals, bumper covers, spoilers).
The dashboard in a car is its showcase, which we pay attention to immediately after entering the car. On the market we can find many preparations for the care and cleaning of plastic elements inside the car, commonly known as the cockpit.
(graphic: My Car)
Types of cockpit care products
There are preparations on the market divided according to the method of application. These are aerosol containers under pressure and preparations administered in the form of an atomizer. The next division is products based on ingredients that are insoluble in water, the so-called silicone oils and based products silicone emulsion water-soluble (easy to remove). We can also divide products according to their functional properties: high gloss, satin gloss or matte. You can also find cloths for cleaning and maintaining the cockpit on the market. How to choose the right product then?
Let's consider what chemical processes plastic elements in our cars are exposed to and how we can delay the effects of their effects. Degradation of polymer chains in plastics is one of the most dangerous processes occurring on this type of materials (i.e. a process in which changes occur in the structure of the material). It leads to a decrease in molecular weight. It may be caused by physical factors (such as heat, light rays) or chemical factors (oxygen, ozone, acids, alkalis, aggressive media).
The materials that make up the interior of our car, despite the use of highly resistant material, often contain substances that significantly reduce their quality. Unfortunately, this is a side effect of materials that have many advantages. These are: dyes, stabilizers, chemical pollutants. Additionally, in the air we can find substances such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide, which, when combined with moisture, create strong inorganic acids that settle on the surface, causing their degradation.
The first visible sign of these processes is a change in surface color, i.e. yellowing, lack of gloss, dullness. Substances in the air have a destructive effect on the materials used in the car. First, they destroy their protective layer, which causes them to lose their visual value. They then weaken the durability of the materials, which can lead to more serious, sometimes irreversible, damage. In such a case, the only logical decision is to replace components that have completely worn out. Depending on the car brand, such an activity may prove to be very expensive.
How to protect the surface against the dangerous influence of external factors?
Well, systematic care with products produced by a branded manufacturer will ensure the safety of the cleaned surfaces. Manufacturers of branded products use the highest quality raw materials and conduct a number of tests to confirm their quality. The Moje Auto brand is one of such products. My car offers: glossy and matte cockpits in the form of an aerosol, glossy and matte cockpit protectant in an atomizer, satin matt and gloss cockpit milk in an atomizer and matt and glossy cockpit wipes.
My Car COCKPIT the aerosol contains a mixture of advanced engine oils. These products are easy to use thanks to the pressurized container. They leave a protective layer on the surface that protects the surface against external factors. Additionally, it has a pleasant fragrance, available in various variants.
(photo: My Car)
Many users prefer matte products, claiming that it does not reflect sunlight from the surface. We can also offer this version of the product. When using such products, we must remember that they contain water-insoluble and lubricating substances. They should not be used on elements such as the steering wheel, gear stick, or pedals, as this may pose a risk while driving. We also need to be careful with glass elements: car glass, as removal from such a surface requires the use of degreasing substances.
PROTECTANT cockpit
Glossy and matte are products containing a water-soluble silicone emulsion. Apply these products using a microfiber cloth (we do not use paper towels, as residues may remain in sensitive places). By using a cloth, we spread the product evenly, leaving no streaks or streaks. A delicate protective surface remains on the surface. It protects the material and repels dirt thanks to unique additives, and additionally leaves a pleasant scent. The products are available in two versions: glossy or matte.
(photo: My Car)
Cockpit lotion satin matte and gloss are products containing unique ingredients such as: avocado oil or protective polymer, protecting the surface not only against dirt, but also restoring the natural color of the cleaned surface. It contains a pleasant scent and additives that repel dirt and dust. The highly viscous consistency ensures comfort when cleaning vertical surfaces. We also have two versions: shiny and matte.
(photo: My Car)
Matte and glossy cockpit cloths, are saturated with caring substances. Their task is to refresh and protect and leave a pleasant scent. However, this type of application is recommended for regular cleaning, i.e. refreshing the surface. If we want to care for the surface thoroughly, we recommend using the product in the form of a preparation or milk.
(photo: My Car)
Summary
- There is a wide range of cockpit care products on the market.
- Every year, cars contain an increasing percentage of plastic materials.
- The materials most often used in car production are thermoplastics, thermoplastics and elastomers.
- The market is saturated with preparations for cleaning a dashboard made of one of the above materials.
- The division of products on the market is classified according to the method of application.
- The most common are: pressurized aerosol containers, preparations administered in the form of an atomizer.
- The most dangerous process that occurs in plastics is the degradation of polymer chains.
- Some of the most valuable products on the market are Moje Auto Kokpit and Moje Auto PROTECTANT. It is also worth considering milk and cockpit wipes.
