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Porsche 993: Why is My Dashboard Melting?

Dashboards are most prone to melting in hot climates. The warmer the weather, the more chances your Porsche 993's dashboard can melt.

By Kate Halse - April 20, 2015
Contributors: cabrio993

This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

Whether your Porsche 993's dashboard is currently melting or you just want to keep it looking its best, proper dashboard protection is crucial. Several dash protectants can give the dashboard a durable coating that keeps UV rays, dirt, and debris from settling on the dashboard's surface. Some owners find that using a sunshield provides an extra element of protection.

Materials Needed

  • Dashboard cleaner and protector, such as 303 Aerospace Protectant
  • Dashboard cover or UV shield (optional)

Step 1 – Call Porsche

While melting dashboards are a known problem for brands such as Toyota and Lexus, that doesn't mean your Porsche's dashboard can't or won't begin to melt. Owners of newer cars with melting dashboards are often covered under warranty. If this is the case, the auto manufacturer will likely replace the entire dashboard at no cost to the owner. Unfortunately, the problem may arise outside of warranty, and is much more difficult to fix in this scenario. Regardless of you vehicle's age or mileage, it's still a good idea to call your closest Porsche dealership to find out what your options are.

Figure 1. Call your local Porsche dealership.

Step 2 – Cover/protect the dashboard

If a dashboard is going to melt, it will often do so in the hottest temperatures. For some car owners whose vehicle is no longer covered under warranty, the next best step is to cover and/or protect the dashboard. One way to do this is with a good quality leather/vinyl protectant. Many 993 owners prefer high-quality products such as 303 Aerospace Protectant and Vinylex. Both of these products also have UV protection, which keeps harmful sun rays from further damaging the dashboard. An effective way to apply these products, if you're using them, is to spray them onto a clean cotton cloth, wipe down the area, wait around 5 minutes, then wipe off any excess.

Another essential method for covering and protecting the dashboard is to use a dashboard cover (preferably dark and not shiny) or a UV-resistant windshield cover.

Figure 2. 303 Aerospace Protectant is highly recommended.

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