Absolutely do NOT treat the dash. It is dried in a special method at Porsche to withstand the heat and stress from that heat up front. Conditioning tends to reduce that strength it has, and may loosen it over time.

Known for years.

 

I only used zymol as an example because I'm familiar with it. Here's a link to Autopia's guru result search. It turns out the methods used to do the tests weren't really scientific. I read the report a few years back, so my memory fades me. But one thing stood out the most; It was like a science project done in grade school. The tests weren't done in a controlled environment and according to the autopia forum, it ended due to bad weather.

<O
Anyway, I'm not biased toward any product, well maybe things like Turtle Wax or NuFinish. But I believe most of the products out there fall into 3 categories:

1. Consumer: Meguiar's, Mothers, Turtle, etc. Not bad for the guy that just wants his car to look good with least amount of money to spend.<O</O
2. Pro-sumer: Zaino, P21S, Optimum, Klasse, etc. The majority of all car care products fall into this category. Excellent products that perform relatively the same; only a trained eye can decipher the difference. Most are easy to use, a much better value over the consumer category, and all-in-all, great products.<O</O
3. High-end: Zymol and Swissvax. These products are geared towards the purist and are purchased for more than just the product. Take Zymol Vintage or Royale. At anywhere from $2K and $8K respectively, you're not getting just wax. It's a conversation piece, status indicator, and arguably, art. There's a reason someone spends 5 or 6 figures on a watch. Do you think a Rolex or Panerai really keeps better time than a Timex? You buy high-end items to celebrate achievements, make yourself or a loved one feel better, etc. Same hold true for this category. The products are amazing, but you're paying for more than just wax.<O</O

I hope this comes off as an educational discussion; not to offend anyone in any way. Just looking out for you guys <O</O

 

Thanks Eric; good to know. It seems so counter intuitive. The questions is, will Porsche warranty any issues as a result of cracking, fading, or seperating on the dash. I know the seperation of the leather is an issue on the early 996TT. Have you noticed that? I've seen a handful.

 

I have just been dusting the front dash piece on my Cayman. It is a Makassar trim piece with leather and I have resisted conditioning it. I live in AZ and keep the car garaged most of the time but will be interested to see how it holds up over time.

Moe, nicely put.

 

I wonder if Porsche will warranty the dash after they find out the owners professional detailer "conditioned" it

 

Unless it specifically says not to condition the dash in the manual, I don't see how they can side step the warranty.

 

OK thanks guys. Ill give it a second cleaning next time, and yes it was really dirty even after I washed it.

 

Like most others already suggested.... Invisible Glass is the way to go!

 

This is funny...it reminds me of a few months ago when a friend and I were debating glass cleaners in my kitchen...my wife came in, heard it and said...hey morons IT'S GLASS! How about some windex? She made fun of me for weeks.

 

Windex sucks.

 

Yeah it does. Streaks FTW.

 

Eric most of the time I just use Griots interior cleaner (no conditioners in it). It basically looks like clear water and is not greasy. This is a first for me (hearing that the dash should not be treated). If this is the case Porsche should specify this on their bottle of leather conditioner or state it somewhere in the manual (I must of skipped over that part). I always keep my car garaged but you would think that if your dash was exposed to harsh sunlight on a daily basis you would want to protect it with a UV inhibitor? Anyway this is good to know but the rest of the leather interior should be periodically treated to keep the leather from cracking or wearing prematurely? Right?

 

clean cloths like paper towel?

 

NEVER!

Microfiber, bro.

 

I like to use stoners invisible glass with newspaper OR 2 glass specific microfiber towels and invisible glass. its up to you, trial and error.