So basically, looking for input regarding the leather dash on my 2009 XK.

Just purchased the car, which has the charcoal interior. Currently, I see no evidence of damage or shrinkage, and I hope to keep it that way.

So, are there any recommendations for, covers, or sun shades? Or, is there another preferred way to ward off damage to the dash area?

Thanks in advance.

John

 

Anything to block sun from hitting the dash will help.
Some people will say to keep a moisturizer on the dash leather, but since automotive leather is Dyed and Sealed, I'm one of the many people who say Leather Conditioners don't do anything as they sit on top of the sealed leather anyway.
Putting some good UV protectant on your dash would help though. There are many, many brands and types.

 

One of the first things I did was buy a fitted sun screen for when it is not parked in the garage. I believe it is Weathertech.

 

CEE JAY and 007,

thanks for the quick response, and tips. First thing I will do is acquire a quality sun shade .

 

The factory one I got fits very well and essentially covers the inside of the entire windshield. While it was more expensive than any other windshield screen I've bought, it also fits much better. My local dealer had as good price on it as anybody.

 

Best - dash mat (but may not be everyone's cup of tea appearance wise)
Next best - sunshade (but obviously can't be used while driving!)
Next next best - spray on UV protectant, I use 303 Aerospace.

I used all three on my XFR and the dash remained perfect.
I use a sunshade and the 303 on the F-Type and so far the dash is perfect, I would really like a dash mat as well but there is no such animal for a RHD F-Type.

 

My OEM Jaguar X150 sunshade, to which I added the Leaper logo (available on Ebay). And no, I don't use it while parked in my garage except to take this photo. It's sturdy, foldable, and fits perfectly.

 

Thanks Stuart, OzXFR, and fzdwg,

appreciate the tips.

 

Ive found that a heavy leather conditioner or even hair conditioner (same properties as leather conditioner)
does indeed get absorbed by the leather, put alot and massage it in, it may leave a matte finish however
it indeed gets softer and more supple to the touch. this will prevent shrinkage.

Also use the sun shade every time you park in the sun.

 

This is correct. Despite claims to the contrary (and the fact that modern leathers are coated) good non-silicone leather conditioners do penetrate to the leather. And importantly, they serve to keep that surface supple and thus to prevent cracking. The seat leather should also receive regular conditioning but the very best thing you can do to preserve both the leather and the wood finishes is to protect the interior from sun damage.

 

Thanks to both of you for the tips.

 

Nooooo! (That's the sound a cow makes when you use the wrong leather care product!) A "heavy" (thick viscosity) leather product doesn't work well on today's polyurethane coated leather.

See this thread:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...r-seat-217609/
in particular, my Posts ## 13, 14, and 20.

 

ALSO, if leather DID absorb anything whatsoever, it would expand and craze the non-expanding top coating, making a gawdawful mess. Paint a balloon and then blow it up, see what it does.

 

Start saving to get it re-covered or at least to have the screen removed and have stapled in place. Don’t waste money on internet quick fix crap that does not work. Yeah it feels good to think that a $10 bottle of penguin oil will do something but all it will do is remove money from your pocket and waste your time applying it. Save it for a repair that will work permanently.