Should the Protective Film on the Car Center Console Be Removed?
2 Answers
As long as the protective film on the car screen does not affect the display or visual experience, it does not need to be removed. We often prefer to apply tempered glass screen protectors to devices like smartphones and tablets. Although the car's center console screen is unlikely to shatter from drops, scratches can still occur during driving and long-term use. Methods for maintaining the car center console screen: 1. If scratches appear on the center console screen and a protective film is applied, simply remove the old film and replace it with a new one. If there is no protective film, minor scratches can be gently rubbed with a soft towel dipped in vegetable oil or toothpaste for several minutes to effectively reduce their visibility. 2. When there are stains on the center console screen, use a soft towel lightly dampened with water or glass cleaner to wipe it gently. Avoid pouring liquid directly onto the screen to prevent water damage and potential short circuits. 3. During daily operation, avoid using excessive force or scratching the screen with hard objects like fingernails or keys to prevent damage.
I didn’t remove the center console screen protector until six months after taking delivery of the car. I initially thought keeping it would prevent scratches. However, I noticed severe glare while driving—under bright sunlight, the navigation was practically unreadable. Later, at a car wash, the technician used a heat gun to gently peel it off while blowing warm air, removing the adhesive residue thoroughly. Now, the touch sensitivity is much better, and swiping through menus feels swift. In fact, the factory-installed film is like the temporary screen protector on new phones—meant only to prevent transport scratches. For real protection, a professional tempered glass screen protector is necessary. That said, some friends who bought used cars found the previous owner hadn’t removed the film. Over time, the adhesive seeped into the screen edges, making cleanup much more troublesome.
