Should the Protective Film on the Dashboard of a New Car Be Removed?

[Daedalus]

It is recommended to remove the protective film on the dashboard of a new car. Many car owners choose not to remove the outer protective film, believing that a new car should be protected for a certain period. However, this is a misconception. The protective films used on cars are typically made of PVC material, which is widely applicable and commonly seen in smartphone screen protectors as well. These are essentially disposable protective films. The potential hazards of leaving the protective films on both the interior and exterior of a new car are outlined below: 1. Point One: Plastic films contain substances harmful to human health and can affect the car's aesthetics. 2. Point Two: Many materials used in the interior and seats of new cars contain benzene-based carcinogens. Purchasing a new car is akin to moving into a freshly painted house—it requires prolonged ventilation to reduce the concentration of toxic substances in the air inside the car. However, people often overlook the fact that the packaging films on seats can also release harmful substances. 3. Point Three: Many interior components and plasticized items in vehicles are derived from petroleum, which is a mixture of various chemical organic compounds. Generally, these components are harmful to human health. When a new car is exposed to intense sunlight, the interior temperature rises, increasing the activity of plasticized products inside the car and causing them to release harmful substances. 4. Point Four: Driving with windows open for ventilation is a common method of 'detoxification' for new cars. If weather conditions permit, it is advisable to keep the windows open while driving to facilitate air exchange.

[DelAyla]

Oh, I also thought about this film when I just got my new car. During long drives, I found that leaving it on for too long causes it to yellow and wrinkle. When sunlight hits it, the glare is so severe that I could barely see the speedometer, almost causing a big problem. After removing it, it became much brighter, and just wiping it with a soft cloth is enough. The new car smell also dissipated. I suggest removing it right after getting the car, unlike me who waited a month. It took a lot of time to clean off the adhesive marks, and I felt sorry for the slight scratches on the dashboard. Daily maintenance is more important—don't let it become a hidden hazard.

[DiLucia]

I think this protective film should be removed immediately. It's applied by the manufacturer to prevent scratches during transportation. If left on, it will accumulate dust and dirt, obscuring the numbers and creating a potential hazard. Last time I drove with a bubbled film, I almost couldn't see the fuel gauge clearly during rain - fortunately nothing bad happened. After removal, gently wipe with a clean cloth. It's much more convenient this way. The new car's dashboard is designed to be durable - normal usage won't cause damage. Don't be lazy and leave it on.

[RichardLee]

I removed the protective film as soon as the new car arrived. If left on for too long, it can become sticky when heated, and forcibly peeling it off might damage the surface. As a car enthusiast, I find it much cleaner and more refreshing without it, with a significantly clearer view, which improves my mood while driving. Regularly cleaning the dashboard is more effective than keeping the film on, and it allows me to enjoy the original beauty of the interior.

[VioletFitz]

At first I hesitated to remove the protective film, but after a few weeks it became blurry, making it hard to see the speed and causing glare. Later when I tried to peel it off, it was difficult to remove and left adhesive marks, even staining the dashboard. If I had known this earlier, I should have acted immediately to avoid all these troubles. Just maintaining it with a soft cloth regularly would have been enough.

[VonQuinn]

My experience is to remove the protective film on the day of picking up the car. Temporary protection is not a long-term solution. Leaving it on for too long may cause bubbles and blur the view, affecting driving safety. After removing it, clean with a microfiber cloth to maintain brightness and cleanliness. The new car's material is scratch-resistant, so don't risk major issues for minor concerns.