A cracked, faded dash is one of the first things that makes a car look tired, and on a bright afternoon the glare off a bare dash can make the windscreen hard to see through. A dash mat fixes both. But not all dash mats are equal, and the difference between a mat cut for your dash and a one-size-fits-most cover is obvious the moment you fit it.
What a dash mat actually does
A dash mat does two jobs. It takes the sun instead of your dash top, so the plastic or vinyl underneath doesn't bake, fade and split. And it soaks up the light that would otherwise bounce off the dash into the windscreen, which is what causes that hazy glare when you're driving into the sun.
If your dash is already cracked, a mat covers the damage and stops it spreading.
Custom-fit vs universal dash mats
| Custom-fit | Universal | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Cut for one dash on one vehicle | Trimmed or stretched to suit many |
| Vents, speakers and sensors | Cut-outs line up with each one | Often covered or cut by hand |
| Look | Sits flat, like it came with the car | Gaps, folds or overhang |
| Stays put | Shaped edges plus Velcro hold it in place | Tends to slide on corrugations |
Universal covers are cheaper up front, but most people who buy one end up replacing it. A mat that doesn't sit flat still lets glare through around the edges, and one that slides around is a distraction.
Why the dash type matters
Manufacturers change dashes partway through a model. A facelift might move a vent, add a speaker on top of the dash or add a sun or camera sensor. Two cars sold as the same model year can need different mats.
That's why every Sungrabba dash mat is listed by series and build date, and where a model has more than one dash you choose your dash type on the product page. If you're not sure, find your build date or call us on 07 3340 4392.
Are dash mats airbag safe?
Many cars have an airbag that deploys through the top of the dash on the passenger side. Sungrabba dash mats are engineered to allow your vehicle's airbags to deploy safely when required. Avoid anything that's glued down or rigid over an airbag panel.
Black or grey?
Black suits most interiors and hides dust well. Grey suits lighter interiors. If you want something a little different, custom trim adds coloured stitching around the edge: silver, red, gold, blue or pink on black, or red, blue, pink or gold on grey.
What to look for when you buy
- Listed for your exact vehicle, not just the make and model year.
- Cut-outs for every vent, speaker and sensor on your dash.
- A way to hold it down that doesn't damage the dash. Sungrabba mats come with 4 hook Velcro sheets that grip the underside of the mat.
- Made not to shrink or fade in the Australian sun.
- A real warranty. Sungrabba dash mats are handcrafted in Brisbane and backed by a 10 year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Fitting a dash mat
It only takes a few minutes. Clean the dash, lay the mat on to line up the cut-outs, stick the Velcro sheets where the mat will cover them, then press the mat down. Our fitting and care guide has the full steps.
Find the dash mat for your vehicle
Sungrabba dash mats are in stock, ship free Australia-wide and cost $99.99, or $109.99 with custom trim. Choose your vehicle to see the mat cut for your dash.
