Armor All Original Protectant
Will this really crack your dash?

Armor All Original Protectant was the very first dressing I used as a teenager growing up. My auto shop teacher introduced this product to me back in the early 80's.

To him, the only thing better than Armor All, was more Armor All.

He would have me apply it to his tires (back then we only had one choice in the Armor All products) after I was done washing his Chevy El Camino.

Despite how well this product would shine up the tires and interior parts —there were plenty of stories of Armor All cracking your dash.

I always wondered —was this fact or speculation.

Armor All Protectant on Amazon

• Shields and maintains your car’s vibrant appearance Gently lifts away dirt, dust, and debris
• Guards against cracking, fading, and premature wear
• Delivers a rich, glossy finish without any greasy residue Restores and refreshes vinyl, rubber, and plastic surfaces

Darren's Note:  This jack-of-all-trades product claims it's capable of cleaning, protecting, and even leaving a non-greasy shine.

In reality, it’s asking you to believe one bottle can do the work of dedicated cleaners, protectants, and restorers without cutting corners or leaving greasy residue.

I remain largely skeptical —mostly due to any actual cleaning abilities.

Armor All Original Protectant
Simple decision or informed decision?

If you’re here simply looking for someone to rubber-stamp a decision you’ve already made about Armor All, you can stop reading now. Sure, it’ll check the basic boxes if your bar for success is minimal—and some folks prefer that “easy” choice over an informed one. But with decades spent detailing professionally, I can tell you straight: you’ll never spy Armor All Original Protectant in a pro’s toolkit.

That brings me to the question I hear most from my loyal followers:

“Darren, just tell me what you would do!”

So buckle up—you’re about to get my unfiltered, expert recommendation.

Armor All Original Protectant
What Would Darren Do (WWDD)

Chemical Guy's VRP Dressing on Amazon

Darren's Tips: I love this product and used it originally as a tire dressing only. I loved the fact that it dries to the touch and creates none of the dreaded tire sling!

The level of shine can be controlled by applying additional coats after it is allowed to dry before any new coat is applied.

Since I am not a fan of overly shiny interiors, I resisted using this on any of the interior components like dash boards, door panels, and even coated car leather (virtually all car leather today is coated).

All materials are unique, so regardless of the product you are using, the material you apply it to will in large part determine how any product responds.

This is especially true with car tires since endless types of rubber compounds are used in manufacturer car tires. I have seen many people blame a tire dressing as the problem when it is being applied to low-budget car tire.

Armor All Myth Busting

As noted at the beginning of this page, Armor All has its share of bad press that has always followed. But just because bad press remains, does not make it true.

There is no limits to the speculation and myths that can surround a given topic.

Let's go in for a deep dive into Armor All Original Protectant and the topic of dressings.

Is Armor All Original Protectant A Good Product

Yes and no. It really depends on two things:

1. Who you ask
2. How you define "good"

If you ask me, I will tell you that Armor All would never be my first choice in any situation.

This is due to both my understanding of chemistry and professional experience as a detailer.

I know to many other really good products that have better chemistry, better raw ingredients, and better formulations.

But if you are truly resistant to change and fear the unknown, then Armor All Original Protectant will be an easy product for you to default to.

Does Armor All Original Protectant Crack Your Dashboard

Maybe. But I also know that if Armor All will crack your dash, there are plenty of other dressings and protectants that would also crack your dash.

Dressings are often made with petroleum distillates which used in heavy amounts as part of a formulation, can be damaging in the long term to plastics, rubber, and vinyl.

Other heavy type of solvents are often used in these dressings and protectants to create a high-gloss shine that some people chase after. ( I am not one of them) Which makes for a very ironic moment when you consider these products are labeled as "protectants", not destroyer's.

I have yet to confirm any person's dash being cracked because they used Armor All to protect their dashboard. In many ways, using a product like Armor All that has a significant shine to it becomes an unsafe moment. The shine creates an unsafe glare onto the front windshield during sunny weather driving.

In many ways I think dashboards are going to crack if they are made with inferior chemicals regardless of what dressing, protectant, or conditioner you choose.

Armor All Original Protectant Summary

If you have made it this far, you deserve a badge of honor!

It is easy to default to a well known product simply due to familiarity. Us humans have a natural aversion to change so we like things we are familiar with.

But as we have learned, just because a product has been around longer than other products does not guarantee it to be the smart choice. There is far more that goes into making a truly informed decision and most people simply do not have the patience required.

But you have and I hope you now have a better plan moving forward.

I wish you much success in your detailing efforts!

Sincerely,

Darren Priest