Exterior Plastic - how to treat / care for?

[Azstroke]

Last June I purchased a '24 F-150 Lariat, my first new vehicle in 27 years. While there are lots of things that make this new truck more pleasurable to drive and care for than my '97 Powerstroke, the exterior plastic on this truck just looks cheap, especially the vent cowl. Everything looks like it will crumble in a few years, especially in the Arizona sun, where I live.

What is the consensus of how to treat the exterior plastic on these trucks to make them look a little better and hopefully last longer?

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[Eskram]

303 protectant - https://a.co/d/h1mjV8e

If it's really bad, then the graphene gel works well - https://a.co/d/ae6DJRx

Edit: For further context, I live in Fl and my truck lives outside. It does seem to work, for all the trim, and tonneau cover.

 

[22stx]

I also use the 303 products

 

[FirstTimeFord]

I also use the 303 products

This stuff works well for me. I used it on the black between the windshield and the hood, and the rubber at the base of all the door windows. Lasts a long time. Had a rental with glass block window in the bathroom (acrylic). Had tons of scratches from tenant, this stuff made it look like new. Worked great restoring all the black plastic on my wife's jeep too. I do love 303 on my boat seats though.

 

[lrb_35128]

I'm having success w/ Chemical Guys VRP. [ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJIT9BO/ ]

Just ensure you apply the minimal amount on the running boards to avoid creating a slip hazard.

 

[VRFlyer]

I'm having success w/ Chemical Guys VRP. [ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FJIT9BO/ ]

Just ensure you apply the minimal amount on the running boards to avoid creating a slip hazard.

I hated the VRP on the trim surfaces, I only use it on the tires. 303 Protectant gets my vote.

 

[fmdog44]

303 has worked for me for decades.

 

[staying_tuned]

CarPro DLUX works quite well and I get about a year out of each treatment, some spots much longer. It leaves plastics looking rich and dark but not slippery.

 

[lrb_35128]

I hated the VRP on the trim surfaces, I only use it on the tires. 303 Protectant gets my vote.

I'll give it a try & compare. But probably not until Spring...

 

[Mib2nd]

I was a district manager for Napa auto parts for many years. I’ve been to multiple factories, seen the manufacturing and testing of facilities of the manufactures. Over the years I have owned many vehicles, RV’s, boats & ATV’s.

Do not use petroleum based products like Armor All. These are bad for your plastics & rubber parts.

These are my go to products to treat vinyl, plastic & rubber.

303 Products Aerospace Protectant – UV Protection Spray Cleaner
Great for general maintenance, treatment & UV protection.

Chemical Guys VRP
Great for weathered vinyl, plastic & rubber.

 

[Adjutant]

303 for everything inside. 303 MARINE for all exterior plastics. It works amazingly.
Im thinking about trying CarPro DLux. Its supposed to last quite a bit longer.

I applied the 303 Marine after every wash. Looks great

 

[956AvalanchePlat1]

Chemical guys ceramic for plastic trim works well to keep it protected

 

[956AvalanchePlat1]

Correction Chemical Guys Hydro Shield for vinyl plastic & rubber

 

[jewc75]

303 Aerospace Protectant is what ive been using since 2012.

 

[Dakar09]

Another vote for 303. Used it for years on older Volvos with similarly cheap plastic surfaces and it worked wonders to both restore and protect.

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