Just noted that the red plastic part of the manual hood latch release is fading to white at the more exposed tip. It's always minimally evident when the hood is closed and you glance at the car from the front...now what was once solid red in color is fading to white and not the least bit flattering. At least the uniform red color sorta "fit" and looked neat...now it's looking cheap. Anyone else have this happening? MY09C4S...22k mi. Thanks!

 

Chemical etching by some cleaning material?

 

Not that I'm aware of or have used. It is exposed to the elements...only thing I don't control as far as cleaning goes is when I take it through a touchless car wash...that said...I still can't imagine such damage other than possibly a defective part...I'll have it changed out when in for service. Was just wondering how prevalent it is. I can imagine it on an older car...though even the plastic on my MY94 928GTS does not show such wear/fading. Thanks!

 

Try 303 protectant it may take some of fade out and will act to keep it from fading anymore.

 

The car wash is probably the culprit as they use very harsh detergents.

I also agree with coating all plastic and rubber trim with 303 Aerospace Protectant as it has a high SPF factor.

 

Any good source in particular for 303? Thanks a million for the help!

 

Amazon sells 303 Aerospace Protectant in various sizes. I buy the gallon size.

 

Thanks! Found the website and a dealer here in town. I'm looking forward to using it. Says ok on leather interiors?

 

Yes, if you are referring to coated leathers and not natural leathers (anilin-based).

 

I looked at where you are. First I guessed Arizona,--and then saw Florida. The sun is brutal there.

 

Common problem. Saw it on my past two Porsches after a couple years, and I'm **** and gentle about car washing, so it wasn't that. Sun takes its toll as does any force while driving (air/debris). Guards Red Touch Up will bring it back if it's totally faded. Or replace under warranty.

 

Thanks! Good to know because apart from the sprayon car wash which I use to get the DD prettied up in a pinch...I'm as **** as anyone when I have the tme to be. As far as 303 & leather...I'm refering to the dash and leather trim pieces...I have a black all leather interior.

 

The effect is most likely from the ozone in the air, as its location doesn't expose it to much UV radiation. If you replace it and can put some sort of sealer on the plastic that will keep the handle from getting air exposure, that would reduce the rate of decay. Being an 09, its surprising though, as the experience I had in Louisiana was that it took many, many years of life to get plastics to fade color to the white effect you describe. If the front end is parked near electrical motors (furnace blower?) that produce ozone, that could be where a lot of extra ozone is coming from.

 

The black plastic area around the windscreen wipers seemed to be lovely and black when I bought my 4-year old 997 (a local Houston car) but in the 4 months I have owned it the black has turned to grey in the Houston sun. Is there anything that can be done to bring it back to colour without painting?

 

Periodic 303 applications would have prevented that. Same on all rubber trim. It may still recover it.