So, why do Jeep plastics fade so quickly?

[PBCounty]

I've had a few different makes and models over the years, all trucks with plenty of plastics over the wheel wells, bumpers and bed rails, but no real fading. Meanwhile, I have seen faded out plastics on Jeeps since the TJ was new. My own Gladiator is in the garage unless being driven and I only have 10k miles on it (two years old), and already visible fading.

I went in knowing that Jeep plastics fade pretty quick so it's no surprise, and I'm familiar with countermeasures, but I'm just curious as to why this brand is a stand out with fading.

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[PBCounty]

For example, my 17 year old Cadillac daily driver with 150k on it has never seen a garage, and while the headlights are clouded, the other external plastics are only showing slight fading.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Twice a year I apply a protective coat of Ethos Ceramic/Graphene products on every vehicle since my 2016 Colorado in 2019, just before trade in for a 2019 Colorado I also coated a few times before trade for 2014 Sport S I now have. Both Chevys were still like new and resale reflected. Now at 19 months and on my third application the plastics all around have no sign of fade, or greasy look or feeling. Just like new, along with the Granite Chrystal Metallic paint and all the glass in and out. Also having a monthly unlimited subscription to a new local car wash, that has all microfiber cloth cleaner wheels and buffers, along with using a ceramic rinse. That I send her through at least once a week. Unless we have a heavy downpour that’s enough to rinse almost every contaminant off! I will forward some pictures after I receive my interior treatment from Ethos, I’m about to use for the first time.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

That’s dedication! I just let it fade. Both Jeeps have done it. I’m changing out parts for painted stuff to avoid that. I don’t wash the Jeep as often as I probably should but it’s a Jeep and I live on dirt roads.

 

[Sbro2021]

Here is the cheat code to avoid all the expensive plastic treatments:

 

[Ramboy]

I've had a few different makes and models over the years, all trucks with plenty of plastics over the wheel wells, bumpers and bed rails, but no real fading. Meanwhile, I have seen faded out plastics on Jeeps since the TJ was new. My own Gladiator is in the garage unless being driven and I only have 10k miles on it (two years old), and already visible fading.

I went in knowing that Jeep plastics fade pretty quick so it's no surprise, and I'm familiar with countermeasures, but I'm just curious as to why this brand is a stand out with fading.

Climate change man!UV rays and environmental gotchas are real, but it’s up to debate really how much any change in the climate would impact the fading. Most likely just a cheaper composite material is being used; manufacturers do that.

 

[4-Low]

I think it's because Jeep owners are more likely to be enthusiasts and are therefore more likely to use chemicals on their vehicles. The manual specifically says "mild soap and water" only when washing/cleaning a Jeep, and that's what I do. My plastics stay looking factory for years.

 

[Wildtoad]

It's best to apply UV protection to all exposed rubber or plastic parts as part of your normal washing routine. That is if you actually wash the Jeep. I use a product: Wash Wax All on both my Jeeps and RV. Have done so on previous ones, with little UV damage to any of them.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I think it's because Jeep owners are more likely to be enthusiasts and are therefore more likely to use chemicals on their vehicles. The manual specifically says "mild soap and water" only when washing/cleaning a Jeep, and that's what I do. My plastics stay looking factory for years.

Both of my Jeeps were washed using regular car soap and water and faded terribly. The cowl panel on my 2022 turned ash gray in less than a couple years.

Mine stay parked outside uncovered 24/7/365

 

[Joe_G]

Use Cerakote. It's amazing. I did mine 2 years ago and my fenders and cowl still look new. Plus I wash my jeep at a car wash every other week, this stuff is amazing.

https://a.co/d/0aBaxwka

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Use Cerakote. It's amazing. I did mine 2 years ago and my fenders and cowl still look new. Plus I wash my jeep at a car wash every other week, this stuff is amazing.

https://a.co/d/0aBaxwka

I’ve used their headlight restorer and it works really well good. Cleaned up a set of ‘99 GMC headlights and some ‘07 Chrysler headlights to looking brand new. Purchased at Wally World for not too much.

 

[ShrimpHappens]

Use Cerakote. It's amazing. I did mine 2 years ago and my fenders and cowl still look new. Plus I wash my jeep at a car wash every other week, this stuff is amazing.

https://a.co/d/0aBaxwka

Just did that on the fenders and front bumper. The way it restored the cowl panel is miraculous.

 

[teamblkdog]

303 Aerospace Protectant Spray

 

[JonMN]

I bought this soap for a completely unrelated reason--I wanted a smaller bottle to take along on a trip. Worked fine as a soap, but I was really surprised how it renewed the black plastic on our vehicles. I have dedicated solutions for this, but the soap works amazingly well.

 

[Badunit]

Here is the cheat code to avoid all the expensive plastic treatments:

Are you recommending Vaseline as an inexpensive plastic treatment or as "bend over and take it"?

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