Whitening of automotive interior plastics mainly occurs in areas exposed to prolonged ultraviolet radiation and high temperatures, such as the dashboard, center console, door panel trim, air vents, lower edge of the steering wheel, and glove box.
These areas, due to constant direct sunlight and frequent hand contact, are highly susceptible to "photo-oxidative aging," leading to the breakage of the surface polymer structure and the volatilization of plasticizers, resulting in a grayish-white, matte oxide layer.
Furthermore, improper cleaning can exacerbate the whitening phenomenon. For example, using excessively alkaline cleaners or solvent-based products can damage the original coating of the plastic and accelerate material aging.
This problem is particularly prevalent in hot and humid southern regions or in areas with strong sunlight in the north.
