Plastic Exterior Trim Care

[mudslinger]

What are people using to prevent the exterior plastic trim from discoloring and fading and showing its age? My neighbor has an '05 Honda Element with a similar trim. He uses Armor All every two months and the trim still looks good.

[azdamay]

On other vehicles, I have used Mothers Back to Black with success. It is NOT, however, a dye and will not permanently return the black color. It's a dressing or treatment. I use it on the window trim on my GTO, which is parked in a garage, and it lasts for many months thanks to the lack of environmental exposure. On my previous work van which I parked outdoors, the Back to Black still would last 2-3 months before needing reapplication.

Personally I don't care for Armor All, I find it too greasy and messy. But the last time I dabbled with it was the '90s so maybe they've changed it since then?

[robertmcclain]

What are people using to prevent the exterior plastic trim from discoloring and fading and showing its age? My neighbor has an '05 Honda Element with a similar trim. He uses Armor All every two months and the trim still looks good.

I have been using Turtle Wax ICE on the entire vehicle including the plastic trim. It doesn't discolor the plastic because there is no white residue. It seems to be doing a good protection job -- so far. I need to add that I am not normally a fan of liquid waxes, but according to several reviews, the liquids last almost twice as long as carnuba paste wax and it provides better UV protection.