Made in Germany
1. Background information
1.1 How plastic ages
1.1.1 Direct UV radiation
1.1.2 Indirect UV radiation
1.1.3 Loss of plasticisers
1.2 How to protect plastic from ageing?
1.2.1 Protection from UV radiation
1.2.2 Protection from loss of plasticisers
1.2.3 Choosing the right product
1.2.4 Correct application
2. Colour refreshment
3. Lasting care effect
In order to give a plastic the appropriate properties such as elasticity, strength, colour, etc., corresponding additives (e.g. dyes or plasticisers) are added. Chemicals, heat or UV radiation gradually destroy the plastic chains and dyes and the plasticisers escape from the plastic. The result: The plastic loses elasticity, becomes brittle, fragile and also bleaches out. Once this has happened, the plastic can no longer be restored. The corresponding part must be replaced.
High-quality plastic care products permanently prevent the plasticisers from leaching out of the plastic. It is therefore worthwhile to care for plastic parts in and on the car regularly right from the start. Only treatment with care products specially adapted to the plastic material – even in as-new condition – effectively prevents the material from becoming brittle and fading.
1.1.1 Direct UV radiation
Direct UV radiation breaks down the chemically bonded plastic chains and destroys dyes. As a result, plastic loses its elasticity, becomes cracked and brittle – so-called embrittlement sets in. The destruction of the dyes also causes fading.
1.1.2 Indirect UV radiation
Indirect UV radiation produces aggressive radicals that also destroy the plastic chains. Here, too, the result is increasing brittleness and continuous bleaching of the plastic.
1.1.3 Loss of plasticisers
Plasticisers are responsible for the elasticity of plastic. If they leak out of the material due to exposure to heat or chemicals, the material quickly starts to become brittle. Continuous care from the beginning prevents this.
1.2.1 Protection from UV radiation
The ingredients of high-quality care products, such as those in A1 Plastic Protectant Matt, coat the plastic chains and dyes deep in the material, protecting them from direct or indirect UV radiation and aggressive radicals. The original colour and elasticity of the plastic are preserved.
1.2.2 Protection from loss of plasticisers
Many so-called care products for plastics are only applied to the surface of the material. Here they cannot work properly and are quickly removed by weathering or vehicle washing. A1 Plastic Protectants products bear their advantage in their name. They care for plastic in the depth of the material and can thus prevent plasticisers from escaping. The plastic is effectively protected against embrittlement.
1.2.3 Choosing the right product
A1 Plastic Protectant Matt provides a noble, matt appearance of the treated areas. In the cockpit area, it noticeably reduces irritating reflections in the windscreen.
A1 Plastic Protectant Shiny creates an even, high-quality glossy surface. There is no greasy appearance as with less high-quality products.
Tip: Do you prefer a matt or a gloss care product? Qualitatively, it makes no difference whether you use a matt or gloss plastic care product.
Basically, this is a matter of taste. Nevertheless, we recommend using only matt care products indoors.
Gloss products can cause additional glare in the cockpit area due to sun or piggy light.
1.2.4 Correct application
A1 Plastic Care Matt: Download product information
A1 Plastic Care Shiny: Download product information
Besides the lasting protection of the plastic against embrittlement and fading, an attractive colour refreshment is an important feature of a high-quality care product. When plastics are already a little older and show the first signs of ageing, the product must be able to bring back a visually flawless appearance. The valuable ingredients of A1 Plastic Protectant Matt coat the plastic and work deep into the material. This creates a like-new look even on older plastics.
How long a plastic care product works depends decisively on how well its components can anchor themselves to the plastic and how resistant they are to weathering and chemicals (e.g. when washing the vehicle). The ingredients of the A1 Plastic Protectant products have been specially designed for this long-lasting care effect.