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R55 MINI and plastic failure

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Old 11-26-2019, 04:18 PM
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MINI and plastic failure

Does anyone have an idea why the plastic items in our cars don't hold up??
 
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Old 11-26-2019, 04:58 PM
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Which plastic pieces are you referring to? Engine compartment, body trim or interior trim?

Do you live in a state where there is a lot of sun?

I haven't had any problems with the plastic parts on my R55, but I live in the Pacific Northwest and I keep my MINI garaged.
 
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Old 11-26-2019, 05:02 PM
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Yes, I live in Central FL. But the car has a spot in the garage.

I've replaced all kinds of plastic and even vinyl pieces since I purchased the car new.
Engine plastic, rear brake light, interior plastic, vinyl stripes, windshield cowl etc.
 
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Old 11-27-2019, 06:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Performance Angst
Yes, I live in Central FL. But the car has a spot in the garage.

I've replaced all kinds of plastic and even vinyl pieces since I purchased the car new.
Engine plastic, rear brake light, interior plastic, vinyl stripes, windshield cowl etc.
Any big motors constantly running in your garage? Air compressor, fridge, freezer? Plastics don't like ozone.
 
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Old 11-27-2019, 11:06 AM
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The plastics can get brittle from the sun or the extreme cold, I just treat most with VRP from CG and it seems to help on the fading.
 
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Old 11-27-2019, 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Andy_S
Any big motors constantly running in your garage? Air compressor, fridge, freezer? Plastics don't like ozone.
I have an air compressor but only run it once every 3 months or so. I do have a fridge in the garage as well but it's designed as an outdoor fridge so low run times and energy consumption. Gladiator full size fridge converted to a kegerator for homebrews!
 
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Old 11-27-2019, 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
The plastics can get brittle from the sun or the extreme cold, I just treat most with VRP from CG and it seems to help on the fading.
Thanks for the product suggestion!
Any comments on the new F11?
 
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Old 11-27-2019, 05:14 PM
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Nice Grumman fighter jet from quite a while back.
 
  #9  
Old 11-27-2019, 05:22 PM
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303 Protectant is real good for protecting plastic from uv rays. I get it at West Marine.
 
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