Moisture in headlights and taillights is certainly an issue but it is clearly not just a problem for Aston Martin. Just Google this issue and you will see that it affects many car manufacturers. You will also see a variety of proposed solutions you might try if the problem reoccurs after you are out of warranty.

Also, I'm no expert on leather care products but there are a number of helpful posts on leather care on the forum. I use Leather Magic suggested by another forum member 'drcollie' who is in the leather business. Like others, I try to keep my roadster out of the sun and in a cool location when I am not driving.

I can only add that repairing leather shrinkage is not difficult. See . My dealer noted some very minor shrinkage on the passenger side upper dash section on my 09 roadster when I had it in for an annual service. They gave me an estimate of $500 to repair it. I took a pass and will repair it myself if it becomes more noticeable.

 

Thanks for your input Jagman70. I will checkout 'Leather Magic'. I still think when we pay that kind of money, we shouldn't have these issues with headlights or tail lamps or exterior mirrors. I am ready to get the new Vanquish S or DB11. But scared with these kind of issues.

Recently I took a test drive in Ferrari California T. I asked if they have fading stitching issue and their response is .. no. From what I understand they use different type of thread and dye for stitching on leather.

 

Difference between a Aston and a Ferrari is that in traffic people don't point to the Aston and say look at that Dick ......they look with admiration and respect, I'm just saying

 

lol EVERY fabric will fade when subjected to ultraviolet light. But I'm not surprised Ferrari would lie or mislead...

 

Look into 303 products UV protectant spray (30313-CSR) Its good on most surfaces, matte finish.

 

I completely agree with cuddapah's comment that we should not have these kind of moisture problems with our cars. It has been a problem on all AM's and other cars for a number of years. Given that Aston and other manufacturers just change out your light units until you are out of warranty suggests that they don't have a real fix. Maybe we just need to go back to sealed beam headlights. LOL

 

I thought they always wanted your Dick


I have bad condensation in my tails, it's time to have somebody DIY the desiccant/new seal job. Rich? You in that biz??


Red is very prone to fading, the dyes just can't handle the UV. The moral of the story is, get any color you want that doesn't have red in it. I have found my Silver thread looks just like the one in the showroom 7 years later

 

Jagman70...you are right on the lights...many of our company vans and my old catera have mositure problems. We had to change the lights. But the cost is much less than AM costs...lol

Almost any vehicle that sits outside with have faded interiors...

Sheriffdef(sorry if spelled wrong) is a smart guy. Chemicals used wrong or incorrectly will kill your car inside and out. Add in plastics will gas off almost forever and a closed up car is like a gas chamber...deadly.

I saw one product awhile back that was an air system that actually had an AM car inside that kept constant air movement to the car when stored for long periods...not good for everyday use.

Evening...

 

Leatherique is hands down the absolute best for leather. Its a two part system which cleans and moisturizes the leather. You can since a new car-----just use a cream style leather product (AMMO Mousse, Swissvax, Poor Boy's, many others) and treat the leather every couple months pending time in sun.

If left out continuously, there is always a issue with ANY manufacturer for leather shrinking and pulling aways from corners especially in the front or rear window areas. Typically window tint prevents this. THER IS window tint for front windows that is clear, but will prevent the UV light and heat from rising in the vehicle.

Contact me by PM and I can help set you up with the proper cleaning and maintaining supplies to keep your car spectacular and like new for years. IT will encompass everything if you desire.


Thanks a bunch Happy to help guide safely any AM owner to keep these cars perfect.

 

When I bought my 2015 GT, the Aston Dealer treated the paint and leather interior with two different products - both had a 3 year warranty protecting the interior (including stains) and exterior paint without any further treatment or waxing needed. Not sure what they used, but the cost/benefit was within my budget.

 

Not to hijack but I know you're the one to ask.

The shop that had my car on consignment used griots 3in1 on the interior. I was particularly looking for a car that hadn't been toyed with and anything put on the leather because I like the natural look instead of the extra sheen from the treatment. I do get that it will help protect shrinkage but my car sits in direct sun very little.

The griots was put on pretty sloppy, the upper part of the dash is splotchy from missing alot of it, I've been hoping it would just burn off but it doesn't seem to be getting any lighter. I had bought a bottle of 3in1 to make it all even again but have just been waiting to see if it would burn off first. Will it ever? Or should I just go ahead and use more to give it all an even coat?

 

The leather treatment question comes up every few months on this forum; I'm sure a search would yield a plethora of posts on the subject.

Everyone has an opinion, that's great. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll repeat mine: the majority of leather 'conditioners' on the market are probably going to do more harm than good in the long term, because they are not water based. And I don't like Leatherique, or any other product that leaves a residue or changes the feel of the leather.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ash-board.html

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...roblems-2.html

 

Good info, and though I'm still hijacking, the question is, will the cleaner remove the Griots 3in1 that's already been sloppily applied?

 

How to make leather conditioner not shiny----- typically you can wipe with a damp microfiber cloth several times to take the sheen out of the conditioner.

I use exclusively Leatherique on soiled or old worn leather.

BUT........ for all others, which should include out cars

I use AMMO NYC LATHER which is a dedicated interior leather and cloth cleanser that is formulated to where it has no harsh additives and is ph balanced to only clean the materials. I also use a horse hair small brush to work the Lather into a foam on the surface, gently cleaning the leather. Then wipe away with microfiber cloth.

I use AMMO NYC MOUSSE for the leather conditioner. I apply fairly heavily. Then wipe dry with microfiber cloths. Then after 5min or so, I go back over the interior with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to return all surfaces to a mostly matte look.

Armour All/Lexan shiny is not what people want. Sorta Old School, where for the first hour it looks great, but then attracts dust and looks bad. For leather on collector cars that is not the route to go, and a lot of inferior cleaners and conditioners are cheap and actually suck out the moisture inside the leather, rather than keep it moisturized.


Hope that all helps, if you follow those instructions, you will be pleased. Cant offer money back guarantee on this, because your not buying the items from me. LOL

But, I am very specific about my personal cars, especially high end ones. This is what I have found to be the best/easiest (Leatherique is very intensive process) process to work on my cars, with no worry about damage.


Sheriffdep

 

Thanks, I'll try a damn MF later and see if it kills that sheen.