5 Ways to Make Carbon Fiber Car Parts Last Longer

You’ve just reached deep into your pocket to purchase expensive carbon fiber parts and rock them on your car. Because you want these carbon fiber car parts to last as long as possible, you’re looking for ways to prolong their life before they wear and tear.

In this blog, we’ll explain the 5 most effective carbon care strategies to ensure that your carbon fiber car parts will be worth the investment.

 

In This Article:

• Clean, Polish, and Repeat
• Inspect and Fix Cracks 
• Apply Protective Coatings
• Use Microfiber Pads and Cloth
• Avoid Sun and Chemical Damage

Carbon Care: Prolonging the Life of Carbon Fiber Car Parts

Clean, Polish, and Repeat

Carbon fiber car parts are known for their durability and sleek appearance, but over time, even this high-performance material can lose its shine due to dirt and stains. Therefore, regular cleaning and polishing are essential to maintain carbon fiber car parts. 

Cleaning and polishing don’t have to be done every week, but washing your car every time you notice a visible dirty spot and polishing it once every 3 - 4 months is recommended. 

By doing so, you can prevent dirt and stains from becoming ingrained in the surface of the carbon fiber, ensuring that it retains its glossy, showroom-worthy appearance for years to come. Also, regular maintenance will not only protect your investment but also enhance the overall aesthetic of your vehicle, potentially increasing its value in the future.

 

Inspect and Fix Cracks  

Like any other material, carbon fiber can sustain cracks and scratches, especially if it repeatedly experiences shocks and impacts during use. Therefore, inspecting your carbon fiber car parts is crucial to ensure they remain in optimal condition. 

Check at least once every 1 - 2 weeks. If there are cracks or scratches, immediately addressing them is essential to prevent further damage. 

While minor cracks or scratches can be fixed by yourself using appropriate repair kits, seeking help from a specialized automobile garage for more significant repairs is advisable. Repairing carbon fiber car parts can be challenging due to the material’s unique properties and the need for specialized techniques and equipment. 

Attempting to fix it yourself without the proper knowledge and tools can cause further damage or compromise the structural integrity of the parts. In contrast, having your carbon fiber car parts fixed at a reputable garage will ensure that the repairs are done correctly and that your car parts are restored to their original condition.

 

Apply Protective Coatings

Protective coatings are essential as they protect against scratches, stains, and other damages. Therefore, regularly applying protective coatings keeps your carbon fiber car parts pristine and ensures longevity.

Here’s how to apply protective coatings on carbon fiber car parts:

• Clean the surface: Before applying any protective coating, ensure that the surface of the carbon fiber part is clean and free from dirt, dust, and contaminants. Use a gentle cleanser to avoid any potential damage to the material.
• Dry the surface: Ensure the exterior is dry before applying the protective coating. Then, use a clean microfiber cloth or air-dry the part to remove all moisture.
• Apply the coating: Use a microfiber applicator or cloth to apply the coating in thin, even layers. Allow the coating to cure as per the instructions.
• Buff the surface: Once the coating has cured, gently buff the surface with a clean and soft microfiber cloth to remove any residue and enhance the shine of the part.

Some popular protective coatings for carbon fiber car parts include ceramic, graphene, and hydrophobic coatings. These coatings offer excellent protection against scratches, UV rays, and contaminants, making them ideal for preserving carbon fiber car parts.

 

Use Microfiber Pads and Cloth

When applying protective coatings on carbon fiber car parts, it’s crucial to use microfiber pads and cloths for optimal results. 

Regular fabric may be less effective in evenly spreading the coating and allowing it to absorb properly into the surface. In contrast, microfiber pads are soft and lint-free, minimizing the risk of leaving residue or dust on the carbon fiber, which can cause micro scratches. 

Also, using the same cloth used to clean other parts may inadvertently transfer contaminants onto the carbon fiber surface, reducing the effectiveness of the protective coating.

 

Avoid Sun and Chemical Damage

The sun and harsh chemicals can have a detrimental impact on carbon fiber car parts. Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause discoloration and oxidation on the surface of carbon fiber, leading to a loss of its glossy finish. 

Similarly, exposure to harsh chemicals such as acidic or alkaline cleaners, solvents, and other abrasive substances can damage the protective coatings and even the carbon fiber itself, further accelerating the deterioration process. 

While minor damage may be reversible, ingrained or ignored defects can be complicated, if not impossible, to correct. Replacing the damaged carbon fiber part may be the only viable option, which can be costly and time-consuming. 

Therefore, it’s crucial to protect carbon fiber car parts from prolonged exposure to sun and harsh chemicals, keep the vehicle in the shade whenever possible, and regularly clean and maintain them using appropriate products and techniques.

 

If you have questions about carbon fiber car parts or any details discussed here, contact us and learn more.  

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