Carbon fiber is just one exotic material used on new, modern day cars and the aftermarket parts that are common place within Even the classic market has jumped onto the carbon fiber scene today. Back when we were learning to maintain, wash and wax dear ol Dad's car, carbon fiber and the likes of it were space age and with that, we need to take a little more care in maintaining these materials.
Carbon fiber can be detailed and believe it or not, this material can be compounded, polished and waxed (sealed), if you know what you are doing. If you are not a car detailing aficionado, just apply a good quality wax or sealer in between your professional details can be a big help in maintain your cars bling!
You will simply need to use good common sense and know that carbon fiber and other composite materials can be found with exposed (non-painted and non-clear coated) and non-exposed threads (painted). Some of these materials are clear coated while others are resin based with noting over or covering the surfaces. Most factory surfaces are cleared, but that is not a law or factual for all factory composites.
Test For Being Cleared...or Not
Two ways...the ol’ spit on your finger and rub trick...if color comes off, it’s not cleared. Also, you can take a soft microfiber towel and apply a little polish to the surface via the towel, but do this in an area where you won't be able to see discoloration should the surface not be cleared as non-cleared composites can become blemished when they come in contact with some compounds, polishes or waxes.If when you do the above test color comes off, again no clear. Also look for smudging when you use the above techniques.
Keeping the shine on composites
Here's the real story, keeping your factory carbon fiber surfaces clean, shiny and protected does not need to be tricky. Here is a simple guide to help you.
- Keeping composite surfaces clean and free of bird droppings, tree sap and environmental fall out should be a major goal. These surfaces can be sensitive to long term exposure of these and other contaminants, so keeping your car clean is important.
- Wash with a high quality car shampoo. Make sure to use a good quality mitt and I love to use a Grit Guard in my wash bucket.
- If you desire to really pop your composites/carbon fiber surfaces, you may wish to clay the surface, but make sure to utilize a mild clay bar so that you will not leave marring on the surfaces.
- If you want to protect your composites/carbon fiber surfaces with the genteelest touch possible, I prefer to use a spray on/wipe on application, as this offers a very soft and gentle application process and it takes just a couple minutes to protect your investment.
- If you are maintaining your carbon fiber surfaces yourself, I would suggest quarterly applications of protective products. More often if parked outdoors.
- If you do need to polish minor imperfections out of your composite surfaces, you can do so using a mild polish and soft polishing hand pad or for those you are skilled with a DA polisher, you can again use a mild polish with a mild foam polishing pad.
Interior Composites
Keeping interior composite surfaces clean and protected is also an important step. Assuming your composite materials are clear coat protected, I like a very mild cleaner/protector hand applied with a clean, soft microfiber towel.
Keeping The Paint New
So your carbon fiber is tricked out, now what about your painted surfaces? Here are some hints to keeping that paint blinging too!
- Keep it wash and use very nice drying towels. Swirls can be created by using the wrong toweling for drying.
- Clay bar your car- the clay step is very important.
- Do you have minor imperfections? Performing a mild polishing step is a good idea for perfection based paint care.
- Waxing your paint is one thing, I like to apply sealers to the show cars I maintain and detail. Sealers will last longer, provide a higher level of protection and deliver the bling your car deserves. You can apply a more traditional sealer, new generation sealers or even high end, boutique waxes.
High End Stock/Aftermarket Wheels & Calipers
Today's wheels are not just about good looks, today's wheels are about performance. With that wheel performance usually comes brake performance and with brake performance comes caliper performance and with all this performance comes some nasty wheels and calipers.
The Wheels on a car are a center point, an accessory that can make or break a car and keeping the wheels look their best is important. If you practice good housekeeping habits and keep your wheels clean, I recommend that you use an all wheel safe wheel cleaner. This level of wheel cleaner is safe and will not spot or damage most wheels and if you utilize the right product, it will clean the tires too!
Now, if you are on the throttle and therefor on your brakes, basically you drive your car the way it was intended to be driven, you are going to need a little stronger cleaner. Always test wheel cleaners on the back of the wheel, within an area that you can not see so that way if the cleaner causes any damage or discoloration, that visual damage can not be seen as easily.
Wheel Protection
Cleaning your wheels is one thing, but why not apply a protective coating? If you have seriously nice wheels, I like to apply a long term protective coating vs. a short term wheel coating.
Don't Forget Your Tires
Now, your carbon fiber is blinging, your paint has the reflection of a mirror, your wheels are beyond clean, it's time to address your tires. Applying a tire dressing is the finishing touch to the perfectly detailed vehicle. I am very picky about the tire dressings I use. Why? I don't want to much shine, to little shine and I hate tire dressing that slings off the tire, covering your car in tire muck. So, be picky about your tire dressing
So, you now have enough detailing tips to keep your modern day car looking it's best. So, this weekend, get out your detailing kit, print the tips above out and start having some fun with your ride all while keeping it's natural beauty and value at it's best.
Happy detailing,
Renny
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