Carbon Fiber Accessories: Do You Need Them?

There are many materials used in automotive customization. For a long time, fiberglass was the material of choice.  It's light, moderately strong and can be easily patched or repaired (most of the time).  However, today's technology has resulted in a new material available for car customization. Carbon fiber is currently the single hottest material on the market for custom looks. Many consumers (and tuners) still have questions about this material. What is it?  How can it be used?  Do I really want to spend that much money on it?

First, carbon fiber is used in a variety of industries, including racing, aerospace, weapons technology and much more.  This material is incredibly lightweight and is some of the strongest available.  A piece of carbon fiber compared to a similarly sized piece of steel is much stronger than that much vaunted metal, not to mention lighter and rust proof to boot.  So, what can you find in the automotive customization market that makes use of carbon fiber?  What benefits can you receive from using this material?

Carbon fiber is used throughout the automotive industry (even the OEM's are getting into the act).  It's used predominantly as a trim material in most vehicles, because of its sleek good looks and great style.  Gearshift knobs, steering wheel trim, dash and door trim, taillights and even side view mirrors have been made with carbon fiber.  These items provide greater durability, lighten the load the vehicle must bear and provide an amazing look, as well.

However, for the true tuner, carbon fiber body pieces are the Holy Grail.  Carbon fiber wing spoilers, rocker panels and even entire hoods are available to those willing to shell out the cash for them.  Does carbon fiber cost more?  Yes, you'll find that this material carries a much higher price than other materials on the market.  For instance, you can expect to pay roughly 2-3 times the price for a carbon fiber hood over a traditional metal hood.  Fiberglass hoods come in somewhere between the two.

Why is the material so expensive?  The material, itself is not truly the expensive part.  The construction methods are the real culprit.  Many layers of carbon fiber must be glued together to make a usable body component. Once the layers have been adhered to each other, the exterior side must be lacquered and polished until it has the smooth appearance that consumers want (carbon fiber is actually very rough, with a pronounced weave pattern similar to some fabrics).  Without the finishing process, carbon fiber would be unsuitable for use on cars.

However, for those seeking a way to give their cars light, yet rigid and strong body components, carbon fiber is the way to go. Whether you choose to add simple touches like a spoiler or a hood, or go whole hog, you will find that your car weighs less, provides better strength and can attain better acceleration and sustained speeds (lightening your car is the best way to improve power and performance).