Detailing Tips for Maintaining Carbon Fiber and Painted Aero Parts

Adding carbon fiber and painted aero components to your Corvette instantly elevates its look and performance. Whether it’s a carbon-fiber front splitter, painted side skirts, or a rear spoiler, these upgrades bring a high-end, race-ready appearance to your car. But to keep them looking flawless, you’ll need the right care routine.

Carbon fiber and painted aero parts require different maintenance methods than standard factory panels. Harsh chemicals, improper washing, or the wrong detailing tools can cause fading, scratches, or clear coat damage. To help you protect your investment, here are some expert detailing tips for maintaining carbon fiber and painted aero parts.

1. Hand Wash Only — No Automatic Car Washes

Automatic car washes can do serious damage to delicate finishes. The high-pressure brushes, harsh detergents, and recycled water can scratch clear coats or cause micro-abrasions in carbon-fiber weave.

Always hand wash your Corvette (or any car with aftermarket aero parts) using the two-bucket method—one for soap, one for rinse—to prevent cross-contamination. Use a pH-balanced automotive shampoo that’s safe for clear coat and carbon fiber.

Pro Tip:

• Wash carbon-fiber parts first, since they’re often lower to the ground and collect the most debris.

• Use soft microfiber mitts and rinse often to avoid swirl marks.

2. Use the Right Cleaning Products

Carbon fiber and painted components both feature clear coat layers that can be sensitive to strong cleaners. Avoid all-purpose degreasers, ammonia-based glass cleaners, or anything labeled as a “multi-surface cleaner.”

Instead, use:

• Carbon fiber-safe car wash soaps (pH neutral, non-acidic)

• Detail sprays formulated for painted or coated surfaces

• Microfiber drying towels (not chamois) to prevent scratching

If your aero parts are hydro-dipped or clear-coated, treat them just like a painted surface—never use abrasive compounds unless you’re correcting specific imperfections.

3. Protect the Finish with Ceramic Coating or Sealant

One of the best ways to preserve both carbon fiber and painted aero parts is by applying a ceramic coating or high-quality paint sealant. These coatings form a hydrophobic layer that repels water, dirt, and UV rays.

For carbon fiber, ceramic coatings protect the clear resin layer from oxidation and yellowing—a common issue with prolonged sun exposure. For painted components, coatings prevent fading, water spots, and swirl marks.

Pro Tip:

• Use a ceramic coating designed specifically for carbon fiber and high-temp surfaces.

• Reapply every 6–12 months depending on driving and storage conditions.

4. Avoid Direct Sunlight During Cleaning

Carbon fiber parts, especially those with an exposed weave, can heat up quickly in direct sunlight. Washing or detailing when surfaces are hot can cause soap or wax to dry too fast, leaving streaks or residue.

Always wash your car in a shaded area or early in the morning, when temperatures are lower. If you must wash in the sun, use a quick detail spray or waterless wash product to help keep the surface lubricated.

Pro Tip:
Keep a bottle of carbon fiber-safe detail spray in your trunk. It’s perfect for quick wipe-downs at car shows or before photoshoots.

5. Inspect Regularly for Rock Chips and Clear Coat Damage

Because aero parts sit lower to the ground, they’re constantly exposed to rocks, bugs, and road debris. Even minor impacts can cause chips or spider cracks in the clear coat, especially on front splitters and side skirts.

Make it a habit to inspect your aero parts after each wash. Catching damage early prevents moisture from seeping under the surface and spreading.

If you notice chips or cracks:

• Clean the area thoroughly.

• Apply a small amount of touch-up clear coat or paint protection film patch.

• For deep cracks or carbon fiber delamination, contact a professional detailer or body shop that specializes in composites.

6. Apply Paint Protection Film (PPF) on High-Risk Areas

If you frequently drive your Corvette on highways or attend track days, paint protection film is one of the smartest investments you can make. PPF adds a nearly invisible layer of defense against chips, scratches, and UV damage.

Modern films like XPEL or 3M Scotchgard Pro are self-healing—meaning minor scratches disappear with heat. You can apply PPF to just the most vulnerable areas like:

• Front splitters

• Side skirts

• Mirror caps

• Rocker panels

Pairing PPF with a ceramic coating gives you double protection and easier cleaning.

7. Dry with Care — No Rubbing

After washing, always use soft, clean microfiber drying towels. Never rub the surface—blot or gently drag the towel to absorb water. For large areas, a leaf blower or car dryer works perfectly to blow water out of tight seams and around carbon weave textures.

Avoid:

• Terry cloths (too rough)

• Paper towels (can scratch)

• Dirty or used towels (may contain embedded grit)

8. Wax vs. Ceramic: What’s Best?

Traditional waxes still provide excellent shine but tend to wear off faster—especially on high-exposure parts like front lips and diffusers. Ceramic coatings offer longer-lasting protection, stronger hydrophobic properties, and better UV resistance.

However, if you prefer to hand-detail your car often, a high-quality wax like P21S or Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax can still give your painted or carbon fiber parts a rich, glossy finish.

9. Keep Undersides Clean

Don’t forget the underside of your aero parts. Dirt and grime accumulate quickly under splitters, diffusers, and side skirts. Over time, that buildup can trap moisture and road salt, leading to corrosion on mounting hardware and degradation of composite materials.

Use a low-pressure hose or foam cannon to rinse these areas, and wipe with a long-handled microfiber brush when possible. For deep cleaning, safely lift the car and check mounting bolts and brackets.

Final Thoughts

Carbon fiber and painted aero parts give your Corvette the aggressive, performance-oriented style it deserves—but maintaining them properly is key to preserving their beauty and longevity.

By following these detailing tips—hand washing, using proper cleaning products, protecting the finish with ceramic coatings or PPF, and inspecting for damage—you’ll keep your car looking show-ready year after year.

At Southern Car Parts, we offer a wide selection of carbon fiber and painted aero components for all Corvette generations, along with the detailing supplies you need to keep them looking their best. From ACS Composite carbon fiber splitters to American Hydrocarbon painted engine covers, we carry premium products designed for both performance and appearance.

Protect your investment, enhance your car’s shine, and keep your Corvette turning heads everywhere you go.