Carbon fibre panels are widely used in modern vehicles for their strength, lightweight performance, and sleek finish. While they offer superior durability, they are not immune to damage. From minor scratches to structural cracks, carbon fibre panel repair requires specialist knowledge, precision, and the right techniques.
This article will explore carbon fibre damage, common safety concerns, and the best ways to repair damaged panels.
Highlights
In this article, you will learn about:
- Carbon fibre damage
- Safety issues with damaged panels
- Different repair options for carbon fibre panels
What is Carbon Fibre and How Is It Used in Panels
Carbon fibre is a material made from thin, strong strands of carbon. These strands are combined with resin to create a lightweight car panel. Car manufacturers use carbon fibre in panels, including bumpers and hoods. It improves the strength and provides a premium appearance to the car.
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Why Carbon Fibre Damage Is Different
Carbon fibre is not like steel or aluminium panels. In the event of an impact, steel panels typically bend, while aluminium panels tend to dent. Carbon fibre, on the other hand, usually cracks or even shatters.
Fixing carbon fibre panels requires special tools, resins, and expert skills. Therefore, you should always rely on trusted car body repair experts.
Also Read: Aluminium Panel Repairs: Why You Need a Specialist Car Body Shop in London
Is It Safe to Keep Driving if a Panel Is Damaged?
A cracked or chipped carbon fibre panel might not look serious at first. However, it can worsen with time. In London, road safety laws are strict, and you can get in trouble for driving with damaged panels. If panel conditions make it unsafe, you could face legal consequences.
Cracks Reduce Safety
A cracked carbon fibre panel is weaker than a non-cracked one. Sometimes these damages are not noticeable. However, a minor impact on a chipped panel can result in shattering and lead to accidents. Such damaged panels increase the risk for the driver and passengers and could even be life-threatening.
Damage Gets Worse Over Time
Minor scratches or chips on carbon fibre panels do not stay the same. They are bound to grow over time. Vibrations, weather, and everyday wear and tear can damage these minor scratches and make them worse. An object hitting a damaged panel can shatter, compromising road safety. Therefore, timely panel repair is essential.
MOT and Insurance Problems
Visible damage can cause trouble during MOT checks and insurance claims. If cracks affect safety, the car could fail its MOT. Also, insurers sometimes refuse a claim if panels are left unfixed for a long time. Therefore, you should always choose trusted car body shops that provide insurance approved vehicle repairs.
During an MOT, testers look for sharp edges, insecure panels, or damage that could make the car unsafe. Significant cracks in carbon fibre panels can cause a failure.
For further information, also read: Understanding Insurance Approved Repairs in London.
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Common Repair Solutions Drivers Can Consider
A few methods are used to repair carbon fibre panels. The choice of method depends upon the level of damage.
Cosmetic Repairs
Cosmetic repair is the most practical option when the damage is limited to scratches, chips, or light scuffs. It is fast, and many insurers approve it. However, it still requires the expertise of a professional auto repair shop.
For cosmetic repair, the following steps are taken.
- The panel’s surface is thoroughly cleaned to remove loose paint or debris.
- Further, the extent of damage is evaluated. For minor dents, panel hammers or dolliers are usually used to flatten the dent areas.
- If the fibre panel is scratched, a filler is often used to repair it.
- After filling, sanding is done to smooth the panel and flatten the repaired area.
- A coat of primer is then applied to the repaired area to provide a protective layer, and the paint is applied.
- After the paint cures, the entire panel is buffed and polished to remove any minor imperfections and to restore its shine.
Structural Repairs
On the other hand, structural repair is used for more detailed panel repairs. It fixes cracked panels. Specialists clean out the damaged fibres and restore strength. You can choose structural repair if your car has cracked bumpers, split body kits, and damaged rims. Structural repair will fix the panel’s strength without spending much on replacement.
After assessing the extent of damage, the following steps are taken to repair the structure of carbon fibre panels.
- Area Preparation: Mechanics remove damaged fibres, taper-sand the edges, and clean thoroughly with solvent.
- Repair Application: Then, carbon fibre patches are cut and saturated with epoxy resin. These patches are then layered on the prepared surface.
Finishing: To give the panels a sleek finish, air bubbles are removed, and the final coat is applied.
Body Panel Replacement
In case of major shattering, you have to replace the full body panel. The process is costly and time-consuming, but it keeps the vehicle compliant with safety requirements. It also helps vehicles pass MOT checks.
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Final Thoughts
Carbon fibre gives cars a premium look and outstanding strength, but repairing it is not simple. Unlike steel or aluminium, even small cracks can compromise safety. The right solution depends on the extent of the damage and expert inspection. You should consult a trusted body shop for professional and insurance approved panel repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Minor chips or cracks can be fixed with specialist tools and resins. For major damage, you should contact an expert panel repair service. You can contact AVX for insurance approved car body services near London and get a quote for repairs.
Minor cosmetic repairs take one to two days. However, it can take longer if your car needs structural repair or complete panel replacement.
Costs vary, but carbon fibre repairs are often two to five times more expensive than standard steel or aluminium panel repairs.
Get Your Carbon Fibre Repair Sorted Today
Don’t let cracks or insurer delays put your car at risk. Contact AVX Auto Shop for an insurance approved estimate. We will provide expert carbon fibre repair for a fast, safe, and hassle-free drive.
