Before we get to the good stuff, you should at least have a basic knowledge of what Carbon Fiber really is. If there's anything that bothers me, it is somebody who explains things as if you are already an expert on the subject. That's why you are researching in the first place, isn't it?! Let me explain Carbon Fiber in a way that anybody could understand.

Carbon Fiber itself is a material made up of long thin strands of Carbon (who would've guessed?) basically interwoven to create what looks like sheets or rolls. Carbon Fiber is: * Light * Very strong * Heat resistant * High Tensile Strength (It is very hard to stretch to the point that it breaks) * EXPENSIVE $$$ Now, this is not the Carbon Fiber used on Cars and Motorcycles. What is really being used for Auto and Bike parts is Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP / CRP).

Everybody just calls it Carbon Fiber to keep it short, just like we say Fiberglass instead of Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP). Catch the drift yet? Using Carbon Fiber for vehicles has its advantages. Like I said above, Carbon Fiber is strong, LIGHT, and resistant. When it comes to modifying your cars and bikes, getting a stronger AND lighter part is a no-brainer and a win-win situation. Not to mention the almost hypnotic look of Carbon Fiber and the constant flow of looks and questions coming from admirers! With all these factors in mind, it's no wonder people are buying more Carbon Fiber Parts and Accessories everyday.

You can get everything in Carbon Fiber from Hoods, Mirrors, Trunks, Spoilers, Eyelids, B-Pillars, Exhaust, Dash Kits, Steering Wheel Covers, and so many more accessories and parts that my head could spin. A note of caution: A lot of manufacturers today are trying to fool you and advertising Carbon Fiber products but not actually using full Carbon Fiber in their parts and accessories. What they would do for a trunk lid for example, is take a normal Fiberglass trunk lid and laminate a single layer of Carbon Fiber over that trunk lid to give it the "look" of Carbon Fiber, when in reality it is far from it! If you want a recommendation on a high-quality Carbon Fiber Hood for example, then go here to get your Racing Carbon Fiber Hood. Make sure you buy quality products. Remember, if it looks too good to be true.

It usually IS too good to be true. A lot of people will get caught up in the eBay craze and certain online stores that advertise Carbon Fiber Parts and Accessories for very cheap prices. These are the people you should look out for. Carbon Fiber itself is a very expensive material so if somebody is offering you very cheap prices, you should already know better after this article and go somewhere else.

--Alan Valdes is the President/CEO of HS Auto Shop, LLC This article was taken from the "Everything Carbon Fiber Blog" at http://everythingcarbonfiber.blogspot.com To view full articles including photos and more, visit our blog! All blogs are owned and operated by HS Auto Shop, LLC http://www.hsautoshop.com