So, you've finally installed that body kit you've been eyeing for months. Your ride looks absolutely killer now – lower, meaner, with curves in all the right places. The number of thumbs-up you get at traffic lights has tripled. Life is good.
Fast forward six months. Those once-crisp lines are looking a bit dull. There's a crack in your side skirt from that sneaky curb you didn't see. And is that... sun fading on your carbon fibre hood? Ouch.
Look, we've all been there. You drop serious cash on aftermarket parts, then forget they need love too. Your stock bumper might take abuse like a champ, but that custom front lip? It's the automotive equivalent of a high-maintenance relationship – gorgeous, but demanding regular attention.
But don't stress! With a few simple habits and the right know-how, keeping your body kit looking fresh isn't rocket science. Grab a coffee and let's chat about how to protect that investment without becoming a slave to maintenance.
Key Takeaways
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Material Matters: Different body kit materials (carbon fibre, fibreglass, ABS plastic) require specific cleaning techniques and products
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Prevention Over Repair: Regular application of protective products significantly extends body kit lifespan
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Quick Fixes: Minor chips and scratches can be DIY repaired with the right materials and techniques
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Fitment Check: Periodically inspect mounting points and hardware to ensure proper fitment and prevent damage
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Seasonal Protection: Adjust your maintenance routine based on weather conditions to prevent deterioration
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Professional Help: Know when a problem requires expert attention rather than a DIY approach
Best Cleaning Techniques for Different Body Kit Materials
Not all body kits are created equal, and neither are the ways you should clean them. Using the wrong products or techniques can damage the finish or even compromise structural integrity.
Carbon Fibre Care
Carbon fibre components have become increasingly popular in the automotive industry, thanks to their lightweight properties and distinctive weave pattern. But that premium look comes with premium care requirements.
First, always use pH-neutral soap with lukewarm water – harsh chemicals will damage the clear coat faster than a V8 burns through fuel. Apply a specialised carbon fibre protectant every 2-3 months to prevent UV damage, especially under our harsh Australian sun. When drying, only use microfibre cloths, and wipe in straight motions rather than circular to avoid micro-scratches. For serious protection, consider a ceramic coating application once a year.
"Carbon fibre requires gentle handling despite its strength," says our team at AusBody Works. "The material itself is durable, but the clear coat protecting that gorgeous weave pattern is susceptible to damage from abrasive cleaners."
Fibreglass Maintenance
Fibreglass body kits offer versatility and are common in the Australian market. They're durable but can suffer from chalking and oxidation without proper care.
Clean with automotive-specific soap that won't strip protective coatings. Twice yearly, apply a fibreglass restorer to prevent that chalky, faded look that screams "neglected car." Wax every three months with a high-quality automotive wax to maintain that glossy finish. Most importantly, regularly check for hairline cracks around mounting points – they're easier to fix when small.
ABS Plastic Protection
Many body kits use ABS plastic for its balance of affordability, durability and weight. Here's how to keep it looking fresh:
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Clean with mild soap and water, avoiding alcohol-based products which can cause cracking
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Apply a plastic restorer with UV inhibitors to prevent fading and brittleness
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Keep away from high heat sources which can cause warping
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Use a plastic-specific polish to remove minor scratches and restore shine
Protecting Against Scratches, Chips, and UV Damage
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to body kit maintenance. Australian conditions can be particularly harsh, with strong UV radiation that wreaks havoc on automotive finishes.
Preventative Measures Worth Taking
The best maintenance is preventing damage in the first place. Think of these steps as insurance for your body kit investment.
Consider applying clear Paint Protection Film (PPF) to vulnerable areas of your body kit, particularly the front splitter and side skirts that take the most abuse. Establish a regular waxing schedule – mark it in your calendar – every three months minimum in our harsh Australian conditions.
For serious protection, a professional ceramic coating provides superior defense against environmental contaminants and UV damage. It's not cheap, but neither was your body kit. When possible, garage your pride and joy to minimise exposure to the elements. No garage? Invest in a high-quality, breathable car cover.
"The colour and finish of your body kit will remain vibrant for years with proper preventative care," our installation team always reminds customers. "It's much easier to maintain than to restore."
Quick Action Tips for When Damage Occurs
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, damage happens. Here's what to do when you notice issues:
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Address stone chips immediately to prevent moisture ingress and further damage
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Keep touch-up paint handy for quick repairs
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Clean any chemical spills (like petrol or brake fluid) immediately as they can permanently damage finishes
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Photograph any damage for insurance or warranty purposes before attempting repairs
Handling Minor Repairs and When to Seek Professional Help
Many minor body kit issues can be addressed at home, saving you time and money. But knowing when to DIY and when to call the professionals is crucial.
DIY-Friendly Repairs
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Small Scratches: Use a kit-specific scratch repair product based on your material
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Minor Chips: Fill with appropriate filler and touch up with matching paint
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Loose Fasteners: Tighten or replace hardware to ensure proper fitment
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Surface Cleaning: Remove tar or insect residue with automotive clay bar treatment
When to Call the Professionals
Some issues require expert attention to ensure proper repair without causing further damage:
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Structural cracks or damage affecting the body kit's integrity
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Major paint damage requiring colour matching
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Fitment issues where the kit has shifted or warped
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Damage to special finishes like carbon fibre's clear coat
"We've seen DIY repairs go wrong and end up costing more than if the customer had come to us first," notes our repair team. "When in doubt, at least call for advice before attempting major fixes yourself."
Maintaining a Proper Fit: Checking for Loose or Worn Parts
One often overlooked aspect of body kit maintenance is ensuring everything stays properly fitted. Vibration, impacts, and temperature fluctuations can all affect how your kit sits on your car.
Regular Fitment Check Routine
Make this a part of your regular maintenance schedule. Every month, take a few minutes to inspect all mounting points and hardware. Look for signs of stress around fastener locations – little cracks or warping can indicate bigger problems brewing.
Got a new rattle or vibration? Don't just crank up your stereo to drown it out. That's your body kit trying to tell you something's loose. While you're at it, ensure drainage holes remain clear to prevent water buildup – nothing kills body kits faster than trapped moisture. Also verify that flexible components like bumper lips haven't shifted or started to sag.
"A body kit that's even slightly loose won't just look bad—it can actually cause more serious damage over time or even become a road hazard," our installation team emphasises. "Just five minutes of checking fitment each month can save you from expensive problems."
Hardware Considerations
Not all hardware is created equal. The bolts and clips that came with your kit might not be the best long-term option. For maximum durability, replace standard fasteners with stainless steel alternatives for corrosion resistance – especially important in coastal areas.
Use nylon washers between different materials to prevent galvanic corrosion – that's when two different metals start a microscopic war with each other, and your body kit loses. Apply thread-locking compound to fasteners in high-vibration areas, unless you enjoy finding parts of your kit on the road behind you. And for the truly dedicated, keep a record of torque specifications for critical mounting points.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips to Prevent Long-Term Damage
Australia's diverse climate means your maintenance routine should adapt throughout the year.
Summer Protection
With harsh UV and higher temperatures, summer requires extra vigilance:
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Increase the frequency of UV protectant application
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Watch for signs of heat-related warping, especially on dark-coloured components
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Clean bird droppings immediately as they become more corrosive in heat
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Consider upgrading to UV-resistant films or coatings before summer arrives
Winter Care
Even in milder Australian winters, there are specific concerns:
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Check seals between body kit components and factory bodywork to prevent moisture ingress
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Apply a protective sealant before winter to create a barrier against road grime
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Wash more frequently to remove road salt (particularly important in some regions)
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Inspect for any water pooling that could lead to freeze damage in colder areas
The Right Products Make All the Difference
Using the appropriate products for your specific body kit material dramatically affects longevity. Don't just grab whatever's on special at Supercheap Auto and hope for the best.
For cleaners, stick with pH-balanced, automotive-specific formulations without harsh chemicals. Your body kit isn't your kitchen sink – household cleaners will do more harm than good. Invest in material-specific UV inhibitors and sealants for protection – remember, we're talking about Australia, where the sun seems to be on a personal mission to fade everything it touches.
When repairs are needed, use manufacturer-recommended fillers and touch-up materials. And always keep proper tools on hand: microfibre cloths (not old t-shirts), soft detailing brushes, and non-abrasive applicators.
"The quality of your maintenance products directly affects the lifespan of your body kit," our team advises. "Cutting corners on cheap products often leads to premature aging and damage. It's like buying a designer suit and washing it with dishwashing liquid – technically possible, but a terrible idea."
Conclusion: The Long-Term Value of Proper Body Kit Maintenance
Let's face it – you didn't install that body kit just to watch it deteriorate. You did it because you wanted your car to look absolutely mint, to perform better, and to express your unique style. The difference between a car that still turns heads after years and one that looks neglected comes down to these simple maintenance habits.
Think of your body kit like a tattoo – it seemed like a great idea at the time, looks amazing when fresh, and requires ongoing care to keep it that way. Unlike a tattoo, however, you can always replace body kit parts – but why waste the money when prevention is cheaper and easier?
Whether you're rocking a subtle lip kit or a full widebody setup with aggressive flares and a massive GT wing, these maintenance tips will keep your ride looking show-ready without requiring a second mortgage.
At AusBody Works, we see plenty of damaged kits that could have been prevented with basic care. Our team is passionate about the Australian car scene and always available to provide advice specific to your setup. Got questions? We're just a quick call or message away.
Your car is an extension of your personality. Keep it looking its best, and it'll reward you with those second glances and car park compliments we all secretly love.
Looking for a quality body kit that's built to last? Check out our range of premium body kits crafted specifically for Australian conditions and designed to suit everything from Holden to imported JDM vehicles. Our team is ready to help you choose the perfect upgrade for your ride.
