Introduction: Why This Matters
Carbon fibre has become the gold standard in performance tuning. Its unique combination of lightness, strength, and motorsport heritage makes it one of the most desirable materials for aftermarket aero parts. Whether it’s a front splitter, rear diffuser, bonnet, or side skirts, real carbon fibre transforms both the look and performance of a car.
But there’s a problem. The growing demand for the “carbon look” has opened the door to cheap fakes — plastic, ABS, or fibreglass parts that are hydro-dipped or wrapped to look like carbon. They may fool the eye online, but in reality they lack the weight savings, durability, and premium finish of true carbon fibre.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to spot fake carbon fibre parts, why genuine materials matter, and how ASM Tuning ensures every component in our collection is crafted from authentic carbon fibre.
Why Fake Carbon Fibre Exists
The reason fake carbon exists is simple: cost. Real pre-preg carbon fibre requires specialised materials, moulds, and autoclave curing. It’s a process used by supercar brands and motorsport teams — but that comes at a price.
On the other hand, hydro-dipping or wrapping a plastic part with a carbon pattern is cheap and fast. From a distance, it might look similar, but the performance and safety differences are dramatic.
The risks of fake carbon fibre include:
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Poor fitment, gaps, or stress fractures.
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Heavier weight than OEM parts, reducing performance.
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Structural weakness — dangerous for aero parts like wings and splitters.
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Clear coat peeling, fading, or yellowing within months.
At ASM Tuning, we see it all the time: customers who thought they were buying “carbon fibre” but ended up with plastic parts that cracked after the first track day.
How to Spot Fake Carbon Fibre Parts
1. Check the Weave
Real carbon fibre has a symmetrical, uniform weave. The fibres are carefully laid, and the pattern flows cleanly across the surface. Fake parts often use printed or hydro-dipped film, which results in a distorted or repeating pattern that doesn’t line up.
2. Do a Weight Test
One of the biggest advantages of real carbon fibre is weight reduction. Genuine pre-preg carbon fibre is significantly lighter than plastic or fibreglass alternatives. If the part feels unusually heavy, it’s likely fake.
3. Inspect the Backside
Turn the part over. On genuine carbon fibre, you’ll often see the raw carbon material on the inside, with visible fibres. Fakes usually reveal plain plastic or painted ABS on the reverse side.
4. Watch Out for Price Red Flags
Quality carbon fibre requires specialised tooling, curing, and finishing. If you see a “full carbon” bonnet for a fraction of the usual price, it’s almost certainly fake. Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
5. Look Closely at the Finish
Real carbon fibre parts are coated in a high-quality resin, giving depth and clarity to the weave. Fakes often look flat or overly glossy, with no sense of “depth” under the clear coat. In some cases, you might even see printed pixels if it’s hydro-dipped.
The Top 5 Most Common Fake “Carbon” Methods
Knowing the tricks counterfeiters use will make spotting them much easier. Here are the five most common fake carbon fibre methods:
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Hydro-Dipping – A printed film is floated on water and transferred onto a part. Looks fine from afar but is just paint.
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Carbon-Look Vinyl Wraps – Glossy vinyl with a carbon pattern, but no structural performance benefit.
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Painted ABS Plastic – Standard plastic painted black/grey with a clear coat. Extremely weak.
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Fibreglass with Printed Pattern – Stronger than plastic, but heavier and not nearly as durable as pre-preg carbon.
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Carbon Skins / Overlays – Thin carbon sheets glued onto OEM parts. Often peel over time.
Each of these is marketed as “carbon fibre,” but only pre-preg, autoclave-cured carbon delivers the true benefits.
Why Real Carbon Fibre Matters
Choosing genuine carbon fibre isn’t just about looks — it’s about performance and safety.
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Lightweight performance – real carbon reduces weight and improves handling, acceleration, and braking.
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Strength and durability – pre-preg carbon is heat-resistant and impact-resistant, unlike brittle fibreglass.
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Motorsport DNA – real carbon parts are built with the same processes used in Formula 1 and high-end OEM applications.
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Prestige and resale value – buyers recognise genuine carbon upgrades as premium enhancements.
At ASM Tuning, we only supply pre-preg, autoclave-cured carbon fibre components. This ensures every splitter, diffuser, and bonnet meets the highest standards — offering OEM+ fitment and true motorsport performance.
Buyer’s Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying
Before investing in carbon fibre parts, use this checklist to protect yourself from fakes:
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Is the part described as pre-preg carbon fibre?
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Does the seller provide real product photos (not stock renders)?
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Are there close-ups of the weave?
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Does the price match the market average, or is it suspiciously low?
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Can you see the backside of the part in photos?
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Does the part come with a fitment guarantee?
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Are customer reviews and testimonials available?
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Does the supplier specialise in performance tuning parts (not general car accessories)?
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Is the carbon fibre autoclave cured?
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Does the brand have a track record in the tuning scene?
ASM Tuning checks all ten boxes, giving you complete confidence in every order.
ASM Tuning: Real Carbon, Real Cars
Let’s take a look at a few real-world examples from our catalogue:
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BMW M2 G87 Carbon Fibre Spoiler – Made from pre-preg carbon, reduces weight vs OEM, unlike cheap ABS copies that crack easily.
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BMW M3/M4 G82 Carbon Fibre Grille – Genuine carbon construction, precision fitment, heat-resistant — built to last.
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BMW M4 G82 Carbon Body Kit – Autoclave-cured carbon ensures motorsport-grade performance.
Every part we produce is designed to fit OEM+, ensuring no rattles, no poor gaps, and no regrets.
FAQ: Spotting Fake Carbon Fibre
Can fake carbon fibre damage my car?
Yes. Poor-quality parts can crack, warp, or detach at speed. Fake aero pieces like wings or splitters can even create safety risks on the motorway or track.
Is hydro-dipped carbon fibre real?
No. Hydro-dipping is a cosmetic process — it’s just a film printed with a carbon pattern applied to plastic or metal.
Why is real carbon fibre so expensive?
Because it requires pre-preg materials, moulds, and autoclave curing, the same process used by OEMs and racing teams. You’re paying for lightweight strength, not just looks.
How can I tell if a seller is trustworthy?
Check for product photos, fitment guarantees, verified reviews, and whether they specialise in performance tuning. ASM Tuning ticks all of these boxes.
Does ASM Tuning only sell real carbon fibre?
Yes. Every ASM Tuning aero part is crafted from genuine pre-preg carbon fibre, never dipped or wrapped.
Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Fake
Carbon fibre is more than just a stylish upgrade — it’s a material born in motorsport and engineered for performance. Fakes might look good for a few weeks, but they simply can’t match the lightness, strength, and prestige of genuine carbon fibre.
At ASM Tuning, every carbon fibre part we supply is made from authentic, pre-preg carbon — precision engineered, motorsport proven, and guaranteed to transform your vehicle.
Explore our full collection of genuine carbon fibre aero parts, downpipes, and forged wheels at ASM Tuning. Don’t settle for fake — upgrade with the real deal.
