The Ultimate Guide to 2018 WRX STI Type RA Carbon Roof Care: Preserving a Performance Icon

Your 2018 WRX STI Type RA is not just a car; it's one of only 500 numbered examples of Subaru's relentless pursuit of performance. At the heart of its exclusive character lies a masterpiece of engineering: the factory carbon fiber roof panel. This roof is far more than a stylistic flourish. It is a functional asset, shaving precious weight and lowering the center of gravity for sharper handling, a key element in the STI RA roof maintenance story that contributes to its record-attempt heritage 27. However, this exposed dry carbon fiber demands a meticulous approach to care to preserve its stunning appearance, structural integrity, and significant resale value.

Neglecting it leads to a dull, hazy, or yellowed finish, but treating it like standard paint can be equally disastrous. This guide provides the definitive, step-by-step manual for proper 2018 WRX STI Type RA carbon roof care, empowering you to protect your investment with the expertise it deserves.

Why This Guide is Essential for Every Type RA Owner

The carbon fiber roof on your Type RA is a defining feature of its limited-production status. Unlike the standard steel roof, this lightweight panel requires a specific and informed approach to cleaning and protection. The clear coat is vulnerable to UV damage, scratches, and improper products, which can lead to costly repairs or devaluation. Understanding the benefits of a carbon fiber roof goes hand-in-hand with acknowledging its vulnerabilities; proper upkeep is non-negotiable.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Your Type RA's Carbon Fiber Roof

2. The Essential Dos and Don'ts of Carbon Fiber Care

3. Step-by-Step: How to Properly Wash Your Carbon Roof

4. Advanced Protection: Sealants, Ceramic Coatings, and PPF

5. Correcting Damage: Scratch Removal and Paint Correction

6. Long-Term Maintenance and Preservation Strategies

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 Understanding Your Type RA's Carbon Fiber Roof

Before applying any product, it's crucial to understand what you're working on. The 2018 WRX STI Type RA comes equipped with a genuine, autoclaved dry carbon fiber roof panel finished in a glossy clear coat from the factory 78. This is not a vinyl wrap or a wet-layup composite; it's a high-quality piece constructed using a pre-impregnated (prepreg) carbon fiber process, cured under high heat and pressure in an autoclave. This method creates a component with an exceptional carbon-to-resin ratio, resulting in high stiffness, strength, and a perfectly consistent weave pattern 35.

The factory clear coat is your roof's first and most important line of defense. Its primary job is to shield the underlying carbon weave from the elements, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can degrade the epoxy resin over time, leading to yellowing and loss of gloss. This clear is robust, but it is not invincible. It can be marred by improper washing techniques, abrasive towels, and harsh chemicals. Understanding that your goal is to preserve this factory clear coat is the foundation of all proper carbon fiber roof care.

• Is the WRX STI Type RA roof real carbon fiber? Yes. It is a true dry carbon fiber replacement panel, not an overlay or wrap 27.

• Is the carbon fiber roof clear coated from the factory? Yes. It is protected by a high-gloss automotive clear coat designed for UV protection 4.

2 The Essential Dos and Don'ts of Carbon Fiber Care

A single mistake during cleaning can inflict hundreds of dollars in damage. Adhere to these golden rules to avoid causing harm.

What You SHOULD DO:

• Do use the two-bucket wash method with grit guards to minimize the risk of instilling swirl marks.

• Do use pH-neutral, automotive-specific shampoo. These are gentle on the clear coat.

• Do use a high-quality, soft microfiber wash mitt for washing and plush, clean microfiber towels for drying.

• Do lubricate the surface thoroughly when using any tool that contacts the roof.

• Do perform a decontamination wash with an iron remover and a clay bar (or synthetic clay alternative) 1-2 times a year to remove embedded contaminants that normal washing can't.

• Do apply a protective layer such as a sealant, wax, or ceramic coating to enhance UV protection and provide a sacrificial barrier.

What You MUST AVOID:

• Do NOT use automatic brush-style car washes. The stiff brushes are guaranteed to scratch the clear coat.

• Do NOT use household cleaning products like dish soap. These are designed to strip grease and will degrade waxes and sealants, leaving the clear coat exposed.

• Do NOT use abrasive compounds or polishes unless you are performing paint correction on specific defects. Even then, use the least aggressive product first.

• Do NOT wipe the roof when it is dry. This is the fastest way to create fine scratches called "micro-marring."

• Do NOT let harsh chemicals like brake dust, bird droppings, or tree sap sit on the surface. They can etch into the clear coat permanently if not removed promptly.

3 Step-by-Step: How to Properly Wash Your Carbon Roof

A proper wash is the cornerstone of carbon fiber roof cleaning. This process ensures you remove grime without inflicting damage.

Materials Needed:

• Two buckets with grit guards

• pH-neutral car wash shampoo

• High-quality microfiber wash mitt

• Soft, plush microfiber drying towels

• Automotive-specific iron remover spray

• Detail spray (as a lubricant)

• Clay bar or synthetic clay towel

The Wash Process:

1. Pre-Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the entire car, including the roof, with a gentle stream of water to loosen and rinse away surface dirt.

2. Chemical Decontamination (Periodic): For a deeper clean, spray an iron remover over the roof panel. It will turn purple as it reacts with embedded brake dust and rail dust. Let it dwell for a few minutes as per the product instructions, then rinse thoroughly. This step is vital for preparing the surface for claying.

3. Contact Wash: Fill one bucket with clean water and the other with your shampoo solution. Using the wash mitt, start at the top of the car (the roof) and work your way down. After each pass, rinse the mitt in the rinse bucket to remove any dirt it picked up, then reload with shampoo from the second bucket. This two-bucket method traps dirt in the bottom of the buckets.

4. Claying (Periodic): After washing and while the roof is still wet, lubricate a small section with detail spray. Gently glide the clay bar or clay towel back and forth across the surface. You will feel it glide smoothly when the contaminants are removed. Fold the clay to a clean side frequently. This process will remove any remaining bonded contamination that washing alone cannot, leaving the glass-smooth.

5. Final Rinse: Give the entire car a final rinse with water.

6. Drying: Pat the roof dry with an open, soft microfiber drying towel. Do not scrub. You can also use a dedicated drying aid spray to add lubrication and extra protection during this step.

Can you use a clay bar on a carbon fiber roof? Absolutely. In fact, it is a critical step for deep cleaning. The key is to use ample lubricant (detail spray) and a high-quality clay bar to safely lift contaminants without scratching the clear coat.

4 Advanced Protection: Sealants, Ceramic Coatings, and PPF 

Washing alone is not protection. After cleaning and decontaminating, applying a protective barrier is the most important thing you can do for long-term preservation. Here’s how the options compare for how to protect a carbon fiber roof.

Ceramic Coating for Carbon Fiber

A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that chemically bonds with the factory clear coat, creating an extremely hard, durable, and hydrophobic layer of protection. For a carbon fiber roof, its superior UV protection is its greatest asset, directly combating the primary enemy of epoxy resin. It also makes future cleaning easier, as dirt and grime have a harder time sticking to the slick surface. While DIY kits are available, for a car as valuable as the Type RA, professional application is often recommended to ensure perfect results.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) for Carbon Fiber

For the ultimate in physical protection, a full clear bra on carbon fiber or PPF for carbon roof is the best choice. Modern high-quality PPF is self-healing (minor scratches disappear with heat), offers incredible resistance to rock chips and scuffs, and contains advanced UV inhibitors. It is the only product that can truly prevent swirl marks and light scratches from washing. Installation is a complex process best left to certified professionals but provides unparalleled peace of mind.

Is it safe to wax a carbon fiber roof? Yes, provided it has a glossy clear coat like the Type RA's. Wax is safe and effective, though it offers the shortest duration of protection compared to modern alternatives.

5 Correcting Damage: Scratch Removal and Paint Correction 

Despite your best efforts, imperfections can occur. The process for addressing them is similar to standard paint but requires a more cautious approach.

• Light Scratches and Swirl Marks: These can be removed via paint correction. This involves using a dual-action polisher, a fine polishing pad, and a non-abrasive polishing compound. The goal is to abrade a microscopic layer of clear coat to level it with the bottom of the scratch, thereby removing the defect. Always start with the least aggressive combination of pad and product.

• Water Spots and Etching: Mineral deposits from water can etch into the clear coat if left unattended. Specialized water spot removers can dissolve the minerals, but often, light polishing is required to remove the etching they leave behind.

• Deep Scratches: Scratches that catch your fingernail are likely too deep to safely remove without compromising the clear coat thickness. For these, the best options are either living with them, touching them up with a clear coat pen (risky), or seeking professional assessment for a potential spot repair or re-clear.

Can you polish or compound a carbon fiber roof? Yes, but with extreme care. The process is identical to polishing clear coat on paint. However, it is imperative to use a paint thickness gauge to ensure you do not burn through the finite layer of clear coat, as the consequences on exposed carbon fiber are severe.

6 Long-Term Maintenance and Preservation Strategies <a id="long-term"></a>

Your carbon fiber roof maintenance routine extends beyond the occasional wash.

• Garage Your Car: The single best thing you can do is to keep the car parked indoors, protected from the sun, rain, and tree sap.

• Use a Car Cover: If indoor parking is not available, a high-quality, soft-lined car cover provides excellent protection from the elements.

• Inspect Frequently: Regularly look over the roof for any signs of damage, yellowing, or lifting clear coat. Catching a problem early is key.

• Reapply Protection: No product lasts forever. Note the lifespan of your chosen protectant (wax, sealant, coating) and reapply it before it fully fails to ensure the clear coat is never left exposed.

How does proper roof care affect the resale value of a Type RA? Immensely. As a numbered, limited-edition vehicle, its condition is paramount to its value. A faded, scratched, or damaged carbon roof is a major red flag for potential buyers and can subtract thousands of dollars from the selling price. A pristine, well-protected roof signals an owner who understood and respected the vehicle's pedigree.

7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Is the WRX STI Type RA roof real carbon fiber?

Yes. The 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA features a genuine, autoclaved dry carbon fiber roof panel as a standard feature, contributing to weight reduction and a lower center of gravity :cite[2]:cite[7].

What's the best way to wash a carbon fiber roof without damaging it?

The best method is the two-bucket wash technique using a pH-neutral car shampoo, a soft microfiber mitt, and thorough lubrication to prevent swirl marks and scratches during the cleaning process.

Can you use a clay bar on a carbon fiber roof?

Yes, using a clay bar is safe and recommended for periodic deep cleaning to remove embedded contaminants. Always use a dedicated clay lubricant to glide smoothly without marring the surface.

Is it safe to wax a carbon fiber roof?

Yes, it is safe to wax a clear-coated carbon fiber roof. Use a high-quality automotive wax or synthetic sealant to enhance gloss and provide UV protection, which is crucial for preventing resin yellowing.

What is the best protectant for a carbon fiber roof? (Ceramic coating vs. PPF)

For ultimate UV and scratch protection, a professional-grade ceramic coating offers long-term durability and gloss. For physical abrasion resistance, Paint Protection Film (PPF) is the best choice, as it acts as a self-healing sacrificial layer.

How do you prevent the carbon fiber roof from fading or yellowing?

The primary defense is robust UV protection. This is best achieved with a high-quality ceramic coating or PPF with UV inhibitors, combined with garage parking and using a car cover when necessary.

Can you polish or compound a carbon fiber roof?

Yes, you can polish a clear-coated carbon roof to remove light scratches and swirls. However, exercise extreme caution and use a paint thickness gauge to avoid burning through the finite clear coat layer.

What should you avoid when cleaning a carbon fiber roof?

Avoid automatic car washes with stiff brushes, household cleaners like dish soap, abrasive polishes, wiping the surface dry, and letting harsh contaminants like bird droppings sit on the surface.

How do you repair a scratch on a carbon fiber roof?

Light scratches can be polished out. For deeper scratches that catch a fingernail, consultation with a professional detailer or body shop is recommended to explore options like spot repair or re-clearancing.

Is it safe to use a pressure washer on a carbon fiber roof?

Yes, if used correctly. Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches from the surface and use a wide-angle (40-degree) tip. Avoid concentrating the high-pressure stream on edges or any potential lifted seams.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The carbon fiber roof on your 2018 WRX STI Type RA is a signature element of its performance-oriented, limited-edition character. It’s a piece of Subaru's motorsport ambition integrated into your daily drive. Caring for it properly isn't just about aesthetics; it's about honoring the engineering behind the car and protecting the significant investment you've made. By following this guide—embracing gentle washing techniques, performing regular decontamination, and investing in a robust protective layer like a ceramic coating or PPF—you ensure that this exquisite component remains a highlight of your vehicle for years to come, preserving both its beauty and its value.

Your Type RA deserves nothing less.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The techniques and product recommendations are intended for factory-clear-coated carbon fiber components. Always test products in an inconspicuous area first and consult with a professional detailer or auto body specialist for significant repairs or corrections.