Carbon fiber dash kits are pieces of carbon fiber or simulated carbon fiber that can be affixed to a vehicle's dash and interior trim panels to add a look of space-aged technology to any car. Often sold as individual components or complete interior sets, carbon fiber dash kits can be installed in a short time with typically only minimal skills required of the installer. Manufactured and marketed by aftermarket companies, carbon fiber dash kits are commonly formed using actual vehicle dash pieces as templates to ensure proper fit and visual appeal of the trim components. While actual carbon fiber pieces are used in the highest-quality kits, the much less expensive carbon fiber dash kits use a simulated carbon fiber applique placed over a plastic or composite backing material.

In most applications, double-sided tape is used to affix the trim panels into position on a vehicle's dash. Provided proper preparation has been achieved and the dash is free of grease, dirt and any wax or cleaning residue, the effectiveness of the tape is sufficient for most applications. Occasionally, a liquid adhesive is used when installing actual carbon fiber dash kits to a vehicle's interior surfaces. The adhesive is able to seep into the gaps and crevices of the carbon fiber, creating a much stronger bond than tape can provide. The use of the liquid adhesive, however, creates a scenario where the trim is not removable without damaging the original dash.

With carbon fiber dash kits being used for visual effect only, only a very thin layer of the material is required to create the kits. Unlike an actual carbon fiber component that would be required to provide strength and support while reducing weight, the trim kits are used only to decorate the original component that is designed to provide all structural roles within the vehicle. Lower-end carbon fiber dash kits are simply fitted to the dash and sanded to fit properly while the higher-end kits occasionally require the dash to be disassembled to complete the installation.

In the higher-end kits, the carbon fiber dash kits actually protrude behind the instrument cluster and stereo components to give a much better visual appeal to operators and passengers alike. Once the dashboard has been removed and disassembled, the carbon fiber kit is placed into position on the dash frame and the instruments are replaced with no gaps between the components and the trim pieces. This gives the carbon fiber dash kits the illusion of being an actual carbon fiber dash.