Every car is the result of the dreams and hard work of hundreds of engineers and mechanics. Just how every part of the human body part is essential for a healthy body, every car part is crucial for a smooth driving experience. Which is what this article is for.
When a customer wants auto parts and accessories to upgrade or modify his car body, he will ask for your expert opinion, ‘what is the difference between the two parts?’, or ‘what do they do in the car?’ You have to know a lot about the expertise of the car body parts and functions of the parts. That is why we have created this article detailing the functions of basic car parts. Let’s go ahead.
Car Mirrors
The importance of having a mirror in the car cannot be explained in a few words. From seeing what’s happening behind to helping in parking, mirrors help a lot in driving.
Based on needs, there are two important types of car mirrors:
- Rearview Mirrors
The rearview mirrors are situated in the center of the car. This is most likely the often used mirror since it allows drivers to look behind them and avoid tilting their heads too much. These mirrors not only provide a great view, but they also have adjustable handles, allowing the driver to vary the angles of his view.
- Side View Mirrors
As the term implies, side view mirrors are those that are positioned on both sides of a vehicle. You are unlikely to see a car without side-view mirrors. Drivers will be able to see any approaching cars thanks to these mirrors. Side view mirrors, like rearview mirrors, are crucial for a smooth driving experience, so make sure that drivers get high-quality side-view mirrors that are also easy to adjust.
Another fact to remember, both rearview and side-view mirrors are made of convex mirrors, which are the reason why the mirrors can give a larger field of view.
Car Lights
For it is that safe and sound travel at nights, light is essential for a car. Even if people are not a fan of night drives, all their cars will and must be equipped with lights. As we all know, there are various lights in the car with crucial functions.
Let’s look into the different types of car lights and their functions:
- Headlights
The car headlights are the lights present at the front of the car. The purpose of headlights is to illuminate the front path for the drivers and alert other drivers and bikers that there is a vehicle present in the dark. In headlights, there are two types:
- A low beam gives a lighter illumination not to disturb other drivers’ eyes.
- High beam – gives off a heavy light illumination. The high beam can be blinding to other drivers, so it is better to use high beam headlights when it is too dark, and there is no other vehicle coming at the front.
In headlights, a concave mirror is used. The concave mirrors are the reason why headlights are able to produce a high beam.
- Tail Lights
Tail lights are located in the car. These lights emit red light when the headlight is turned on. The purpose of tail lights is to notify the upcoming drivers about the cars on the move.
- Signal Lights
Whenever drivers are about to turn your vehicle, they ought to turn the signal or blinkers so that the vehicles behind the car will know that it is about-turn.
And that’s the purpose of signal lights; they are located on both headlights and tail lights and both sides. If you turn right, the right signal light will blink. If left, the left one will blink.
- Brake Lights
The brake lights are present in the tail lights. Whenever the driver steps on the brake, this light will start alerting the drivers behind that the driver in front is slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
- Driving Lamps
The driving lamps are the ones located inside the front of the car. The drivers can turn these lights on to look at maps or documents or just to illuminate the car in the dark.
While looking for car lights, the size and other features should be given to the auto lamp manufacturer. You can get custom car lights for specific makes and models you offer.
Bumpers
Car bumpers are projecting long pieces of durable plastic that are affixed to the front and rear ends of the vehicle. The function of car bumpers is to protect the car’s internal crucial components and to reduce collision damage. Initially built of metal, car bumpers are usually made of durable plastic with foam or plastic layers to ensure that the interior elements are not damaged.
Even though car bumpers are comprised of plastic, the buyer should ensure that it is of high quality and reliable enough to prevent even minor accidents.
Bumpers come in various styles, including:
- Standard Bumpers
The standard bumpers are the regular bumpers seen on all vehicles. They do not provide robust protection, but they do provide sufficient protection. Standard bumpers are inexpensive.
- Cowboy Bumpers
These bumpers are taller and more dependable than standard bumpers. Cowboy bumpers, typically found on larger vehicles or trucks, provide high collision resistance and towing capabilities.
- Tube Bumpers
As the name implies, the tube bumpers are made of long and big tubes. These bumpers are tall that they give protection not only to the grill but also to the lights as well. Tube bumpers are lightweight, stylish and are the best to minimize the possibilities of damage.
- Step Bumpers
Step bumpers are similar to standard bumpers, except they have an additional step in the middle. The step in the step bumper, which is usually mounted to the back of the car, can be used in large vehicles to help people step into the back of the vehicle.
Grille
You may have noticed a strange mesh covering positioned in the lower half of the front of the car. Grille is the term coined for this mesh element.
The grille protects the car’s radiator and engine. Since these two components are prone to overheating, the grille acts as a ventilation system, allowing air to enter and exit while cooling the engine parts.
The grille can be made of plastic or stainless steel. Plastic-made grilles are the common ones; however, stainless steel is the popular option since they do not get damaged easily.
Grille is built based on the type and architecture of the vehicle. So, if you want to acquire one, make sure it meets the specifications of the vehicle you serve.
Based on the appearance, there are three types of grilles:
- Mesh Grilles
Mesh grilles are probably the most preferred grilles model. They give off an elegant appearance and are usually made of plastic, stainless steel or aluminum. The mesh grille comes in silver or chrome black coating based on car appearance.
In mesh grilles,
- The fine mesh weaving designs are closer together and provide an exquisite touch to the vehicle.
- The heavy mesh weavers motifs are further apart and have a more rough appearance.
Wipers & Washers
Car wipers are one of the basic parts of a car whose functions are known by almost everybody. The purpose of wipers is to remove moisture or any debris fragments such as leaves or dust from the front window so that the driver has a clear view of the road ahead.
Car windshield wipers are especially useful for more than just plain plastic rods during rainy seasons. In fact, there are other parts, in addition to the wipers, that contribute to effective cleaning:
- Wiper Arms
The wiper arm is the main part of the wiper. This is the one that moves the wiper along with the window. The wiper arms start moving when the motor is turned on.
- Wiper blade
The wiper blade is the rubber part that comes in contact with the window to remove the dust. It is attached to the wiper arm, which moves the blade along with the window. Wiper blades are of three types, they are:
- Conventional wipers
Conventional wipers are the common type of wipers that can be seen on any car. They allow for clean removal of moisture but can make sounds while wiping.
- Flat Wipers
Flat wiper blades are just that: flat. The wipers’ flat form allows for a cleaner appearance while also preventing excessive noise while wiping. In addition, unlike conventional wipers, flat wipers do not obstruct the driver’s view while driving. They are ideal for eliminating moisture as well as dust.
- Hybrid Wipers
Hybrid wipers are a cross between conventional and flat wipers. They effectively remove dust and moisture while also producing little noise at higher speeds.
Wiper blades must be replaced once a year at the very least. This is owing to the fact that sun exposure and repeated wiping can degrade their quality.
Consumers should look out for the compatibility between wiper blades and arms when purchasing new wipers. Therefore, car body parts suppliers need to pay attention to the specifications of different vehicles when catering to the market demand.
Car Wheel Rims
The car wheel is attached to a hub that attaches the wheel to the car’s axle. The metal section which holds the wheels to the hub is called the rim. The presence of a rim is crucial since, with the help of rims, the wheels are firmly attached to the car. It also makes sure that air is properly retained within the tires.
Based on material type and appearance, there are a few types of car wheel rims you should know:
- Steel Wheel Rims
Steel wheel rims are the most used ones and the cheapest ones in the market. They are durable and resistant to corrosion and damage, hence, the common choice. Compared to other types of wheel rims, steel wheel rims are heavier.
If your customers are looking for appearance, then steel wheel rims are not the choice for your business and your customers.
- Alloy Wheel Rims
Alloy wheel rims are often comprised of aluminum and magnesium alloys. They are lighter in weight, allowing for faster acceleration and less stop motion.
Alloy wheel rims are also available in various designs and can offer a classy touch to the car wheels.
- Chrome Wheel Rims
Chrome wheel rims are yet another attractive sort of wheel rim. Chrome wheel rims have a good aesthetic and slight durability, but they are not as durable as alloy wheel rims.
- Spinners
Spinners are often used for aesthetic purposes. These rims create a spinning effect that makes the car appear more premium when people drive.
Roofs
The car roof is the top part of the car, which shelters the car from sunlight, dust and rain. Though most car roofs are usually closed, different types can be opened and closed. There are three types of car roofs you should know.
- Sunroofs
- Moonroofs
- Panoramic roofs
The sunroofs can be opened and closed with the use of an electronic system of the car. With these roofs, drivers can open the roof during the day to let sunlight and air come in from the top. We can also open the sunroof manually.
Moonroofs are similar to sunroofs, with the exception that they cannot be opened. Since it is not advisable to open the roofs at night, moonroofs provide passengers with the luxury of a night sky view through glass panels attached to the roof. Normally, these glass panels cannot be opened.
Panoramic Roofs are similar to moonroofs. They are luxury glass panels that come along with coating blinds that let the car keep its cool even on hot days. They can also be opened too. Panoramic roofs are usually found on luxury cars since they give off a premium vibe.
Hoods
Car hoods are the front sections of a vehicle that cover the whole engine compartment. The hood is lifted to allow access to the engines whenever a repair is needed. Car hoods are made of a variety of materials, including steel and aluminum.
Car hoods are also available in different colors, materials and with different features. Based on appearance, you ought to know a few types of car hoods.
- Cowl Hoods
Since engines overheat easily, some ventilation is required, which is accomplished using air inducers in the cowl hoods. Cowl hoods were the first to be produced specifically for automobiles. These hoods include small air inducers that allow air to be delivered to the car engine.
- Carbon Fiber Hoods
Carbon fiber hoods are the next best option for better engine air circulation. Carbon fiber hoods are quite stylish and available in different sizes and designs too. If you are looking for efficient engine performance, carbon fiber hoods are the best option.
- Fiberglass Hoods
Fiberglass hoods, as the name suggests, are constructed of fiberglass. Because fiberglass is renowned for its durability, installing fiberglass hoods is a preferable option for minimizing collision damage. Also, fiberglass hoods exude a stylish vibe and are available in different colors.
- Steel Hoods
Steel hoods are the cheapest of all other car hoods. They are also robust and can do not suffer from any minor or major damages. They also allow proper ventilation throughout the hood of your vehicle so that the engine gets the proper cooling it needs. Steel hoods come in different colors and sizes.
When shopping for hoods, be sure to consider the measurements of the hood component to give them to the auto body parts company. Since there are various shades of hues to choose from, pick the one that complements the car’s appearance.
Fenders
A car fender is a plastic component fixed at the car’s front wheels. The purpose of the fenders is to protect the engine and wheel parts from getting splashed by mud and debris. Almost every car has a fender.
Since the fender and bumper have the same purpose, which is to keep the car from being splattered by mud, they are frequently confused. So to be clear, fenders are located on the car’s sides, on top of the wheels, while bumpers are located in the front and rear.
Fenders can be made of fiberglass, steel or any other materials.
Doors
Car doors are situated at the sides of the cars to allow passengers to enter and exit the vehicle. Usually, car doors are manually operated. But nowadays, automobiles are getting advanced so they can also be opened automatically too.
The exterior side of the car is made of steel. Since steel is a durable material, it does not experience severe damage. The interior part of the car doors usually has a rather cushiony touch.
Car doors are not solely doors, and they come along with different parts such as:
- Door Locks
The door locks are mounted on the inside of the car doors. The car locks can be locked and unlocked manually or automatically depending on the vehicle. Some cars lock the doors when the engine is turned off.
- Door Handles
The door handles are placed both inside and outside of the cars. Using these handles, the passenger can open the door.
- Door Panels
The door panels refer to the interior part of the cars. These panels were usually made of cardboard, but they also come with cushiony parts nowadays.
- Door Switches
The door switches are mounted to the doors to notify drivers whether or not the door is properly locked. If the door is not correctly locked, it sends a signal to the driver’s monitor.
- Door Windows
Of course, a car door comes with a window. The windows are usually the ones that can be pulled up or down either manually or automatically.
Quarter Panels
In terms of function and design, quarter panels are similar to fenders. The only distinction is that a fender is attached to the front of the car, whereas quarter panels are attached to the back of the car.
The quarter panels are affixed to the car’s two sides above the rear wheels in the back. Their function is to provide additional support to the car’s back parts, such as wheels, trunks, and others, as well as to prevent dirt and debris from entering the car’s interior.
Aside from providing safety, quarter panels also improve the vehicle’s appearance.
Trunks
There is an entrance at the back of the automobile that is used for luggage storage. This part of the car is what we call the trunk. The trunks are usually made of steel and can only be opened by the driver using a switch or control. To avoid car trunks from getting damaged, manufacturers usually use steel car trunks.
A switch is pressed to open the trunk. It starts. After you’ve finished loading your things, simply close the trunk like closing a car door.
In appearance, there are two types of car trunks:
- Open Car Trunks
In some cars, the trunks are usually open. These vehicles are often larger automobiles or trucks with an open top and a lid affixed at the end to keep stuff from tumbling out.
- Closed Car Trunks
Closed car trunks are the ones we usually see on cars. They are closed almost every time and opened only when needed.
Conclusion
Cars are the embodiment of various mechanical parts that allow them for a smooth driving experience. Though there are many other crucial features in a car, we have covered those that everyone should be aware of. We hope you’ve gained a better understanding of the basic automotive components.
If you are looking for any supply for bulk car body parts, you can visit Sunway Autoparts, which sells high-quality auto parts at a reasonable price.
