Car parts naming
Part of being successful in the car parts business is understanding the details, from the car parts naming aspect to the manufacturing process. It is not that easy to wrap one’s head around all the components of a car, especially for a car owner who just wants to fix an issue quickly and move on to other matters.
The anatomy of a car is wide, comprising the engine, transmission, electrical, chassis, steering, and exhaust systems. These and other systems work together for the smooth functioning of the car. Their design and manufacturing requirements are as diverse as the names.
Car parts naming mastery is an interesting and important topic for everyone in the supply chain because it eliminates errors, ensuring the delivery of accurate parts that meet CNC machining specifications. Frustrations and lost time are avoided in car part manufacturing and related transactions.
Today’s article focuses on the automotive components list to enlighten on easier sourcing and delivery of automotive parts.
The Main Components Of A Car
Every car component is important, albeit to varying degrees. The older cars had fewer parts than the latest designs and models. Indeed, some parts were unheard of just a few decades ago, but they are now central to modern cars’ functions and very common in auto shops.
Labeled parts of a car
However, a few components are fundamental and have been part of car manufacturing since time immemorial. They include the engine, chassis, transmission, brake, and electrical systems. The steering and suspension are also part of these core systems, and therefore, essential in car parts naming.
The Engine
Car engine
The engine, fondly called “the heart of the car”, is one of the most critical parts of a car. Therefore, it is one of the first components one should be accustomed to. It influences the overall performance of the car to a great extent.
This complex automotive component comprises many parts, starting with the basic engine car parts names such as crankshaft, pistons, valves, heads, and blocks. Others are intake & exhaust manifolds.
These components are behind the power that drives the car. The engine can run on different fuels – diesel, electricity, ethanol, or gasoline.
Read more about the crankshaft, camshaft, and flywheel here:
Complete Guide to Crankshaft Components and Costs,
Camshaft Basics: Types, Materials, and Functions,
Explore How a Flywheel Powers Your Car Smoothly
Transmission System
Transmission system
The car transmission system transmits power from the engine to the wheels. It is also referred to as the power train. The typical components of the transmission system are the clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, universal joints, axle, and wheel (tyres).
The car transmission system can be manual or automatic. For the manual transmission system, the driver manually selects and engages the gear ratios. The steps of this process involve fully depressing the clutch, allowing it to slip, and then releasing the clutch fully.
A good quality transmission system should;
- Connect and disconnect smoothly and without shock
- Provide means to transmit power in different directions
- Allow for right-angled power flow diversion
- Provide means to drive at different speeds as necessary
- Effectively withstand the effects of braking, thrust, and torque reaction
One of the most important components of the system is the clutch, a mechanical device that helps transmit rotary motion from one shaft to another, with the axes of the two shafts coincident with each other.
This mechanism is located between the gearbox and the engine. When the clutch is disengaged, no power is transmitted to the drive wheels, and the car doesn’t move.
When the clutch is engaged, power is transmitted from the engine via the transmission system to the drive wheels, prompting the car to move.
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Chassis
Car chassis and frame
The car chassis is sometimes called “the chassis”, rightfully so because it forms the foundation of every other car component – Engine, transmission, frame, wheels, axles, and many others.
Popular car chassis types are Aluminium Space Frame, Backbone Chassis, Ladder Frame, Monocoque Chassis, and Tubular Space Frame.
Steering System
The steering system gives the driver control over the direction of the car. It converts the rotational movement of the steering wheel to a directional turn on the connected wheels, usually the front ones.
Its secondary function is to provide directional stability to the car. A quality steering system ensures the car runs in a straight line when the system is free.
The components of the steering system include;
- Steering wheel
- Steering box
- Steering column
- Pull & push rod
- Tie rods
- Steering knuckle arm
The steering system features two main types of gears, namely the worm & wheel steering gear and the rack & pinion gear.
Whether it is a power steering or conventional steering system, using the right components for repair or replacement is critical.
Read more: https://proleantech.com/automotive-steering-system/
Suspension System
Car suspension
Also in the automotive components list is the suspension system, which is equally instrumental in performance, particularly for smooth and stable movement. Its components are springs, control arms, dampers, ball joints, and bushings.
Get more details in the guide: Car Suspension Systems: Functions, Parts, and Machining Ways.
Springs
Whether torsion, coil, or leaf types, springs have the core function of dampening initial shocks from the road and supporting the car’s weight.
Control Arms
Control arms are the link between the frame and suspension, enhancing the smooth movement of the wheels.
Ball Joints
Ball joints, which are located between the steering knuckles and control arms, are essential for the smooth operation of the steering and wheels.
The suspension system is usually considered part of the car chassis because it is the link between the wheels and the chassis. It has an undisputable role in maintaining the structural stability of the car.
Unlike older cars, modern passenger cars have independent suspension systems, which are characterized by each wheel having its suspension assembly, separate from the other wheels. A notable advantage of this system is smoother driving.
Dependent suspension systems comprise axles that connect the pair of wheels, one at the front and another at the rear.
Related: Auto Parts Manufacturing: Solutions for Early Cars
Brake System
Another critical set of types of car parts is found in the braking system, which consists of the pedal, lines, master cylinder, valve, emergency brake, drum brakes, and disc brakes.
Drum brake parts
If we are looking at the actuation mechanism, there are four main types of auto brakes: Hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, and electromagnetic.
When the driver presses the brake (hydraulic type) pedal, pressure is generated on the brake fluid, leading to the force on the caliper pistons. The brake discs are clamped, and the car is slowed down or stopped.
Electrical System
Every car has an intricate web of electrical components and interconnections that revolve around three items: The battery, alternator, and starter. Power comes from the battery, while the alternator charges the battery when the engine is running.
As a driver, you can attest to how crucial this system is if you have ever encountered a vehicle that won’t start, a vehicle with low power, or burning smells.
An unforgettable part of this system is the distribution system, which ensures power from the battery reaches every component in the car. Relay modules, fuses, and circuit breakers are prominent parts of the distribution system.
Cooling and Fuel Systems
Cooling and fuel systems are critical for engine support.
The fuel system feeds the engine with fuel and stores fuel. It comes with parts such as fuel pump, fuel lines, filters, pressure regulators, and fuel injectors. The fuel journey starts at the fuel pump, which pressurizes the fuel for delivery to the engine.
The fuel travels through the lines and filters, but the fuel pressure regulator also comes in to maintain the recommended pressure and volume.
Once in the engine, the fuel is combusted to produce power, and the waste is expelled via the exhaust system.
In case you have been searching for this solution, you can easily optimize your car’s fuel system with expert-engineered parts.
The cooling system safeguards the integrity and safety of the engine by maintaining optimum temperatures. It does this through heat transfer, coolant circulation, and liquid cooling. Its main components are the water pump, coolant, radiator, and thermostat.
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Exhaust System Components
The car exhaust system comprises the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, resonator, muffler, exhaust pipe, and tailpipe. These parts are designed to collectively expel exhaust gases, minimize engine noise, and reduce harmful emissions.
Catalytic converter
Body and Safety Components – Windshield/lighting
Comprehensive car parts naming also covers the windshield, wipers, lighting, and other parts related to the car body and safety.
The windshield is the sizable laminated glass at the front of the car. Apart from allowing a frontal view, this car part protects the occupants from debris and weather. It works in tandem with wipers, which are mechanical parts composed of rubber blades and metallic arms. The windshield wipers help maintain perfect visibility by clearing debris, snow, rain, etc.
Axles And Wheel Assembly
Every car has contact points to the ground, and these are the axles and the wheel assemblies. Notable components of the axle system are the frontal axle, rear axle, and stub axle.
In this context, an axle is a shaft connecting wheels to rotate them using engine power. The axles serve multiple functions in a car: to transmit engine power to the wheels, support the weight of the car and occupants, and absorb shocks.
The wheel assembly connects to the axle, and comprises many parts, including the wheel hub, tire, wheel bearings, bolt circle, rim, and valve system.
Car Interior Parts
Parts of the car interior
The interior parts include the steering wheel, dashboard, pedals, car seats & belts, gear shifter, and light levers. The door handles, sun visor, audio/video system, and door lock control are also part of the long list of inside the car parts names.
You might also like: https://proleantech.com/interior-parts-of-a-car/
Different Materials In Car Parts
While aluminum and steel are easily at the top of the list of top materials for automotive parts, other common materials are copper, iron, glass, rubber, and plastics.
Each of these options has specific applications and advantages in auto manufacturing. Looking at each closely can help in selecting the right material for automotive parts.
Aluminum
Aluminum car wheels
Aluminum is prominent in modern types of car parts due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Recent data from the Aluminum Association indicates that aluminum accounts for 8.6% of the weight of cars manufactured in North America.
You cannot mention different parts of the car, including the car front parts name, and fail to mention this material.
While body panels are still the most popular sections for aluminum, some manufacturers are using the material even in blocks to take advantage of the material’s durability and low weight.
Steel
Steel crankshaft
Steel is the most popular material for car parts, accounting for most of the weight. The car chassis is prominently steel, the material’s strength and capability to protect the other parts coming in handy. Most of the roofs and door beams are also largely made of steel.
Plastics
Plastic bumper cover
Modern cars are produced from a wide range of plastics, including Polypropylene (PP), Polyurethane (PUR), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)/Vinyl. Others are Polyamide (PA) or Nylon, Polyethylene (PE), Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA), and Polycarbonate (PC).
Plastics for automotives also include Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) and Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), also called acrylic.
For more about the relevant materials for car parts, read all about CNC machining.
Conclusion
Being conversant with car parts naming is crucial, no matter where you are in the car parts supply chain. It is particularly important if you own a shop or fabrication center where you are constantly explaining car issues to clients.
After this review of car parts naming and the different functions, you can now confidently identify a part, its functions, and manufacturing basics, and perform the assembly of car parts.
Having a manufacturing partner you can rely on makes the business easier and enhances profits. Here at ProleanTech, our second name is quality CNC machining services and products. We will professionally and promptly handle all your requests for the main parts of an automobile at a competitive cost.
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