Exploring parts of a car and their functions [PDF]

Introduction

Cars are complex machines. It has many parts that all work together to make the car run smoothly. From the engine to the brakes, each part has a specific function. It is essential for the car to work properly. Knowing the parts of a car and their functions is very important. If you are planning to buy a car or want to do some maintenance and repairs yourself then this article is for you. In this guide, we will discuss the interior parts of a car and their respective functions.

Interior Parts of a Car & their Functions

The interior parts of a car are essential for providing the driver and passengers with a comfortable and safe experience. Following are some interior parts that we will discuss about in detail.

• Dashboard
• Steering Wheel
• Seats
• Centre Console
• Flooring & Carpeting
• Airbags
• Seat belts
• Other miscellaneous Parts

Let us start with the dashboard.

Dashboard

The dashboard is an essential component of a car interior. It is located right in front of the driver’s seat. It is nothing but a panel that displays vital information about cars’ performance. It includes several gauges such as a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, etc. The speedometer indicates the car’s speed. The tachometer measures and displays the rpm. As the name suggests the fuel gauge indicates the fuel level. The temperature gauge is responsible for measuring and displaying the temperature. Several other features such as a trip meter, warning lights, etc are also available on the dashboard.

Dashboard designs vary from car to car depending on the model. Some may include more features while others may not. Recent dashboards come with GPS & climate control which was not the case with the earlier vehicles. Also previously the cars had led displays instead they had traditional gauges.

Steering Wheel

A steering wheel is a vital component of a car’s interior that allows the driver to control the direction of the vehicle. Generally, a steering wheel is round in shape with an approximate diameter of 14 inches. It is usually made up of materials such as leather, plastic, etc. The type of steering varies from one model of car to another. Modern cars comes with multifunctional steering wheels that can allow drivers to easily control different functions of the car.

The steering system is usually hydraulic or electrical. This allows the driver to turn the wheels with less effort. With the right steering wheel, drivers can have a comfortable and safe driving experience.

Seats

Car seats are essential components of a car interior that provides comfort and safety to the driver and the passengers. Car seats are of different designs, shapes, materials, applications, etc. They are generally made up of cloth, leather, and other synthetic materials. Car seats are of many types. Some of the types are as follows:

• Bucket seats
• Captain chairs
• Bench seats

Proper maintenance of car seats can help in prolonged lifetime. Also, this will ensure that the seats remain in good condition.

Centre console

The Centre console is located between the driver seat and the front passenger seats. It consists of a variety of features such as climate control, infotainment system, audio system etc. It can be made of different materials such as plastic, leather, etc. The Centre control also consists of charging sockets as well as storage units. Modern cars generally come with features such as GPS, smartphone connection, Bluetooth etc. embedded in the Centre console.

The Centre console is an essential component of a car’s interior that provides convenience and safety to the user. Proper maintenance can help increase its lifetime and repair cost.

Flooring & Carpeting

The flooring & carpeting in a car plays an essential role in providing comfort, aesthetic look, and protection. It is generally made up of nylon or polyester. Their main function is to protect the interiors of the car floor from sand, dust, dirt, etc. They also act as an insulator and reduce noise up to great a extent. It also prevents the interior from getting extremely hot or cold.

With proper maintenance and care it can provide comfort, protection, and an aesthetic look for a long duration of time. It is essential to choose the right type of flooring and carpeting that meets the needs of the passenger.

Air Bags

Air bags are safety feature that is incorporated in a car. They are deployed when the vehicle meets with an accident to protect the driver from major injuries. The working principle is that when the sensor detect an impact with a particular force, the airbags are deployed.

Most cars nowadays come with multiple airbags. It includes front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. It is essential to maintain the airbag system regularly to ensure it is functioning in case of emergency.

Seat belts

A seat belt consists of a lap belt and a shoulder belt. It is fitted with the vehicle frame and buckled together in place. Using a seat belt while driving is a law in almost all countries as they are a crucial part of personal as well as car safety.

They are effective only when worn properly. The lap belt should be positioned low on the hips and the shoulder belt crosses the chest touching the neck.

Other Miscellaneous parts

Some essential interior parts of a car are as follows:

• Sun Visors
• Headliners
• Door Panels
• Trunk

Sun Visors

Sun visors are located above the driver and front passenger seats. Their main function is to act as an anti-glare to protect from sunlight, streetlights, and headlights of other vehicles. If the sun visors are not present it can be very dangerous while driving in case of a sunny day. They are generally made up of sturdy materials so that they can hold the weight of visor mirrors.

Headliners

The main function of headliners is to act as an insulator, reduce noise, and make the car look aesthetically appealing. It helps to regulate the car temperature and blocks excess sounds. They are typically made up of foam-backed fabric that is attached to a backing board. The headliners can get damaged due to exposure to moisture, smoke, or general wear and tear.

Door Panels

Door panels serve both aesthetic as well as functional purposes of a car. They are designed in such a way that they provide insulation, reduce noise, and prevent dust & debris to enter the vehicle. They are generally made up of materials such as plastic, vinyl, leather or cloth depending on the model. They are attached to a metal frame.

Trunk

The trunk of a car is designed mainly to hold luggage and cargo. The size of the trunk depends on the type of car model. The trunk is also knows as the boot. The shape of the truck is designed to fit the contours of the car. It is usually lined with the carpet and flooring.

They are made up of variety of materials namely:

• Plastic
• Cargo nets
• Hooks
• Tie downs

Video on Car Interior Parts

FAQ’s

Conclusion

To conclude we can say that the interior parts of a car play an important role in providing comfort, safety, convenience, etc. From the dashboard to the steering, door panels, and trunk, each component serves a unique purpose to deliver an improved driving experience.