Jul 18/19

What Are Cars Made Of? 10 Of The Top Materials Used In Auto Manufacturing

Over the past decades, cars were not economical or efficient. In fact, the only important aspect was functionality. However, this is not the case now as people are opting for more efficient and safer automobiles.

Do you know that having a car made from the most efficient materials will help in fuel consumption while still provide the necessary safety features? There is a lot of planning, design, and science put into developing a car. There are different types of materials used to design a car, and these materials determine the durability, design, and sometimes the speed of the vehicle.

Using some exotic metals improve the aesthetics and quality of the car because the metals have a different level of strength, ensuring customers get the best of both worlds. If you are thinking of selling your car as scrap, you should know what cars are made of; you might even find that it is more valuable than you thought.

What Are Cars Made Of

If you have been wondering what are cars made of? This article will tell you the benefits of each material and the role they play.

1. Steel

The manufacture of steel has improved a great deal. Different parts and areas of a car need different types of steel. Steel is the main materials in manufacturing door panels, the chassis of the car, and the support beams. It is also used in exhaust pipes and mufflers in the car.

However, it is mostly used on the frame of the car because of its strength. This means that it has a better ability to absorb impact. The average car contains 2400 pounds of steel while and SUV has 3000 pounds of steel.

Therefore, they help you remain safe on the road since it is a metal that is responsible for the heavyweight and support of the cars.

2. Plastic

Plastics used in car manufacturing are petroleum by-products (gas and oil). Plastics are challengers to steel because of their prominence in car manufacturing. They are malleable and still strong enough to hold the structure in shape.

Plastics constitute almost half of the total car parts, being the main component in manufacturing the dashboard, door handles, pipes, and air vents. The durability, versatility, and lightweight characteristics of plastics make them the ideal materials for different parts.

3. Aluminum

Among other metals, the light-weight and durability of Aluminum make it perfect for specific car parts. It is also malleable, making it a common material in car production. In 1970, it only accounted for 2% of the total components of a car; today, it makes up to 15% of the total car parts.

The wheels, which are essential parts, are made of aluminum, replacing steel. Most engine blocks are also made of steel even. Though it is not quite as durable as iron, it is lighter, and this boosts performance.

4. Rubber

Rubber produces engine mounts, hoses seals wiper blades, and belts. Like plastic, rubber is also cheap, durable, and flexible.

Therefore, it can function in a wide array of parts, and it will also handle heat well in case the car heats up. What most people do not know is that a large percentage of the rubber produced makes automobile parts.

5. Glass

Currently, glass is used in navigation screens, back-up camera lenses, and mirrors in your car. It helps the driver have a clearer view of what they are doing and where they are going.

The windshields are made of laminated glass. Glass lamination assures users of the highest safety levels, especially in the event of a crash.

Lamination involves putting a thin layer of vinyl between two glasses. This ensures that there is not shutter when the glass is crushed.

6. Fiberglass

Most people think that glass and fiberglass are the same material. However, this is not true.

Fiberglass is made of small thin strands of glass. It is mostly air and not glass. When the glass is woven in these small sheets and resin painted on it, smaller lighter things can be made.

Fiberglass offers a lot of benefits in the automotive industry. It is non-corrosive, so it helps replace steel in areas where steel can get easily corroded.

Fiberglass is fireproof. In case of accidents, users can get out of the car uninjured. It can be used in front bumpers, doors, roofs, casings, and the wheels.

7. Lead

Lead is an excellent metal because it is heavy and helps to balance the automobile. That is why most of the wheels are made of lead, aluminum, and parts of fiberglass. The battery is also made of lead, which allows it to maintain safe temperatures even when the car is heating up.

8. Copper

Copper is mostly used in wiring the car and any other electronic parts. The copper wires run throughout the car in different systems like the radio, safety systems, and charging points. It is also found in starters.

9. Titanium

Titanium is an expensive metal. This is why most companies refrain from using it in their manufacturing process since newer and cheaper methods of mining need to be developed.

However, some companies use it in metallic parts where steel and aluminum would traditionally be used. It mainly makes the cars look more aesthetically pleasing.

10. Magnesium

The body, structure, and some engine parts are made of magnesium. It has been used in these parts since 1930. It is excellent because it is 75% lighter than steel and 33% lighter than aluminum. However, it is only used in small areas so as not to throw off the balance of the vehicles.

Still Wondering What Are Cars Made Of?

Now that we’ve answered your question, “what are cars made of?”, you can understand your automobile much better. The type of metals and other materials used in your car will determine the cost and weight.

When it comes to creating a better customer experience and lighter cars, Mayco has been supplying better materials for a car manufacturer. Visit our website to find out more about car manufacture and the processes involved.

back to blog