It frequently occurs that you are discussing an issue with your technician or a car part with someone, but you can’t remember the precise name of the item? It’s there, but it stays at the tip of your tongue.
Having a list of car parts on hand would be helpful in case your memory fails you. Fortunately for you, our article today covers just that: a list of automotive part names together with a brief explanation of each one’s purpose.
List of Car Parts and What They Do
The primary categories for automotive parts are used to construct this fast reference, and the parts within each category are listed alphabetically.
Car Body Parts
- Bonnet – a hinged cover that shields the engine compartment of your vehicle. You can rapidly open and close them to gain access to the compartment thanks to the hinges.
- Bumper – a sturdy plastic add-on to the front and rear of a car that reduces damage from collisions by absorbing small impacts.
- Fender – the wheel well’s surrounding metal framework. The purpose of a fender is to stop the wheel from launching debris into the air.
- Grille – It lets air into the engine compartment while providing coverage for the front of the vehicle. It contributes to the “face” or appearance of a car and has aesthetic value as well.
- Pillar – A, B, C, and D are the names of the many pillars found in automobiles, albeit certain models lack a B-pillar. In addition to supporting an automobile’s roof, pillars house door hinges and latches.
- Quarter Panel – a section of the car body located between the trunk and the rear door. The rear wheel well is usually encircled by the quarter panel in most automotive designs.
- Spoiler – a body attachment with aerodynamic properties that lessens the negative impacts of airflow around, above, and below the vehicle.
- Wheels –circular auto parts made up of the following components that move an automobile from one place to another.
Rims – the metal components that are cylindrical and are wrapped in rubber tyres. They cooperate with the tyres to keep the air inside and maintain a tight seal.
Tyres – are rubber parts in the shape of circles that are wrapped around the car’s wheels and the area that comes into contact with the ground. They provide the car with traction on the road. Gain greater insight into your tyres by comprehending the markings on them.
Hubcaps – accessories that minimise wear and keep your wheels clean by shielding them from dirt and road debris.
Lug Nuts – These tiny components, which are also referred to as wheel nuts, fasten the wheels to the car.
- Cargo – The main cargo area of the car, known as the boot or trunk, is kept apart from the interior of the vehicle. usually accessible via a hatch at the back of the vehicle.
- Doors – The door of an automobile swings outward and lets you get in and out, while some doors glide on tracks instead. Doors usually pivot.
- Side View Mirrors – mirrors on both sides of the body of the car that aid in the driver’s vision of the back, sides, and blind areas.
- Windows – the car’s glass parts provide clear vision throughout the vehicle while shielding occupants from the wind, dust, and debris.
Door windows – windows that are integrated into the doors of the car and usually have an electric motor to open and close them.
The front and rear windows of a moving car serve as protection from air and debris and are commonly referred to as windscreens.
Sunroof – a little window on top of a car that lets in more light from the outside into the inside. It can be opened and closed normally just like any other window.
- Miscellaneous Car Body Parts
Fuel Tank Door – a little panel that blends in with the rest of the car’s appearance while hiding the gasoline cap. It also protects and insulates the fuel cap.
Hinges – hardware pieces that let you open and close automobile doors as needed and secure them to the car.
Electrical and Electronic Systems / Car Parts
- Starting System – helps start the internal combustion process in the engine by turning the crank. It is divided into the following sections:
Starter Motor – a little electric motor that aids in starting the car’s combustion engine.
Glow Plug – A glow plug warms fuel and air in diesel engines to start the combustion process.
- Ignition System – generates electric sparks continually to ignite the engine’s fuel-air combination. Until you turn off the engine, this system keeps it going.
Ignition Coil – produces the high voltage that spark plugs need in order to produce sparks.
Distributor – a revolving shaft that precisely times and distributes electric current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs.
Spark Plug – creates a spark that ignites the fuel-air combination in the engine chambers.
- Infotainment System – electrical parts that facilitate networking, entertainment, and navigation.
Touchscreen – Touch-activated interactive display unit featuring entertainment and information.
Head Unit – The head unit is the infotainment system’s user interface, which is used to operate the radio and other functions in automobiles without touchscreens.
Speakers – provides audio outputs that are produced by the entertainment or information system of the car.
- Sensors – Many sensors in contemporary autos are gathering data. The collected data is then used by the onboard computers to maximise the vehicle’s performance. The most typical sensors found in contemporary cars are as follows:
Mass Air Flow Sensor – gauges the amount of air that enters the engine.
Engine Speed Sensor – used to gauge the position and speed of gears.
Oxygen Sensor: Also known as an O2 sensor, this device detects the amount of oxygen in exhaust gases as they exit the engine and updates the air/fuel ratio accordingly.Spark Knock Sensor – detects unusual combustion in the engine like preignition and detonation.
Coolant Sensor – monitors the engine’s temperature at all times.
Fuel Temperature Sensor – keeps an eye on the fuel temperature of the car.
Voltage Sensor – helps control the speed of the vehicle, making necessary adjustments.
Camshaft Position Sensor – determines the precise location of the camshaft to determine the open or closed engine cylinder valves.
Throttle Position Sensor – determines the throttle valve’s open position, allowing for modifications to the engine’s air intake.
Vehicle Speed Sensor – determines the speed of the vehicle, namely the wheel or gearbox output speed.
- Cameras – When reversing, for example, back cameras improve visibility around blind zones, but dash cams record footage for surveillance.
- The electric power supply system – which consists of parts that produce, store, and distribute electricity to the electrical and electronic parts of the car. By providing the electricity required for the internal combustion process, this technology also benefits the vehicle’s combustion engine.
Car Battery – When the engine is not running, the vehicle’s electric power is stored and sent to power electric and electronic components.
Alternator – powers the vehicle’s electrical and electronic components and recharges the battery while the engine is running.
Voltage Regulator – the part in charge of the alternator, making sure the vehicle is getting the right voltage.
- Meters and Gauges – instruments that give the driver vital knowledge about the many systems of the vehicle.
Fuel Gauge – indicates the remaining fuel in your car’s tank.
Speedometer – indicates the speed at which your car is travelling.
Odometer – keeps track of the overall distance driven by your vehicle.
Temperature Warning – either an indication or gauge that alerts you when the engine overheats.
Tachometer – The engine’s operating speed is measured and shown to you in revolutions per minute, or RPM.
Oil Pressure Gauge – determines the oil pressure level in your vehicle, which aids in the early detection of engine issues.
Charging System Gauge –notifies you if there is a problem with the charging system in your automobile. Often referred to as a battery gauge or indicator, it occasionally displays the amount of battery left.
- Lighting and signalling: parts that illuminate the road to increase a car’s visibility and let other cars know when it intends to turn.
Headlights – lights that shine on the road in front of the car.
Taillights – These lights, especially in low light, let other drivers see the back of your vehicle.
Reverse Lights – rear lights that illuminate the area behind you and alert other vehicles to your intention to reverse when you shift into reverse.
Indicator lights – lights alerting other motorists and users of the road to your intended turn.
Interior and Miscellaneous Lights – lights that let you see inside and in areas like the engine bay and boot.
- Electrical Connectors and Wiring – These are components of the electrical system that assure proper operation of the car by supplying power and signals between controls and systems.
- Central Locking and Alarm Systems – parts that allow all automobile doors to lock simultaneously. Usually, these systems come with an alarm to deter auto theft and break-ins even more.
- Miscellaneous Electrical and Electronic Parts
Switches – electronic controls that provide drivers and passengers the ability to operate and modify the vehicle’s functions.
Fuses – sacrificial devices that guard against power surges and short circuits harming electrical circuits and components.
Wiring – Electrical power and signals are transferred from power sources to electrical components via wiring that runs throughout the vehicle.
Interior Parts and Systems
- Seating – Car seats maximise safety while maximising occupant comfort.
- Flooring – The flooring of an automobile reduces noise from the underside and shields passengers from the road below.
- Interior Panelling – Electrical cables and other components are hidden under interior automobile panels within vehicles’ doors.
- Air conditioning and temperature control systems –The interior of a car might get too hot or too chilly depending on the outside weather.You may enhance comfort and regulate temperatures using air conditioning and climate control.
Powertrain and Chassis Parts
- Engine Parts – These components are in charge of the combustion process, which produces the energy needed to propel an automobile.
Crankshaft – transfers engine power to propel the automobile ahead by converting the linear motion the pistons produce into a rotating motion.
Camshaft – a timing mechanism that synchronises the engine’s intake and exhaust valve opening and closing.
Cylinder Head – regulates the flow of gasoline and air into each engine cylinder.
Drive Belt – transfers engine energy to various components, including the water pump, power steering pump, alternator, and more.
Piston – converts combustion energy into mechanical force to rotate the crankshaft.
Turbocharger – helps the engine generate far more power by compressing the air entering the cylinders.
- Engine Cooling System – There is a significant amount of heat produced by internal combustion.Engine cooling systems prevent overheating and maintain the engine operating at peak efficiency.
Radiator – disperses heat into the air after being absorbed to keep the engine from overheating.
Cooling Fan – increases the amount of cool air that enters the radiator, which effectively cools the engine.
Water Pump – coolant through the radiator in order to disperse engine heat into the air that is passing by.
Thermostat – a valve that controls the amount of coolant flowing through the radiator; when the engine temperature rises, the flow is increased.
- Engine Oil Systems – There are hundreds of tiny and huge moving parts in engines. They depend on systems that supply oil and other fluids in order to function together.
- Exhaust System – The exhaust system and its parts enable the safe release of exhaust gases and other combustion byproducts from the engine and the vehicle.
Catalytic Converter – transforms harmful exhaust gases into less harmful byproducts.
Exhaust Pipe – directs dangerous exhaust fumes away from the car and out of the engine.
Muffler – minimises the sound that passes through the exhaust system and out of the engine.
Exhaust Manifold – transports exhaust gases to the car’s catalytic converter through each engine cylinder.
Heat Shield – stops the hot exhaust system from heating nearby components, such as the flooring of the automobile and anything underneath it.
- Fuel Supply System – Fuel is needed for combustion, and the fuel delivery system makes sure that the engine’s chambers are continuously supplied with fuel at the right amount and time.
Engine Air Filter – An air filter purges the air of contaminants prior to the fuel and air mixture inside the engine cylinder.
Carburettor – regulates the fuel and air mixture used during combustion.
Fuel Cap – a cap that keeps fuel vapours from escaping and secures the fuel filler neck.
Fuel Filter – protects fuel lines, injectors, and other fuel system components by eliminating impurities from the gasoline supply.
Fuel Injector – fuel is sprayed into the intake manifold to be combined with air and ignited.
Fuel Line – a pipe that transports petrol from the tank to the engine and other locations as needed.
Fuel Pump – drives fuel into the engine from the tank.
Fuel Tank – a safe-keeping container for fuel.
Fuel Water Separator – eliminates water and other particles from fuel, protecting both your engine and fuel system.
Throttle Body – regulates the engine’s fuel-air mixture at the intake.
- Electrical Powertrain Parts – Electrical components are also used in contemporary internal combustion engines in addition to mechanical ones. This is particularly valid for electric and hybrid cars.
Electric Motor – assumes the role of the combustion engine in generating power for the car.
High Voltage Battery Pack – Large volumes of electrical power are stored for usage by the onboard electric motor or motors.
Fuel Cell – This energy source burns hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity for the car’s electric engine or motors.
Hydrogen Tank – a secure location to keep the hydrogen needed for the fuel cell.
Inverter – an apparatus that converts electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
Charge Port – uses grid electricity to charge the car’s batteries by connecting it to a standard power source.
- Steering and Suspension Systems – You can easily turn the vehicles in any direction thanks to the steering systems in place. Suspension is another component of the same system that maximises both your comfort and the vehicle’s performance on uneven terrain.
Steering Wheel – translates the driver’s turning inputs, forcing them to change direction.
Steering Column – connects the steering system’s other components to the steering wheel.
Steering Gearbox – has steering gears that increase and transmit the inputs made by the driver at the steering wheel.
Drop or Pitman Arm – a shaft that transforms the sector shaft’s angular movements into linear or straight motions that move the wheels of the vehicle.
Ball Joints – gives you more accurate control by allowing your control arms and steering knuckles to swivel.
Drag Link – the part connecting the Pitman arm to the steering arm, converting the rotary motion.
Steering Arm –the part that causes car wheels to turn left or right due to input from the steering box.
Strut – sustains the weight of the vehicle and cushions hits from the ground.
Spring – maintains the vehicle’s weight while enabling wheel movement, reducing the amount of force applied to the car’s chassis.
Spindle – component of the suspension system that supports the wheel hub and is fastened to the upper and lower control arms.
Shock Absorber – ensures that the tyres are always in contact with the ground by reducing the compression and rebound of the car’s suspension.
- Transmission System – the mechanism that transfers energy from the engine to the wheels, supplying power and speed in accordance with your driving requirements.
Differential – a gear arrangement that permits various wheels on the same axle to rotate at various speeds.
Gearbox – gives the driveshaft engine power and makes sure that the right amount of power is sent to the wheels at the right speeds.
Transfer Case – provides the vehicle’s four wheels with power from the gearbox.
Clutch – In manual gearboxes, changing gears is made possible by the clutch, which also initiates or stops power transmission to the driving shaft.
Valve Body – In automatic gearboxes, the valve body directs hydraulic fluid in the appropriate direction to engage the chosen gearbox.
- Braking System – Car brakes are a sophisticated system that quickly and safely brings the vehicle to a stop.
Brake Pedal – where the driver puts pressure to regulate the brakes on the car.
Brake Pump – a pump that transforms the hydraulic force used to apply the brakes and slow down the car from the pressure placed on the brake pedal.
Brake Pad – a pad that slows and eventually stops the car by applying friction to the braking disc.
Brake Disc – a metal disc that uses brake pads and friction to slow down the car.
Brake Calliper – When the driver applies the brake pedal, the component that holds the brake pads clamps down on the braking disc.
Brake Fluid Reservoir – a brake fluid storage container that shields the fluid from impurities.
Anti-Lock Braking System – This safety mechanism keeps wheels from locking up when applying emergency brakes.
- Miscellaneous Powertrain and Chassis Parts
Hoses – transport various fluids, such as water, air, and others, from their reservoirs to the locations where they are required.
