Car Body Parts

Car Body Parts

A car is a four-wheeled motorized vehicle that people use to move from one place to
another (transportation). Generally, cars run on roads that seat one to eight people, have
four wheels, and mainly transport people rather than goods.

When we look at its history, the first car that is Benz Patent-Motorwagen was invented
by German inventor Carl Benz in the year of 1886. In the 20th century, cars came into
global use and became widely available in different models and styles.

Cars have controls for driving, parking, passenger comfort, and a variety of parts. When
you open your car hood up or you see the down of your car, then you usually found the
engine, transmission, axles, differential, suspension, etc.

These are the internal parts of the car but what about the external parts? Now when we
come to the exterior parts of the car, many people do not have any idea of which parts
the car is made of and what is their role.

Therefore, we have brought you the complete list of car body parts and their functions.
So let's discuss them one by one.

Read Also: What are the parts of the car interior and their function?

Parts of Car Body

Following are the main parts of car body:

1. Body shell
2. Hood or bonnet
3. Front bumper
4. Rear bumper
5. Bumper grille
6. Crash guard or bullbar
7. Head light
8. Fog lamp
9. Indicator lights
10. Wiper blade
11. Radiator
12. Radiator supports
13. Cowl panel
14. Quarter panel

TheEngineersPost.com Page 1
 Car Body Parts

15. Fender
16. Fender liners
17. Roof
18. Sunroof
19. Mirrors
20. Doors
21. Door handle
22. Window glass
23. Quarter window
24. Trunk or decklids
25. Mud flaps
26. Wheels
27. Hubcap
28. Dashboard
29. Number plate
30. Tail lights

Read Also: What is the function of a cylinder block in an engine?

#1 Body Shell

The vehicle body shell is the functional backbone. It is the body of a car that rests in the
chassis and fits the engine, mechanical and electrical systems, seats, etc. It is designed to
carry the weight of all components that are present in the car and even handles the
weight of passengers.

#2 Hood or Bonnet

TheEngineersPost.com Page 2
 Car Body Parts

The car hood is also known as a bonnet in some countries. This is the type of thin sheet
cover that is hinged and rests over the engine of motor vehicles. It includes engine,
battery, coolant, windscreen fluid, cooling fan, compressor, alternator, and many more.

The hood allows direct access to the engine compartment for maintenance and repair
purposes. In addition, it also protects these parts from direct sunlight and dust. A
hidden latch is commonly used along with the hood to hold it securely when you're
taking a look inside your car.

#3 Front Bumper

The bumper may seem like an additional part but the simple structure actually plays an
important role in your car. Generally, bumpers are bars that protect a vehicle when it
collides with something.

The function of the front bumper is to protect your car if a sudden collision happens. In
this case, it absorbs most of the impact during low-speed collisions to prevent serious
damage to the driver, vehicle, and passengers.

#4 Rear Bumper

The rear bumper is designed to prevent heavy damage when you, unfortunately, hit a
wall while taking a reverse turn. It reduces or prevents physical damage to the front
and rear sides of vehicles in low-speed accidents.

These car body parts usually absorb shocks from the car accident. The rear bumper is
basically made of steel, aluminum, rubber, or plastic and primarily protects the trunk,
grille, fuel, exhaust, and cooling systems.

#5 Bumper Grille

TheEngineersPost.com Page 3
 Car Body Parts

The bumper grille covers the front body of the vehicle and allows your engine to keep
cool. When you drive your car, it sucks the air through the grille which serves to
provide ventilation through the engine bay.

Primarily, it protects the radiator and allows cold air to enter the radiator of the car. In
addition to the front location, they are also located in the front wheels for brake cooling,
in the cowl for cabin ventilation, or on the rear trunk lid in rear-engine vehicles.

#6 Crash Guards or Bullbars

The crash guards are mounted to the front frame or chassis of the car. This is mostly
seen in SUVs to protect them from damage in case of an accident. These are the essential
car body parts that play a key role to keep the vehicle moving after a collision.

These are typically made of heavy-duty steel and can effectively shield the front end of
the vehicle. Moreover, the design of this accessory gives a stylish look to your vehicle
and also provides real protection.

#7 Head Lights

TheEngineersPost.com Page 4
 Car Body Parts

Basically, everyone knows the primary function of headlights on cars is to illuminate

the road and facilitate fatigue-free and safe driving. There are two types of headlights,
low beam, and high beam.

These headlights are attached to the front end of the vehicle. They allow the driver to
see the roadway in the dark, while also indicating to other drivers that a car is present.
There are types of lights used in cars and each has its own function.

#8 Fog Lamp

The purpose of fog lamps is to allow brightness in situations when visibility is less than
100m. They help to illuminate under the fog to see the road surface and prevent the
additional beams from the fog. There are mainly two types of fog lamps used in
vehicles.

 Front Fog Lamps: Many front fog lights are selectively yellow because it filters
out the blue component of white light, which causes the most shine. However,
not every yellow lamps are fog lights and not every fog lamps are yellow.
 Rear Fog Lamps: These are more useful than front fog lamps. They are a bright
red light (similar to a brake light) that is lit in poor visibility to make the vehicle
more specific for low traffic. They are useful when you are driving much slower
than usual and when a vehicle is behind you, they can dazzle other drivers to
stop.

#9 Indicator Lights

TheEngineersPost.com Page 5
 Car Body Parts

Indicator lights are available in red, orange and some are white in color. They can be
located on the front, rear, and sometimes on both the left and right sides of the car.
These are used to indicate a desired change of direction, whether turning left or right or
going out into traffic.

You need to use them at right time to give other drivers enough time to react and adapt
to your signal. Once you have completed the turn make sure the indicator is off
otherwise it may confuse other drivers.

#10 Wiper Blade

Almost all vehicles including cars, trucks, buses, etc. have wiper blades and are very
important for the clear vision of the driver. These are used to clear snow, water, and/or
debris from the vehicle's front window so that the operator can see what lies ahead of
them.

They are very useful during rainy weather, water droplets on the windshield constantly
block the driver's visibility which can lead to major accidents. They are made of rubber
that is degradable and becomes less effective over time. That's why it's important to
replace them every 6-12 months.

Read Also: What problems can cause a bad ignition distributor?

#11 Radiator

TheEngineersPost.com Page 6
 Car Body Parts

The radiator sits right behind your car's front grille. It is located at the center of the
vehicle's cooling system that monitors and regulates the temperature of the engine and
prevents it from overheating.

Its purpose is to keep the engine's coolant fluid at the proper level. As the coolant
circulates throughout the engine, it heats up and the cooling fins inside the radiator cool
the liquid as it passes over them.

#12 Radiator Supports

The vehicle radiator is supported and mounted by a mechanism called radiator support.
It is a frame made of steel, plastic, or aluminum that protects the radiator from damage
by securing it under the hood of the car. It also houses the condenser assembly and
cooling fan system so that they are not damaged while the car is running.

#13 Cowl Panel

TheEngineersPost.com Page 7
 Car Body Parts

Cowl panels are also important car body parts. These are used as a cover that fills the
gap between the hood and windshield of the car. It also supports the dashboard and
ensures that no unwanted parts get into the windshield wiper system or the cabin filter
area.

#14 Quarter Panel

It is a side section of an automobile body that usually wraps around the wheel well,
between the door and trunk lid, or between the door and the hood. It supports the back
panel and other rear panels which may include the trunk of the car, as well as the rear
fenders/bumpers.

#15 Fender

The fender is the curved part of the car's body that sits on top of the wheels and holds
them in place. It is not only a safety component but also enhances the overall look of
your vehicle. Its primary function is to shield and protect the passenger compartments
by preventing sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other roads spray from being thrown into
the air by the rotating tire.

#16 Fender Liner

TheEngineersPost.com Page 8
 Car Body Parts

In every type of vehicle, each wheel has a separate fender liner. The function of fender
liners is to prevent dirt, mud, water, environmental toxins, and other impurities from
seeping into the engine bay causing serious damage.

In addition, it also helps to protect the wires and other components inside the wheel
well from corrosion. Driving a vehicle without a fender liner is not recommended as it
acts as both a buffer and a barrier between your car's engine, hood, radiator, headlights,
and windshield.

#17 Roof

A roof is the top part of a vehicle that sits above the passenger compartment, protecting
the vehicle occupants from sunlight, wind, rain, and other external elements.

The car ceilings are typically coated with headliners that provide insulation against heat
and noise, and also hide wires and hardware for electrical components, antennas, and
other accessories.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 9
 Car Body Parts

#18 Sunroof

The sunroof gives passengers a clear view of the sky, keeps the car ventilated, and lets
the sunlight in, creating a feeling of open space. This is a type of panel on the roof of a
car that either slides or can be pulled out to allow light in.

These are quite expensive as you will have to pay extra for all the mechanisms that
operate the sunroof. They are also high maintenance because the rubber, glass, motor,
and all other components require frequent maintenance.

#19 Mirrors

There are mainly two types of mirrors used in vehicles that are side-view mirrors and
rear-view mirrors.

1. Side-View Mirror

TheEngineersPost.com Page 10
 Car Body Parts

These are also known as wing mirrors. These mirrors are located on the exterior of the
vehicles to help the driver see areas behind and side of the vehicle or outside the
driver's peripheral vision.

Also, it will alert the driver about possible accidents that happen from behind. The
advantage of side mirrors being convex is that you get a wider view of each side of the
car which helps reduce blind spots.

2. Read-View Mirror

They serve multiple purposes that help to keep you safe as a driver. It gives you an alert
driving experience by allowing you to see behind your vehicle without turning your
head. In addition, they are especially important when a vehicle is moving in reverse
gear.

#20 Car Doors

TheEngineersPost.com Page 11
 Car Body Parts

A door is a type of opening, usually hinged on the exterior of a vehicle. Sometimes it is

attached to other mechanisms such as a track to enter and exit the vehicle. There are
different types of car doors available that most people might not be aware of.

Doors often include windows for visibility from inside the car and can be locked to
secure the vehicle. These are operated manually or with the help of power supplied by
the vehicle. Power doors are used in minivans, luxury vehicles, or modified cars.

Read Also: What are the parts and functions of a cylinder head?

#21 Window Glass

The basic reason for the use of window glass in cars is visibility. Whether at the front,
side, or rear of the car, the visibility managed by the glass is extremely useful.

The glass allows passengers to see where they are going and allows natural sunlight or
artificial street lighting to enter the vehicle. There are usually two types of window
glass used, single-layer toughened glass or laminated safety glass.

#22 Quarter Window

TheEngineersPost.com Page 12
 Car Body Parts

It is a type of side window that is located before the front door glass or after the rear
door glass. In some models, the fixed quarter window may be placed in the corner or
"C-pillar" of the vehicle.

They provide a quick peek of the road around the vehicle so that the driver can turn,
speed up, park, or change lanes safely. These windows are often found on older
vehicles. These are small triangular in shape at the front and separate from the main
window.

#23 Door Handle

Door handles help the driver or passengers to get in or out of the car. Door handles are
the most important component as they contain door locks. Usually, we use the door
handle to unlock the car from outside or inside. There are different types of door
handles available according to the car model.

#24 Trunk or Decklids

The trunk lid (also known as dickey) of a car is the main storage or luggage
compartment which is often located at the rear of the vehicle such as sedan, coupe, or
convertible.

TheEngineersPost.com Page 13
 Car Body Parts

The trunk of a car is more than just storage and must be used for the actual purpose of
carrying goods. It is an important storage space, so it is necessary to clean it regularly.
Also, keep in mind that if you are loading more luggage then the engine will consume
more fuel.

#25 Mud Flaps

Whether you have a car, an SUV, or a truck, getting mud flaps for your vehicle is
necessary. This is useful when your tires are constantly exposed to mud, dirt, rocks, salt,
water, and other elements on the road.

As the name suggests, mud flaps are meant to catch dirt and stones and ensure that it
doesn't fly straight into your vehicle from back and front. A car without mud flaps will
require more regular maintenance.

#26 Wheels

TheEngineersPost.com Page 14
 Car Body Parts

The most basic and important parts of a car body that have always been in use are the
wheels. These are circular forms that generate rotary motion and are responsible for
moving the car from one point to another.

The tire is the rubber part that wraps around the wheel and grips the road surface.
Although the wheels can spin without tires, the car does not go very far. Without them,
the wheels of the car would slip on the road faster without moving forward. Nowadays,
there are different types of tires easily available in the market.

#27 Hubcap

It is a decorative disc on an automobile wheel that covers the central part of the wheel.
The function of the hubcap is to cover wheel hub and wheel fasteners to reduce the dirt
and moisture collection. It also enhances the overall structure of the wheel.

When you drive without a hub cap, all kinds of dirt and debris get trapped in the tires,
which can lead to tire wear and tear. By having a hubcap, foreign particles do not
damage your wheels and provide longer life.

#28 Dashboard

TheEngineersPost.com Page 15
 Car Body Parts

The dashboard is the controlling panel of any kind of vehicle. This is also known as
dash or instrument panel. It lies within the central console of a vehicle and is usually
located directly ahead of the drive.

The dashboard shows the driver tools and controls for operating the vehicle. It has
simple controls (eg, steering wheel) and an array of instrumentation to show speed, fuel
level, and oil pressure. Modern types usually feature information, climate control, and
entertainment systems.

#29 Number Plate

Due to the Motor Vehicle Act of the government, it is necessary to have a number plate
on every vehicle. The number plate reflects the very specific details of the vehicle and
consists of four important elements.

It also gives a unique identity to the vehicle. Nowadays, all vehicles on the road are
preferred to display registration on both the front and rear sides of the vehicle.

#30 Tail Lights

TheEngineersPost.com Page 16
 Car Body Parts

The taillights consider the safety aspect of the vehicle. These lights allow your vehicle to
be seen during low visibility conditions and alert other drivers that you are slowing
down. On most vehicles, the tail light is red and the brake light is more bright red.

The taillights stay ON when you turn ON your headlights or when your parking brake
is ON. While the brake light will light up immediately when you apply pressure to the
brakes. So the brake light and tail lights are not the same.

Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, the car is beneficial for its convenience. The above-mentioned car body
parts are very essential for every vehicle. Without these parts, the vehicle may not
perform well on the road and that can lead to heavy breakdowns or accidents.

So for now, I hope I’ve covered everything about “Car Body Parts“. If you still think
that I missed anything or you have any doubts on this topic, you can feel free to contact
us or ask in the comments. If you like this article then please share it with your buddies.

Want free PDFs direct to your inbox? Then subscribe to our newsletter.

You might like to explore more articles related to Automobile Engineering:

1. What are the different types of braking system are used in vehicles?
2. How a car jacks works and how to use them?
3. What is function of a propeller shaft in an engine?

TheEngineersPost.com Page 17