1. Steel: This remains the dominant material, used extensively in the body-in-white (the car's basic structure before paint and trim). Different grades of steel are used depending on the component's required strength and formability. This includes high-strength steel (HSS) and ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) for improved crash safety.
2. Aluminum: Increasingly common, aluminum is used in various parts to reduce weight, improving fuel efficiency. Applications include engine blocks, cylinder heads, body panels (hood, doors, trunk lid), wheels, and suspension components.
3. Plastics: A huge variety of plastics are employed throughout the vehicle. These include:
* Polypropylene (PP): Bumpers, dashboards, interior trim.
* Polyethylene (PE): Fuel tanks, various under-hood components.
* Acrylonitrile butadine styrene (ABS): Instrument panels, exterior trim.
* Polycarbonate (PC): Headlights, taillights.
* Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Wiring insulation, upholstery.
4. Composites: These materials combine two or more materials to achieve specific properties. Examples include:
* Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP): Used in high-performance vehicles for lightweight, strong body panels and structural components.
* Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP): Less expensive than CFRP, used in some body panels and interior components.
5. Glass: Windshields, windows, and sometimes headlights. Laminated glass is common in windshields for safety.
6. Rubber: Tires, seals, hoses, and various other components requiring flexibility and sealing properties.
7. Non-ferrous metals: Other metals besides aluminum are used in smaller quantities, such as magnesium (for lightweight parts), copper (wiring), and zinc (for corrosion protection).
8. Textiles: Used extensively in interior upholstery (seats, carpets, headliners), seatbelts, and other components.
9. Elastomers: Materials that exhibit significant elastic deformation, such as those used in seals, bushings, and mounts.
10. Electronics: Semiconductors, integrated circuits, and various other electronic components make up the car's electrical and electronic systems.
The specific materials and their proportions vary considerably depending on the vehicle's make, model, year, and intended use (e.g., luxury car vs. economy car). The trend is towards increasing use of lightweight materials like aluminum and composites to improve fuel economy and emissions.
