Metals:
* Steel: This is still the most common material, used extensively in the body, chassis, and many internal components. Different grades of steel are used depending on the needed strength and weight.
* Aluminum: Increasingly used in body panels, engine blocks, and suspension components to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. It's also more corrosion-resistant than steel.
* Cast iron: Used in engine blocks and cylinder heads in some engines.
* Magnesium: Used in certain parts for its lightweight properties.
Plastics and Polymers:
* Various plastics: Used extensively in interior components (dashboards, trim, seats), exterior parts (bumpers, fenders - often reinforced), and under-the-hood components. Specific types vary widely based on their properties (e.g., strength, flexibility, heat resistance).
* Polymers: Used in a wide range of applications, often in combination with other materials.
Other Materials:
* Glass: Windshields, windows, and headlights.
* Rubber: Tires, seals, hoses, and belts.
* Textiles: Seat fabrics, carpets, and other interior coverings.
* Electronics: Wires, circuits, sensors, and computer chips.
* Ceramics: Used in some engine components for high heat resistance.
* Composite materials: Combinations of different materials, often fiber-reinforced plastics, are increasingly used to create strong yet lightweight parts.
It's important to note that the exact composition and proportions of these materials can significantly differ between car manufacturers and even within the models from a single manufacturer over time, driven by cost, performance, and environmental concerns.
