A car or automobile is a road vehicle with an engine, four wheels, and seats that can carry a small number of people. Most definitions of cars say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people instead of goods.

32 Essential Parts of a Car: Expert Guide with Names & Diagrams

A car, also called an automobile, is a road vehicle equipped with an engine, four wheels, and seats capable of accommodating a small number of people. Most definitions of cars specify that they primarily operate on roads, have a seating capacity of one to eight individuals, possess four wheels, and are mainly designed for transporting people rather than goods. Undoubtedly, cars are complex mechanisms wherein different parts of a car and systems collaborate to facilitate their operation. The assembly of car parts, alongside other accessories, culminates in creating a fully functional car. Each car part is carefully manufactured to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. The engine, wheels, transmission, suspension system, tyres, and brakes are among the key parts of the car. These parts collectively contribute to the proper functioning of the vehicle and play a pivotal role in its performance and safety.

This article provides an informative guide, offering an in-depth understanding of various auto parts, their names, and their functions with pictures.

Car Parts Diagram

Parts of a Car, Names, Functions & Diagram

Car Parts Names

There are different parts of a car’s name, each with various functions. Below are the necessary parts of a car listed with their detailed description.

Engine
Chassis
Car Body
Car Interior
Air Conditioning System
Lighting System
Engine Cooling System
Lubrication System
Ignition System
Electrical System
Transmission System

Steering System
Suspension System
Fuel Supply System
Brakes System
Clutch System
Signaling System
Exhaust System
Seating System
Battery
Alternator
Radiator

Drive Shaft
Differential
Axle
Wheel /Tire
Fuel Tank
Fuel gauge
Temperature gauge
Sensors
Car trip meter
Hood

Parts of a Car and Their Functions

Engine

The engine is the power source that drives a car. It uses air and fuel, which combust in the combustion chamber to produce energy.

The engine has three main parts: a sturdy engine block, which houses all the moving components, and a removable cylinder head.

In a gasoline engine, the piston compresses air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This compression causes an explosion, pushing the piston downward. This back-and-forth (reciprocating) motion happens continuously.

The piston’s movement is transferred to the crankshaft through a connecting rod, converting it into a rotary motion that turns the wheels to move the car.

A cam and follower system, along with the electrical system, controls the precise opening and closing of the engine’s inlet and outlet valves. These valves allow the air-fuel mixture to enter and exhaust gases to exit. The timing of these valves is key to the engine’s efficiency and performance.

Between the engine and wheels, there’s a transmission system that helps adjust the car’s speed as needed.

Proper lubrication of the engine’s parts also improves performance and extends its lifespan.

Older cars sometimes had a rotary or Wankel engine, which works similarly but has a different design.

Chassis

The chassis is the main structural framework of a vehicle. It supports and distributes the load and stresses when the vehicle is both stationary and moving.

A key function of the chassis is to provide strong mounting points for different car parts. It holds the weight of these parts and helps the vehicle withstand external forces.

Building a chassis involves using high-strength materials that are welded and riveted together to create a strong and durable structure. This framework allows for the attachment of critical components across the vehicle.

Additionally, rubber packing plays an important role in reducing engine and mechanical vibrations. It absorbs and dampens vibrations, making the ride smoother and more comfortable for passengers.

Car Body

The car body is a structure made from various metal sheets that provides space for passengers and shields them from weather elements like sun, wind, and dust. The body is formed by shaping and cutting metal sheets, which are then attached to the chassis using welding and riveting.

In the automotive market, car body shapes vary depending on the type of vehicle, the manufacturer, and cost factors. Today’s cars are made from materials that offer greater protection to passengers in case of accidents.

Aluminum and its alloys are popular for car body parts because they combine high strength with lightweight properties, providing a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency.

Parts of a Car Body, Names, Functions & Diagram

Car Interior

The interior of a car not only enhances its look but also improves comfort. It includes various features like an ergonomically designed dashboard, a well-crafted steering system, door trims, comfortable seats, a smoothly functioning gearbox, strategically placed lights, and air conditioning vents, along with other carefully designed elements.

Each part is thoughtfully sized and positioned to create a pleasing appearance while focusing on passenger comfort. Every component serves a purpose and is placed in a specific spot to improve the overall driving experience.

Car Interior Parts, Names, Functions & Diagram

Air Conditioning System

The air conditioning system in a car works by absorbing heat from inside the car and supplying cool air. This is done by changing the refrigerant between gas and liquid states through refrigeration.

The main parts of the air conditioning system are the compressor, evaporator, condenser, expansion valve, and refrigerant.

First, the compressor compresses the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator, raising its temperature and pressure. Next, the refrigerant moves to the condenser, where it releases heat and turns into a liquid.

When the liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, both its temperature and pressure drop. As it flows into the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the car’s interior, cooling the surrounding air. The refrigerant then starts boiling and turns back into vapor, repeating the cycle to maintain a cool cabin.

Air Conditioner Parts, Names, Functions, and Diagram

Lighting System

Vehicle lighting and signaling devices are placed at the front and rear of a car to improve road visibility, detect obstacles, and follow traffic rules.

Headlights come with high and low beams to help the driver see the surroundings better. High beams provide a wider range of light for better long-distance vision, while low beams offer more focused light, ideal for city driving or when approaching other vehicles.

Signaling lights are also located on the front and back of the vehicle to indicate turns, helping communicate the driver’s intentions to others and ensuring safer traffic flow.

Additionally, rear red lights signal when the vehicle is stopping or slowing down. These lights alert other drivers, helping prevent collisions by giving them time to react.

Engine Cooling System

During fuel combustion in the engine’s combustion chamber, a large amount of heat is produced. This heat affects the temperatures of various engine parts, which can lead to problems like shorter component life and reduced engine efficiency.

However, a well-designed cooling system tailored to the engine’s needs can help solve these issues. It improves both performance and efficiency by preventing the engine from getting too hot or cold.

By keeping the engine at the right temperature, the cooling system ensures it runs at its best, boosting efficiency and performance.

Lubrication System

Automotive engines have many moving parts that create friction during operation, which can lead to wear and potential failure.

The lubrication system plays a vital role by delivering specially formulated oil to these components, reducing friction and helping them move smoothly.

This system acts as a protective shield against wear and tear, lowering frictional losses and extending the lifespan of engine parts. It also boosts the engine’s overall performance and efficiency.

Additionally, the lubricating oil serves as a sealing agent for the pistons as they move up and down in the cylinder. By forming a thin film on the cylinder walls, it helps create a tight seal and prevents unwanted leaks.

Ignition System

The function of the ignition system is to ignite the spark in the combustion chamber at the right time for the complete burning of the fuel. Complete burning of the fuel increases the machine’s performance and efficiency.

In the IC engine, the spark plug is responsible for the fuel ignition at power stroke. But in the CI engine, the spark plug is not present.

Air is compressed in the cylinder at power stroke, which increases the temperature of the air. At the right time, the fuel is injected through the fuel injector for the complete combustion of the fuel.

Electrical System

The automobile has numerous electrical and electronic elements that play vital roles. Some essential components are the magneto, alternator, voltage regulator, and battery, collectively constituting the backbone of the intricate electrical system.

These components are key in governing essential operations such as ignition, illumination, windshield wiper functionality, climate control, and numerous other crucial systems.

The breakdown of any of these electrical components causes deep disruptions to the intricate electrical and electronic network, which can affect the overall performance and efficiency of the automobile.

Transmission System

The transmission system offers a smooth transfer of power the engine generates to the vehicle’s wheels. Its primary function revolves around the complex manipulation of both engine output and the gear ratio of the drive shaft. It enables precise adjustments to the torque applied to the wheels.

The transmission system on the front side of the vehicle boasts the vehicle’s performance. Some examples of the transmission are manual, semi-automatic, and automatic.

The transmission system empowers drivers to exert fine-grained control over both torque and speed parameters.

By improving this dynamic control, fuel efficiency can be optimized, and the overall driving experience can be increased.

Parts of Automatic Transmission, Names, Functions & Diagram

Steering System

The steering system is important for controlling a vehicle’s direction and allowing the driver to influence its movement. It is present in the front portion of the car.

It transforms the rotational input from the steering wheel into a swiveling motion—a small turn of the wheel results in a proportionally minor change in the car’s path.

This design makes it easy for the driver to navigate with minimal effort. It reduces the force needed to turn the car, offering excellent handling and reliable control regardless of road conditions.

There are various steering mechanisms in the automotive industry, but power steering is good. It is present in most modern cars. It utilizes hydraulic or electric assistance to amplify the driver’s input, providing smooth and responsive control.

Suspension System

The suspension system is like a cushion for a car. It helps it handle bumpy roads smoothly. It is made up of links, uprights, and springs, working together on all four wheels. This system absorbs shocks and vibrations, making sure the car stays stable, and passengers enjoy a comfy ride. It is all about safety and comfort when you’re on the road!

There are three types of suspension systems.

Dependent
Independent
Semi-Independent

Dependent

It uses stiff linkages that connect two wheels of the same axle. When one wheel passes through the irregular surface, the other wheel spring is also affected, as both have the same axle. It helps to divide the shocks and vibrations.

A leaf spring is a suitable example of a dependent suspension system.

Independent

In an independent suspension system, each wheel has the freedom to move and has individual suspensions. When one wheel passes through the irregular surface, only the suspension system experiences shocks and vibrations.

Coil spring suspension is the best example of an independent suspension system. In a modern car, pushrod suspension system technology is more advanced. It gives much comfort to the passengers.

Semi-independent

It is a combination of dependent and independent suspension systems. The suspension of both wheels is independent, but one wheel’s position impacts the other wheel’s position.

The Twist beam is the best example of a semi-independent system.

Fuel Supply System

It is for supplying fuel at the correct timing into the engine. Its function is the same, but the mediums are different to deliver the fuel into the engine.

The petrol engine uses the carburetor to mix the petrol into the air and supply it to the engine as required. The engine has an inlet port opening and closing at the correct time to deliver the air-fuel mixture.

In the diesel engine, the fuel injector directly injects the fuel into the combustion chamber during the power stroke. Like a petrol engine, inlet ports drive the air into the combustion chamber and close as per their valve timing.

Brakes System

The brakes are important for slowing down the car. There are two main types: old-fashioned mechanical and modern hydraulic brakes.

Inside the braking system, there are important parts like the brake pedal, the hydraulic master cylinder (which uses fluid to apply pressure), the wheel cylinder (helps activate the brakes), the brake drum, brake pads, and linkages (making sure everything works smoothly).

When you press the brake pedal, it sends force to the wheels, creating friction between the tires and the road. It helps in controlling the vehicle’s speed to avoid any accidents.

Clutch System

The clutch system is necessary for transferring power in a car and disconnecting the engine from the wheels. It uses components like the pressure plate and friction plate to engage when the vehicle is moving.

When changing speed or torque, the clutch is applied, separating the pressure plate from the friction plate. It disconnects the engine from the wheels, allowing the gear ratio to be adjusted as needed.

Clutch systems come in different types for various vehicles, such as single-plate, multiple-plate, and centrifugal clutches. Automatic transmissions often use centrifugal clutches, which use centrifugal forces to engage the clutch based on engine speed smoothly. It enhances the efficiency of gear changes.

Signaling System

The signaling system consists mainly of sensors. It gives signals to various devices to operate. It also notifies us through mobile or calls.

In accidental conditions, the sensor gives a signal to open the airbags.
We indicate the vehicle through the keys to lock and unlock the car.
If we forget the car, we get a message about its location.
It sends the notices to our close once in the accidental conditions.
Tracks our live location and directs us the proper way through GPS.

Exhaust System

The primary function of the exhaust system is to evacuate the combustion byproducts from the engine’s cylinders effectively. It consists of various parts like an exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, exhaust pipe, silencer, resonator, tailpipe, and gasket.

While exhausting exhaust gases, the exhaust ports intermittently open and close via exhaust valves. Subsequently, the gases from each cylinder converge within the exhaust manifold.

A series of interconnected pipes direct the exhaust gases toward the catalytic converter, which undertakes the vital task of converting harmful emissions into harmless gases.

Through chemical processes such as oxidation and reduction, toxic substances are transformed into more environmentally friendly compounds.

Parts of a Exhaust System, Names, Functions & Diagram

Seating System

Modern vehicle seats offer good comfort and customization for drivers and passengers. Users can enjoy features like seat folding, versatile height adjustments, dynamic movements, adjustable incline angles, and even detachable seats.

These innovations result from in-depth data analysis and the integration of new technology. As a result, drivers can achieve a highly ergonomic driving position, reducing the risk of physical discomfort during long journeys.

The adjustable seats not only enhance the driving experience but also contribute significantly to road safety. By minimizing the risk of accidents caused by discomfort or distraction, these designs increase the level of protection on the road.

Battery

The car battery provides the essential electrical power needed for various electronic systems. Its main job is to start the engine by powering the starter motor.

Most car batteries follow the SLI (Starting, Lighting, and Ignition) model, mainly made of lead-acid chemistry. These batteries are excellent at delivering the necessary current for ignition, lighting, and starting the engine.

Typically, car batteries operate in a 12 to 24-volt range. It ensures that all electrical systems in a vehicle can work together smoothly. This adherence to a common voltage range guarantees compatibility and optimal performance for all the electronic components in a car. Due to that, users get a reliable and high-performance driving experience.

Alternator

It is a generator for automobiles. It is at the car’s front portion, near the engine, and connects with the crankshaft through the serpentine belt. The main parts of the alternator are the rotor, stator, regulator, rectifier, and pulley.

When a car goes on the road, it charges the battery. It supplies the power to all electrical and electronic parts of the car.

When the engine starts, the alternator starts rotating through the serpentine belt. The pulley has a groove to fit the serpentine belt and is connected to the rotor.

When the rotor rotates inside the stator winding, it induces the electric current or EMF in the stator copper coils. Furthermore, the regulator regulates the constant voltage, and the rectifier converts the AC to DC during the charging process.

Radiator

Radiators serve as vital heat exchangers in various engine systems. It plays an essential role in effectively cooling engine temperatures.

Within automotive engineering, a coolant fluid is strategically circulated near the engine through a network of pipes to counteract excessive heat. This distributing coolant comes into direct contact with the engine’s surfaces, extracting thermal energy and reducing the engine’s temperature.

Subsequently, the now-heated coolant moves towards the radiator, where it undergoes a cooling process through exposure to ambient air.

The radiator’s complex network of fins and pipe surfaces actively helps cool the coolant.

Automobile engines can be classified into two primary cooling categories: water and oil.

The choice of cooling method depends upon various factors such as engine type and manufacturer specifications.

Sensors

Sensors are electronic sensing devices that detect various aspects of a vehicle and send signals to the driver or the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

These sensors can determine critical parameters, including engine temperature, coolant levels, oil pressure, vehicle velocity, valve timing, oxygen concentration within exhaust emissions, and other invaluable data. Based on the data received from the sensor, the operator can make a decision.

Drive Shaft

The driveshaft is the primary medium for transmitting rotational force from the vehicle’s gearbox to the differential. This essential component has a universal joint to accommodate varying conditions.

Its core function is transferring rotary motion and torque generated by the engine to the wheels. When traversing uneven road surfaces, the rear axle and differential assembly experience vertical oscillations, which exert considerable load on the driveshaft.

The drive shaft is designed with inclination and adjustment mechanisms to address this challenge and optimize its length.

The parts of the drive shaft contain the following: the U joint, tube, center bearing, midship shaft, end yoke, ship and tube yoke, and flanges. The driveshaft increases its mechanical performance by integrating these elements.

Differential

The differential is a gear mechanism in cars that allows two wheels on the same drive shaft to spin at different speeds. It takes the engine’s power and sends it to the wheels through a twisting path. It is like transforming the engine’s rotation into the smooth motion of the wheels.

This invention is found in many rear-wheel-drive cars, making maintenance costs more reasonable. It makes your car move smoothly and efficiently.

Axle

The axle is the shaft that helps to rotate the car wheels and support the automobile weight. The axle has a mounting point where the bearing or bushing mounts to revolve the wheel. This bearing or bushing is the central part of the wheel.

The rear axle, front axle, and stub axle are the types of axles. The rear axle transfers the rotating motion from the engine to the wheel. The front axle helps to assist the steering mechanism. The stub axle connects the car’s front wheel, and the kingpin connects it with the front axle.

Wheel

The wheel is a rotating part that establishes the vital connection between the vehicle and the road. Due to the tire, the vehicle can run on the road and provide a better ride experience. The car wheel consists of the rim, tire, spokes, valve, stem, beads, center bore, and hub.

Tire

The tire is made from a blend of rubber and reinforced with a strong network of steel wires to enhance its durability. It securely hugs the metal rim, creating a robust connection.

Fuel Tank

This component is typically positioned within the lower rear section of the vehicle, ensuring convenient accessibility for essential maintenance procedures that require the removal of the fuel pump.

A carefully designed watertight aperture is combined into the fuel tank to prevent any potential fuel seepage or exchange with the environment.

Fuel Gauge

A fuel gauge is a fuel level sensing device that displays how much fuel is current inside the fuel tank. It has an indicator outside the tank and a sensing mechanism inside.

When the sensing mechanism senses the fuel, it automatically sends the signal about the fuel level to the indicator, and we get the data on the screen.

Temperature Gauge

Its function is to measure the temperature of the engine coolant. We have an indicator on the dashboard to indicate the coolant state, which is cold, regular, or overheated.

When the engine starts running, coolant flows to cool down the engine. However, the temperature gauge gives data on the overheating of the coolant. In that case, it might be a sign of some technical problem or any equipment damage.

CarTtrip Meter

It shows the distance traveled by car during the trip. We can set this trip meter before starting the travel. So we can easily find the distance we traveled.

Pushing the button on the car trip meter, we can find the current travel distance, and forcing one more time gives you the present overall travel distance.

In old cars, there was a mechanical trip meter available. But in the modern car, it is digital. It helps to calculate the mileage of the vehicle. It gives you accurate data on the efficiency of the car.

Hood

The car hood is the metallic sheet that covers the front top portion of the car. It is also known as a bonnet in some countries.

It helps to protect the engine, air conditioning unit, radiator, battery, alternator, and more from dust, sun rays, wind, stones, rain, and more. Its design varies depending on the car type and manufacturer.

With the concealed latch, we can open and hold the hood. Aluminum and its alloys are the first choice of material for hoods.