After our detailed exploration of exterior car parts in our previous article, we understand many of you are keen to delve into the interior components of your vehicle. In this guide, we will journey into the world of car inside parts, uncovering their names and essential functions.
Understanding the role of each interior car part is crucial, whether you’re evaluating a new car purchase, considering upgrades, or simply aiming for a safer and more comfortable driving experience. Many of these components offer opportunities for customization, from stylish LED light upgrades and practical seat covers to advanced gauges and gadgets that can significantly enhance your time behind the wheel and personalize your vehicle’s interior.
Essential Car Interior Parts: Names and Functions
Here’s a list of the primary interior parts you’ll find in most cars:
- Steering Wheel and Horn
- Ignition System
- Pedals (Accelerator, Brake, Clutch)
- Gear Shifter/Selector
- Dashboard
- Emergency Flashers (Hazard Lights)
- Seat Belts
- Airbags
- Rearview Mirrors (Interior and Exterior)
- Emergency Brake (Parking Brake)
- Turn Signal Lever
- Center Console
- Glove Compartment
- Power Window and Door Lock Controls
- Interior Door Handle
- Audio System
- Central Control Screen (Infotainment System)
- Sun Visors
- Car Seats
- Floor Mats
- Roof and Headliner
Car Interior Parts Diagram
Diagram of car interior parts with labels
Detailed Look at Car Interior Parts
Let’s explore each of these car inside parts in more detail, understanding their function and significance:
#1. Steering Wheel and Car Horn
The steering wheel is undeniably the primary control for a vehicle’s direction. It translates the driver’s rotational input into the pivoting movements of the front wheels, guiding the car along its path. This process involves a complex system of joints and hydraulic lines within the steering mechanism, ultimately directing the tires on the road.
Modern steering wheels often integrate a range of supplementary functions, increasing driver convenience and safety. These can include controls for cruise control, audio system adjustments, and even heating elements for added comfort in colder climates.
Customizing your steering wheel is a popular car interior modification. Upgrading with a new steering wheel cover can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your interior and improve the tactile experience, offering greater comfort and grip. A vast array of styles and materials are available, from patterned designs to premium leather finishes, allowing for significant personalization.
The car horn is a vital safety device. Activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel, it emits an audible signal to alert other road users to your presence or to warn of potential hazards. Its role in preventing accidents and enhancing road safety is indispensable.
#2. Ignition System
The ignition system is the starting point for your car’s engine. Typically located on the steering column or dashboard, it’s where you insert your key or press a start button to bring your vehicle to life.
When you turn the ignition key or press the start button, the ignition switch is engaged. This action initiates the flow of electrical power to the ignition system, which in turn energizes the engine and allows the vehicle to begin moving. The ignition system is the gateway to starting your journey.
#3. Pedals: Accelerator, Brake, and Clutch
Looking down in the driver’s footwell, you’ll typically find two or three pedals. In automatic transmission vehicles, you’ll see two:
- Accelerator Pedal (Gas Pedal): The narrow pedal on the right, often called the gas pedal, controls the engine’s fuel supply. Pressing it increases the engine’s power, directly influencing the vehicle’s speed.
- Brake Pedal: The wider pedal to the left of the accelerator is the brake pedal. Applying pressure to this pedal activates the braking system, slowing the vehicle and bringing it to a complete stop when necessary.
Manual transmission vehicles include a third pedal:
- Clutch Pedal: Located to the far left, the clutch pedal is unique to manual cars. It’s essential for changing gears, allowing the driver to disengage the engine from the transmission temporarily to shift smoothly.
In a manual car, the pedal arrangement from left to right is clutch, brake, and accelerator. Mastering the coordination of these three pedals is fundamental to driving a manual transmission vehicle effectively.
#4. Gear Shifter/Selector
The gear shifter, or gear selector, is the control used to change gears in a vehicle. Its form and function vary depending on the type of transmission:
- Gear Shifter (Manual Transmission): In cars with a manual transmission, the gear shifter is a lever, typically located between the driver and front passenger seats. It allows the driver to manually select different gears, and it usually features a knob on top indicating the gear shift pattern. Shifting gears in a manual car requires coordinated use of the clutch pedal.
- Gear Selector (Automatic Transmission): For automatic transmission vehicles, the control is usually referred to as a gear selector. It might be a lever or buttons and is often colloquially known as the “PRNDL,” referencing the common sequence of driving modes: Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Low.
In manual transmissions, gear shifting is a more involved process. Depressing the clutch pedal disengages the engine from the transmission. As the driver moves the gear shifter, a shift fork engages with the synchronizer sleeve. This mechanism, through friction and engagement of gear teeth, allows for a smooth transition between gears, effectively altering the vehicle’s speed and power output.
#5. Dashboard: The Command Center
The car dashboard is a prominent interior component located at the front of the car. It serves as the central interface for displaying crucial vehicle information and often acts as a visual division between the front of the car and the driver’s area.
Dashboard designs are highly varied, reflecting different car brands and feature levels. More sophisticated dashboards often incorporate advanced technology and integrated features. The dashboard typically houses several key instrument panels, including:
- Fuel Gauge: Indicates the amount of fuel remaining in the tank, allowing drivers to monitor fuel levels and plan for refueling stops.
- Speedometer: Displays the vehicle’s current speed, usually via a needle on a dial or a digital readout. This is essential for maintaining safe and legal driving speeds.
- Tachometer: Measures the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM), providing insight into engine performance and helping drivers of manual transmission vehicles to shift gears at optimal engine speeds.
- Temperature Gauge: Shows the engine’s operating temperature, warning the driver if the engine is overheating, which could signal a problem requiring attention, such as low coolant levels.
Beyond these gauges, the dashboard also incorporates a variety of warning lights and indicator lights. These lights illuminate to alert the driver to potential issues or malfunctions within the vehicle’s systems, prompting timely action and preventative maintenance.
#6. Emergency Flashers (Hazard Lights)
Emergency flashers, also known as hazard lights, are activated by a dedicated button or switch, usually marked with a red triangle.
When engaged, they cause all four turn signal lights to flash simultaneously. This serves as a universal warning signal to other drivers, indicating an emergency situation, vehicle breakdown, or that the car is parked in a potentially hazardous location, such as on the side of the road. Hazard lights are a crucial safety feature for increasing visibility and alerting others to potential dangers.
#7. Car Seat Belts: A Primary Safety Feature
Car seat belts are fundamental safety devices designed to significantly reduce the risk of death and serious injury in vehicle collisions. Their effectiveness relies on proper and consistent use.
Seat belts work by restraining occupants, preventing them from being ejected from the vehicle during a crash. Ejection is extremely dangerous, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries from impact with the road or being trapped under the vehicle.
Furthermore, in a collision, unrestrained occupants become a hazard to everyone inside the car. In a sudden stop or crash, anything not secured, including people, will be thrown forward with considerable force. Unbelted passengers can collide with other occupants, causing serious injuries or even fatalities. Wearing a seat belt is not just about personal safety; it’s about protecting everyone in the vehicle.
#8. Airbags: Supplemental Restraint System
Airbags are inflatable safety cushions that deploy rapidly in a collision to protect vehicle occupants. They are designed to supplement seat belts, providing an additional layer of protection by cushioning impacts and preventing occupants from striking the vehicle’s interior or external objects during a crash.
The airbag system is triggered by sensors that detect the sudden deceleration of a collision. If the impact exceeds a certain threshold, these sensors signal inflators to rapidly fill the airbags with gas. This entire process occurs in milliseconds, deploying the airbags in the crucial moments of a crash to maximize protection.
Airbags are generally maintenance-free unless they are deployed in an accident. Once deployed, they must be replaced by a qualified repair shop. It’s essential to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts to guarantee the integrity and effectiveness of the airbag system. Counterfeit airbags pose a significant safety risk, as they may fail to deploy correctly or even expel dangerous shrapnel upon deployment.
#9. Rearview Mirrors: Enhancing Driver Visibility
Rearview mirrors are adjustable reflective devices that provide drivers with a view of the area behind the vehicle, crucial for safe driving. They allow drivers to monitor traffic, obstacles, and other vehicles approaching from the rear.
Regulations in many countries, such as the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, mandate that passenger cars be equipped with at least three rearview mirrors: an interior rearview mirror, a driver’s side exterior mirror, and a passenger’s side exterior mirror. These regulations also specify the required size and reflective properties of each mirror type.
- Interior Rearview Mirror: Mounted centrally on the dashboard or windshield, this mirror is a unit magnification mirror. This means it’s a flat mirror that reflects objects at their actual size and distance, providing a realistic view of what’s directly behind the car.
#10. Emergency Brake (Parking Brake): Secondary Braking System
The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, is an independent braking system that operates separately from the primary hydraulic brakes used for regular stopping. This redundancy is intentional, ensuring a backup braking system is available should the primary brakes fail.
While the primary brakes are designed for slowing and stopping the vehicle during normal driving, the emergency brake is primarily intended to hold the vehicle stationary when parked, especially on inclines.
However, in the event of primary brake failure, the emergency brake can be used to slow and stop the car. It’s crucial to apply it gradually and cautiously in such situations.
The emergency brake should be engaged every time you park, regardless of the terrain, transmission type (automatic or manual), or weather conditions. It provides an essential safety measure to prevent unintended vehicle movement. In emergencies, it can serve as a vital backup to bring the vehicle to a stop.
#11. Turn Signal Lever: Indicating Directional Changes
The turn signal lever, often called the indicator stalk, is a control located on the steering column. It’s used to activate the turn signals or indicators, which are essential for communicating intended direction changes to other road users.
By moving the lever up or down, the driver can signal a left or right turn, respectively. The turn signal lever is a critical component of vehicle safety systems, facilitating clear communication on the road and preventing accidents by signaling intentions to turn or change lanes.
#12. Center Console: Storage and Control Hub
The center console is the area situated between the driver’s and front passenger seats. It’s typically not present in vehicles with front bench seats. In most modern cars, the center console is positioned behind the gear shifter/selector.
The center console area generally aligns with the car’s floorplan where the transmission tunnel runs. However, the term “center console” can also extend to the central part of the dashboard in some vehicle designs.
A center console often incorporates a variety of features:
- Storage Compartment: Provides enclosed storage space for personal items.
- Electronic Gadgetry and Vehicle Controls: May include controls for audio, climate control, and vehicle information displays.
- Cupholders: Integrated holders for beverages.
- Power Outlets: Cigarette lighter or auxiliary power points for charging devices.
- Display Screen: In some cases, the central dashboard section of the console may house a display screen for infotainment or vehicle settings.
The center console serves as a functional and convenient hub, integrating storage, controls, and technology within the vehicle’s interior.
#13. Glove Compartment: Convenient Storage
The glove compartment, sometimes called a glove box, is an enclosed storage compartment typically located in the dashboard on the passenger side, above the footwell.
Despite its name, it’s not primarily intended for gloves anymore. Instead, it serves as a convenient storage space for various small items. Common items stored in the glove compartment include:
- Vehicle owner’s manuals
- Insurance documents
- Maps
- Flashlight
- Napkins
- Tire pressure gauge
The glove compartment offers readily accessible, out-of-sight storage for essential documents and small personal items within the car’s interior.
#14. Power Window and Door Lock Controls
Power windows and door locks are electrically operated systems that enhance convenience and security in modern vehicles.
- Power Windows (Electric Windows): These windows can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button or switch, replacing manual crank handles. Controls are usually located on the door panels for each window and often on the driver’s door for centralized control.
- Power Door Locks: Allow the driver or front passenger to lock or unlock all vehicle doors simultaneously by pressing a button or flipping a switch. This feature enhances security and convenience, particularly when entering or exiting the vehicle.
#15. Interior Door Handle: Opening the Door from Inside
The interior door handle is the mechanism used to unlatch the door from inside the vehicle, allowing occupants to open and exit. Most modern interior door handles are made of plastic.
The linkage connecting both the interior and exterior door handles to the door latch is located inside the door, concealed beneath the door panel. Pulling the interior door handle disengages this linkage and releases the door latch, enabling the door to be opened.
#16. Audio System: Entertainment on the Go
A car audio system encompasses all the components involved in playing sound within the vehicle. This includes:
- Speakers: To produce sound.
- Amplifiers: To boost the audio signal’s power.
- Source Unit (Head Unit): The central control unit, typically a radio, CD player, or digital media player, that provides the audio source and system control.
Car audio systems are designed to provide entertainment and information through music, radio broadcasts, podcasts, and other audio sources, enhancing the driving experience.
#17. Central Control Screen (Infotainment System): Information and Entertainment Hub
The car central control screen, also known as the infotainment system or multimedia display, is a prominent feature in contemporary vehicles. It acts as a central hub for a wide array of functions and information, integrating entertainment and vehicle controls.
“Infotainment” is a portmanteau of “information” and “entertainment,” accurately describing the system’s dual purpose. Modern infotainment systems are essentially in-built car computers that combine features ranging from digital radios and navigation systems to smartphone integration and vehicle settings.
These systems are also known as IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) systems. They integrate various vehicle systems to deliver entertainment and information to both the driver and passengers through audio and video interfaces. Control is typically managed through touchscreen displays, physical button panels, voice commands, and steering wheel controls.
#18. Sun Visors: Shielding from Glare
Sun visors are located on the interior roof, just above the windshield. They are hinged flaps that can be adjusted downwards and sideways to block sunlight and reduce glare, improving visibility for both the driver and front passenger, especially during sunrise and sunset or in bright conditions.
#19. Car Seats: Comfort and Support
Car seats provide support, comfort, and safety for vehicle occupants. They are typically constructed with:
- Strong Frame: Made of metal or high-strength materials to provide structural integrity and withstand forces in a collision.
- Padding: Designed to offer cushioning and absorb shocks, enhancing comfort during rides.
Many car seats offer adjustable features to personalize comfort:
- Seat Height Adjustment: Allows raising or lowering the seat.
- Seat Back Angle Adjustment: Adjusts the recline of the seat back.
- Lumbar Support Adjustment: Provides support for the lower back.
Regular car seat maintenance helps preserve their condition and comfort. This includes:
- Vacuuming: Regularly removing dirt and dust.
- Conditioning (for Leather or Fabric): Applying leather or fabric conditioner to maintain softness and prevent cracking or fading.
Car seat covers are a popular accessory for protecting seats and enhancing comfort. They are easy to install and remove, often made of materials that are easier to clean than the original seat upholstery, offering a practical way to maintain seat condition and personalize interior style.
#20. Floor Mats: Protecting the Interior Flooring
Floor mats are essential for maintaining the cleanliness and protecting the interior flooring of a car. Their primary function is to trap dirt, mud, water, and debris, preventing them from soiling the vehicle’s carpet.
Most car floor mats are designed to be easily removable for cleaning, making it simple to maintain a tidy interior. Some mats incorporate fixation points to secure them in place and prevent slippage.
While generally considered essential, floor mats might be deemed unnecessary in vehicles with permanent rubberized flooring, such as commercial vehicles (trucks, vans) and some off-road or agricultural vehicles, where the flooring itself is designed for durability and easy cleaning.
#21. Roof and Headliner: Structure, Insulation, and Aesthetics
Automotive roofs and headliners are integral components of a car’s interior, serving structural, insulation, and aesthetic purposes.
- Roof: The car roof provides crucial structural rigidity to the vehicle body. It contributes to overall vehicle strength, helps distribute forces in accidents, especially rollovers, and protects occupants. It also acts as a barrier against weather elements, keeping the interior dry and comfortable.
- Headliner: The headliner is the interior fabric or material that lines the car’s roof. It provides thermal and sound insulation, helping to regulate cabin temperature by reducing heat transfer from the roof and minimizing external noise intrusion into the cabin. The headliner also often conceals wiring and hardware for interior lights and other roof-mounted accessories, contributing to a cleaner interior aesthetic.
Together, the car roof and headliner create a functional, comfortable, and visually appealing cabin environment for vehicle occupants.
FAQs About Car Interior Parts
What are the main interior parts of a car called?
The main interior parts of a car include:
- Steering Wheel and Car Horn
- Ignition System
- Pedals (Accelerator, Brake, Clutch)
- Gear Shifter/Selector
- Dashboard
- Emergency Flashers (Hazard Lights)
- Seat Belts
- Airbags
- Rearview Mirrors
- Emergency Brake (Parking Brake)
- Turn Signal Lever
- Center Console
- Glove Compartment
- Power Window and Door Lock Controls
- Interior Door Handle
- Audio System
- Central Control Screen (Infotainment System)
- Sun Visors
- Car Seats
- Floor Mats
- Roof and Headliner
What is an interior panel in a car?
Interior car panels are more than just decorative coverings for the inside of the doors. They serve important functions, such as protecting the window mechanism when the window is lowered and concealing electrical wiring and motors for windows and door locks. They also contribute to the interior aesthetics and sound insulation.
What is the top inside of a car called?
The top inside of a car is called the headliner. It’s a material that covers the ceiling of the vehicle, providing insulation against heat and noise. It also serves to hide the car’s structural roof, wiring, and hardware for components like dome lights and antennas, creating a finished interior appearance.
What is a dashboard in a car?
The car dashboard is a crucial part of the car’s interior, positioned at the front of the cabin. It houses various instrument panels that display essential information about the vehicle’s operation and acts as a partition between the front of the car and the driver and passenger area.
What is considered the interior of a car?
The interior of a car encompasses all the parts within the vehicle’s cabin, designed for occupant comfort, control, and safety. Many modern car interior parts are made with polymers, including lightweight seats, instrument panels, durable upholstery, sound control fabrics, headliners, dashboards, and door panels, chosen for their versatility, durability, and weight-saving properties.
What are the different types of car interiors?
Car interiors can be categorized by the materials used for upholstery, with common types including:
- Nylon Upholstery: A common and durable fabric option.
- Polyester Upholstery: Another popular fabric choice, known for its resilience and stain resistance.
- Vinyl Upholstery: A non-fabric option, durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, often found in base models or for practical applications.
- Leather Upholstery: Considered a premium interior option, offering luxury, durability, and a distinctive feel.
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