Just as the exterior of a car boasts a variety of components crucial for its performance and aesthetics, the interior is equally complex and vital for the comfort, safety, and functionality of your driving experience. In our previous exploration, we delved into the parts of a car that make up its outer shell. Now, we turn our attention inward to uncover the names and roles of the essential inside the car parts.
Understanding the car parts names inside the vehicle is more than just automotive trivia. It empowers you as a car owner to make informed decisions when purchasing a new car, upgrading existing features, or troubleshooting issues. Knowing the function of each component contributes to a safer and more enjoyable time behind the wheel.
Many interior car parts are ripe for customization and upgrades. From enhancing the ambiance with LED light options to improving comfort with tactical seat covers, installing modern gauges for better vehicle monitoring, or adding gadgets for entertainment and convenience, personalizing your car’s interior is a popular way to enhance your driving experience.
Essential Car Interior Parts: Names and Functions
Here’s a detailed list of the primary inside car parts names you’ll find in most vehicles:
- 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 (Indicator Stalk)
- Center Console
- Glove Compartment (Glove Box)
- Power Window and Door Lock Controls
- Interior Door Handles
- Audio System
- Central Control Screen (Infotainment System)
- Sun Visors
- Car Seats
- Floor Mats
- Roof and Headliner
Exploring the Interior Car Parts in Detail
Let’s dive deeper into each of these car parts inside to understand their specific functions and importance:
#1. Steering Wheel and Car Horn
The steering wheel is arguably the most fundamental control part inside the car, directly dictating the vehicle’s direction. It translates the driver’s rotational input into the swiveling motion of the front wheels via a series of mechanical and hydraulic components within the steering system.
Modern steering wheels often integrate various auxiliary controls, including cruise control, audio system management, and even heating elements for added comfort in cold climates.
Customizing your steering wheel with a new cover is a popular interior modification. These covers come in a wide array of materials, from leather to synthetic fabrics, and designs, offering both aesthetic enhancement and improved grip and tactile feel.
The car horn, typically activated by pressing the center of the steering wheel, is a critical safety feature. It allows the driver to audibly signal warnings to other road users, alerting them to potential hazards or the vehicle’s presence.
#2. Ignition System
The ignition system is the starting point for your car’s journey. Located typically on the steering column or dashboard, it’s where you insert your key or press a button to initiate the engine’s operation.
Turning the ignition key or pressing the start button activates the ignition switch, which then supplies electrical power to the engine’s starting system and other essential vehicle functions, bringing the car to life.
#3. Pedals: Accelerator, Brake, and Clutch
Positioned at the driver’s footwell, the pedals are essential car parts inside for controlling the vehicle’s speed and stopping power.
The accelerator pedal, usually the rightmost pedal, controls the throttle, regulating the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and thus dictating the car’s speed. Pressing down on the accelerator increases engine power and speed.
The brake pedal, located to the left of the accelerator, is used to slow down or stop the vehicle. Pressing the brake pedal engages the braking system, applying friction to the wheels to reduce speed.
In vehicles with a manual gearbox, a third pedal, the clutch pedal, is present on the far left. The clutch is essential for manual gear changes, disengaging the engine from the transmission to allow for smooth gear shifting. Automatic cars do not have a clutch pedal.
#4. Gear Shifter/Selector
The gear shifter, or gear selector in automatic vehicles, is located in the center console area. It allows the driver to select different gears for controlling the vehicle’s speed and power output.
In manual transmission cars, the gear shifter is a stick lever with a shift knob indicating the gear pattern. Shifting gears in a manual transmission vehicle requires coordinating the gear shifter with the clutch pedal.
For automatic transmission vehicles, the gear selector is often referred to as the “PRNDL,” representing Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Low gears (though the specific letters may vary). Automatic transmissions shift gears automatically based on speed and engine load.
#5. Dashboard: The Command Center
The dashboard is a prominent car part inside located at the front of the interior. It serves as the central information hub for the driver, housing various gauges, indicators, and controls. It also acts as a visual and structural separation between the front of the car and the cabin.
Dashboard designs vary greatly across car models and brands, reflecting different levels of sophistication and features. A typical dashboard incorporates several key instrument panels:
- Fuel Gauge: Displays the amount of fuel remaining in the tank, allowing drivers to monitor fuel levels and plan refueling stops.
- Speedometer: Indicates the vehicle’s current speed, essential for maintaining safe and legal driving speeds. It can be analog (with a needle) or digital.
- Tachometer: Measures engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM). It helps drivers monitor engine performance and is particularly useful in manual transmission vehicles for knowing when to shift gears.
- Temperature Gauge: Displays the engine’s operating temperature, alerting the driver to potential overheating issues that could indicate coolant problems or other engine malfunctions.
Furthermore, the dashboard is home to various warning lights and indicator lights that illuminate to signal potential problems or malfunctions within the vehicle’s systems, prompting the driver to take necessary action.
#6. Emergency Flashers (Hazard Lights)
Emergency flashers, or hazard lights, are activated by a dedicated button on the dashboard, usually marked with a triangle symbol.
When activated, all four turn signal lights blink simultaneously, warning other drivers of an emergency situation, such as a breakdown, accident, or when the car is parked in a hazardous location.
#7. Car Seat Belts: A Primary Safety Feature
Seat belts are crucial safety restraints, designed to significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality in the event of a collision. When used correctly, they keep occupants securely in their seats, preventing ejection from the vehicle and minimizing impact forces on the body.
Unbelted occupants are at a much higher risk of being ejected from the vehicle during a crash, leading to severe injuries or death. Even if not ejected, unrestrained individuals can become projectiles within the car, causing harm to themselves and other passengers.
#8. Airbags: Supplemental Restraint System
Airbags are inflatable safety cushions that deploy rapidly during a collision to provide additional protection to vehicle occupants. They work in conjunction with seat belts to minimize injuries.
Sensors within the car detect the severity of an impact. If the collision force exceeds a certain threshold, the sensors trigger inflators to rapidly fill the airbags with gas. This happens in milliseconds, creating a cushion between the occupant and the car’s interior or external objects.
Airbags are generally maintenance-free unless deployed in an accident. Deployed airbags must be replaced by a qualified repair shop using genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to ensure proper functionality and safety. Counterfeit airbags pose a serious risk, potentially failing to deploy or even releasing dangerous shrapnel upon deployment.
#9. Rearview Mirrors: Enhancing Visibility
Rearview mirrors are adjustable reflective surfaces that provide the driver with a view of the area behind the vehicle, crucial for safe maneuvering and awareness of surrounding traffic.
Regulations in many countries mandate that passenger cars be equipped with at least three rearview mirrors: an interior rearview mirror and exterior rearview mirrors on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides.
The interior rearview mirror is typically mounted centrally on the dashboard or windshield. It’s a flat, unit magnification mirror, meaning objects viewed in it appear at their actual size and distance.
#10. Emergency Brake (Parking Brake)
The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, is an independent braking system designed to hold the vehicle stationary when parked and to serve as a backup braking system in case the primary brakes fail.
Unlike the primary hydraulic braking system used for regular stopping, the emergency brake is typically cable-operated and mechanically applies the rear brakes.
It’s recommended to engage the emergency brake every time you park, regardless of the terrain or vehicle type. In an emergency situation where the primary brakes malfunction, the emergency brake can be gradually applied to slow down and stop the vehicle.
#11. Turn Signal Lever (Indicator Stalk)
The turn signal lever, or indicator stalk, is located on the steering column. It’s used to activate the turn signals (indicators), signaling the driver’s intention to turn or change lanes to other road users.
Operating the lever up or down activates the right or left turn signals, respectively. This is a fundamental safety feature for communicating driving intentions and preventing accidents.
#12. Center Console: Storage and Controls Hub
The center console is the area between the driver and front passenger seats. In most modern cars, it extends rearward from the dashboard and houses various storage compartments, controls, and features.
Center consoles can include storage bins, cupholders, power outlets (cigarette lighter or auxiliary power), audio controls, climate control systems, and infotainment screens. In essence, it serves as a central hub for convenience and vehicle function controls.
#13. Glove Compartment (Glove Box)
The glove compartment, or glove box, is an enclosed storage space typically integrated into the dashboard on the passenger side, above the footwell.
Despite its name suggesting storage for gloves, it’s used for a variety of items, such as the owner’s manual, vehicle registration and insurance documents, maps, small tools, and personal items.
#14. Power Window and Door Lock Controls
Power windows and door locks are electrically operated systems that allow for convenient control of the vehicle’s windows and door locking mechanisms.
Power window controls, usually buttons located on the door panels or center console, enable raising and lowering the windows with a simple press. Power door locks, controlled by switches on the door panels or remotely via a key fob, allow simultaneous locking and unlocking of all vehicle doors.
#15. Interior Door Handles
Interior door handles are located on the inside door panels and are used to open the car doors from the inside. Pulling the handle disengages the door latch mechanism, allowing the door to be pushed open.
Most modern interior door handles are made of plastic for lightweight and cost-effectiveness. The linkage connecting the interior and exterior door handles to the latch is housed within the door structure, behind the door panel.
#16. Audio System: Entertainment on the Go
The car audio system encompasses all the components responsible for sound reproduction within the vehicle, including speakers, amplifiers, and a source unit (head unit or infotainment system).
Car audio systems allow occupants to listen to music, radio, podcasts, and other audio entertainment while driving, enhancing the driving experience. Modern systems often integrate with smartphones for music streaming and hands-free calling.
#17. Central Control Screen (Infotainment System)
The central control screen, or infotainment system, is a prominent display in the center of the dashboard in modern vehicles. It serves as a central interface for a multitude of functions, integrating information and entertainment features.
Infotainment systems combine “information” and “entertainment,” providing features such as navigation, audio and video playback, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), vehicle settings, climate control displays, and rearview camera displays. They often utilize touchscreens, voice control, and physical buttons for user interaction.
#18. Sun Visors: Blocking Glare
Sun visors are hinged flaps located above the windshield on the interior roof of the car. They are designed to be flipped down to block sunlight glare from the front or side windows, improving driver visibility and comfort during sunny conditions.
#19. Car Seats: Comfort and Support
Car seats are designed to provide comfortable and supportive seating for vehicle occupants. They typically consist of a strong frame, padding, and upholstery.
The frame provides structural support, while the padding offers cushioning and shock absorption. Many car seats feature adjustable components like seat height, backrest angle, and lumbar support to personalize comfort for different occupants.
Maintaining car seats involves regular vacuuming to remove dirt and dust. Leather or fabric conditioners can be applied to upholstery to keep it supple and prevent cracking or fading. Car seat covers are a popular accessory for protecting seats from wear and tear, spills, and stains, while also offering a style upgrade.
#20. Floor Mats: Protecting the Interior Floor
Floor mats are protective coverings placed on the vehicle’s floor to shield the carpet from dirt, mud, water, and wear. They are easily removable for cleaning, making it simpler to maintain a clean interior.
Some floor mats have fixation points to secure them in place. In commercial vehicles and some off-road vehicles with durable rubber flooring, floor mats may be less necessary.
#21. Roof and Headliner: Structure and Interior Finish
The car roof and headliner are integral car parts inside, contributing to structural integrity, insulation, and interior aesthetics.
The roof provides structural rigidity to the vehicle body, enhancing safety in rollovers and collisions. It also protects the interior from weather elements.
The headliner is the fabric or material layer covering the interior roof. It provides thermal and sound insulation, helping to regulate cabin temperature and reduce noise levels. It also conceals wiring and hardware running along the roof. Together, the roof and headliner create a functional, comfortable, and visually finished cabin space.
FAQs About Inside Car Parts
What are the main parts inside a car called?
The primary parts inside a car include: Steering Wheel and Horn, Ignition, Pedals, Gear Shifter, Dashboard, Emergency Flashers, Seat Belts, Airbags, Rearview Mirrors.
What is an interior panel in a car?
Interior car panels are not just decorative coverings for the inside of doors and cabin areas. They serve important functions like protecting the window mechanism when lowered, and concealing and protecting electrical wiring and motors for windows and door locks.
What is the top inside of a car called?
The top inside of a car is called the headliner. This material covers the vehicle’s ceiling, providing insulation against heat and noise, and concealing wiring and hardware for lights, antennas, and other roof-mounted accessories.
What is a dashboard in a car?
The dashboard is a key car part inside, located at the front of the car’s interior. It houses instrument panels, indicator lights, and controls, providing essential information to the driver and acting as a partition between the front of the car and the passenger cabin.
What materials are used for car interiors?
Modern car interiors utilize a variety of materials, with polymers being increasingly common. These include lightweight seats, instrument panels, durable upholstery (nylon, polyester, vinyl, leather), sound control fabrics, headliners, dashboards, and door panels.
What are the different types of car interiors based on upholstery?
Car interiors are often categorized by their upholstery material:
- Nylon Upholstery: A common and durable fabric option.
- Polyester Upholstery: Another popular fabric choice known for its resilience.
- Vinyl Upholstery: A non-fabric, durable, and easy-to-clean option, still widely used.
- Leather Upholstery: Considered a premium interior option, offering luxury and durability.
