Just as the exterior of your car makes the first impression, the interior is where you, the driver, and your passengers truly experience your vehicle. In our previous article, we explored the parts of a car that make up its outer shell. Now, let’s delve inside and familiarize ourselves with the names and functions of the crucial parts of car interior.
Understanding these components isn’t just about automotive knowledge; it’s practical. Whether you’re considering buying a new car, planning interior upgrades, or simply want to communicate effectively with your mechanic, knowing the Name Of Parts Of Car Interior is essential for a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
Many of these interior elements are ripe for personalization. From upgrading to custom LED light options to installing practical seat covers, modernizing your gauges, or adding tech gadgets, the possibilities for enhancing your car’s interior are vast and can significantly improve your driving pleasure and vehicle functionality.
Essential Car Interior Parts: Names and Functions
Here’s a comprehensive list of the primary interior parts you’ll find in most cars:
- Steering Wheel and Horn
- Ignition System
- Pedals (Accelerator, Brake, Clutch)
- Gear Shifter or Selector
- Dashboard (Instrument Panel)
- Hazard Lights Button
- Seat Belts
- Airbags
- Rearview Mirrors (Interior)
- Parking Brake (Emergency Brake)
- Turn Signal Lever (Indicator Stalk)
- Center Console
- Glove Compartment
- 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
Car Interior Parts Diagram
Diagram of car interior parts with labels
Exploring Car Interior Parts in Detail
Let’s break down each of these car interior parts names, exploring their function and significance within your vehicle.
#1. Steering Wheel and Car Horn
The steering wheel is the primary control for directing your vehicle. It translates the driver’s rotational input into the swiveling motion of the front wheels, guiding the car’s path. This intricate system involves a series of mechanical linkages and, in modern cars, often hydraulic or electric power assistance to make steering easier.
Beyond basic steering, modern steering wheels are often multifunctional hubs. Integrated controls for cruise control, audio volume and source selection, phone connectivity, and even heated rims are common features, placing essential vehicle functions at your fingertips.
Personalizing your steering wheel is a popular interior modification. Upgrading to a new steering wheel cover—whether for aesthetic appeal or improved grip with materials like leather or suede—can significantly enhance the tactile feel and overall driving experience.
The horn, integrated into the steering wheel, is a critical safety device. It allows drivers to audibly alert other road users to their presence, warn of potential hazards, or communicate in various driving situations, contributing significantly to road safety.
#2. Ignition System
The ignition system is the gateway to starting your car’s engine. Typically located on the steering column or dashboard, it’s where you insert and turn your key or press a start/stop button.
Activating the ignition switch initiates a sequence of events that brings the engine to life. It powers up the electrical system, engages the starter motor to crank the engine, and activates the fuel and ignition systems necessary for combustion and vehicle movement. Modern cars often use keyless ignition systems for added convenience and security.
#3. Pedals: Accelerator, Brake, and Clutch
Located in the driver’s footwell, the pedals are fundamental controls for managing the car’s speed and stopping power.
The accelerator pedal, usually the rightmost pedal, controls the fuel supply to the engine. Pressing it increases engine power, making the car speed up. It’s often referred to as the “gas pedal.”
The brake pedal, typically larger and positioned to the left of the accelerator, activates the braking system. Depressing the brake pedal applies friction to the wheels, slowing the vehicle down or bringing it to a complete stop.
In vehicles with a manual gearbox, a third pedal, the clutch, is present on the far left. The clutch pedal is essential for manually changing gears. Depressing the clutch disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to smoothly shift gears without damaging the drivetrain. Automatic cars do not have a clutch pedal, as gear changes are managed automatically by the transmission system.
For manual transmission vehicles, the pedal layout from left to right is typically: clutch, brake, and accelerator. In automatic vehicles, only the brake and accelerator pedals are present.
#4. Gear Shifter or Gear Selector
The gear shifter (in manual transmissions) or gear selector (in automatic transmission vehicles) is the control used to change gears. It’s usually located between the driver and front passenger seats.
In manual cars, the gear shifter is a stick that allows the driver to manually select different gears, each providing a different ratio of engine speed to wheel speed. The shift knob typically displays a pattern indicating the position of each gear.
For automatic transmissions, the gear selector, sometimes referred to as the “PRNDL” (for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low), allows the driver to select driving modes. These modes typically include Park (P) to lock the transmission when parked, Reverse (R) for backing up, Neutral (N) to disengage the transmission, Drive (D) for normal forward driving, and sometimes lower gear ranges (L or numbers) for situations requiring more engine power at lower speeds, such as towing or steep inclines.
Manual transmission gear shifting involves a coordinated action of pressing the clutch pedal and moving the gear shifter. This action disengages the engine, allows for gear selection, and then re-engages the engine in the new gear. The internal mechanism involves synchronizers and sleeves within the transmission that ensure smooth gear engagement.
#5. Dashboard (Instrument Panel)
The car dashboard, also known as the instrument panel, is a prominent feature located at the front of the car’s interior. It serves as a central information hub for the driver, housing various gauges, indicators, and controls. It also structurally separates the front of the car from the driver and passenger area.
Dashboard designs are diverse, varying significantly by vehicle brand and model, reflecting different levels of sophistication and feature integration. A typical dashboard incorporates several key instrument clusters:
- 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 legal and safe driving speeds. Speedometers can be analog with a needle or digital readouts.
- Tachometer: Shows the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM). This gauge is particularly useful in manual transmission vehicles for optimal gear shifting and for monitoring engine performance and stress.
- Temperature Gauge: Displays the engine coolant temperature. It warns drivers of potential engine overheating, which can indicate mechanical issues or low coolant levels.
In addition to these gauges, the dashboard also houses a variety of warning lights and indicator lights. These lights illuminate to alert the driver to potential problems, malfunctions, or the activation of vehicle systems like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), or low tire pressure. Understanding these dashboard signals is crucial for vehicle maintenance and safety.
#6. Hazard Lights Button (Emergency Flashers)
The hazard lights button, when pressed, activates the emergency flashers. This system causes all four turn signal lights to blink simultaneously.
Hazard lights are used to warn other drivers of emergency situations. This could include a breakdown, a roadside stop in a potentially hazardous location, or to alert drivers behind you to unexpected traffic slowdowns or hazards ahead. They are a vital safety feature for increasing visibility and warning others in potentially dangerous situations.
#7. Car Seat Belts
Seat belts are fundamental safety restraints designed to significantly reduce the risk of death and serious injury in vehicle collisions. Their effectiveness relies on proper use and consistent wearing by all occupants.
Seat belts work by securing occupants to their seats, preventing them from being ejected from the vehicle during a crash. Ejection is a major factor in severe injuries and fatalities in accidents. Seat belts also prevent occupants from colliding with the interior of the vehicle or other passengers.
Unrestrained occupants become projectiles in a crash, posing a serious threat to themselves and other passengers. In a collision, anything not secured, including people, will continue to move forward at the vehicle’s original speed until stopped by an external force. Seat belts provide that crucial restraining force.
#8. Airbags
Airbags are supplemental inflatable restraints designed to work in conjunction with seat belts to protect vehicle occupants during collisions. They provide a cushioning effect, reducing the severity of impacts.
Sensors throughout the vehicle detect the sudden deceleration of a crash. If the impact exceeds a certain threshold, these sensors trigger the airbag system. An inflator rapidly fills the airbags with gas in milliseconds, deploying them before the occupant’s body can strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.
Airbags are designed for single-use deployment and typically require replacement after activation. Replacement should be performed by qualified technicians using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure proper functionality and safety. Counterfeit airbags can be dangerous, potentially failing to deploy or even deploying explosively and causing injury.
#9. Rearview Mirrors (Interior)
A rearview mirror is an adjustable mirror positioned inside the car, providing the driver with a view of the road and traffic behind the vehicle.
Regulations in many countries mandate the presence and specifications of rearview mirrors. In the U.S., federal regulations require passenger cars to have an interior rearview mirror, a driver’s side exterior mirror, and a passenger’s side exterior mirror.
The interior rearview mirror is typically mounted centrally on the windshield or dashboard. It is a unit magnification mirror, meaning it’s a flat mirror that reflects objects at their actual size relative to distance. This provides a realistic perspective of the traffic behind the vehicle.
#10. Parking Brake (Emergency Brake)
The parking brake, also known as the emergency brake, is a secondary braking system that operates independently of the primary hydraulic brakes. This redundancy is designed to provide a backup braking system in case of primary brake failure.
While the primary brakes are designed for slowing and stopping the car during normal driving using a hydraulic system, the parking brake is primarily designed to hold the vehicle stationary when parked. It typically works mechanically, often using cables to apply braking force to the rear wheels.
Despite its name “emergency brake,” it’s also intended for routine parking use, not just emergencies. Engaging the parking brake every time you park, regardless of the terrain or vehicle type (automatic or manual), is a good safety practice.
In the event of primary brake failure, the parking brake can be used to slow and stop the vehicle. However, it should be applied cautiously and gradually, as it typically provides less stopping power than the primary brakes and can potentially cause wheel lockup, especially at higher speeds.
#11. Turn Signal Lever (Indicator Stalk)
The turn signal lever, also known as the indicator stalk or car signal lever, is a control stalk typically located on the left side of the steering column. It’s used to activate the turn signals, also known as indicators or blinkers.
Moving the lever up or down activates the right or left turn signals respectively. These lights signal the driver’s intention to turn or change lanes, crucial for communicating with other road users and ensuring safe lane changes and turns. The turn signal lever is an essential component of a vehicle’s safety system, facilitating clear communication and preventing accidents.
#12. Center Console
The center console is a storage and control unit located between the driver’s and front passenger seats. It’s a common feature in modern cars, positioned behind the gear shifter/selector. Center consoles are typically not found in vehicles with front bench seats.
The center console area often corresponds to the location of the transmission tunnel in the car’s floorplan, but the term can also encompass the central portion of the dashboard.
Modern center consoles are multifunctional. Beyond storage compartments, they can house:
- Cupholders
- A cigarette lighter or auxiliary power outlet (12V socket)
- Audio system controls
- Climate control and air conditioning system controls
- Infotainment system display screens and controls
Essentially, the center console serves as a central command and storage hub within the car’s interior.
#13. Glove Compartment
The glove compartment, sometimes called a glove box, is an enclosed storage space usually integrated into the dashboard on the passenger side, above the footwell.
Despite its historical name suggesting storage for gloves, it serves as general storage for various items. Common items stored in the glove compartment include:
- Owner’s manuals
- Vehicle registration and insurance documents
- Maps (though less common with GPS navigation)
- A flashlight
- Napkins or tissues
- Tire pressure gauge
The glove compartment provides convenient, out-of-sight storage for essential vehicle documents and small personal items.
#14. Power Window and Door Lock Controls
Power windows and power door locks are electrically operated systems that control the vehicle’s windows and door locking mechanisms.
Power windows replace manual window cranks with buttons or switches, allowing occupants to raise and lower windows with ease. Controls are typically located on the door panels for each window and often a master control panel for the driver to operate all windows.
Power door locks allow the driver or front passenger to simultaneously lock or unlock all vehicle doors at once using a button or switch, often located on the door panel. This feature enhances convenience and security. Modern systems often include remote key fobs for keyless entry and remote locking/unlocking.
#15. Interior Door Handles
The interior door handle is the mechanism used to open the car door from the inside. Pulling the handle disengages the door latch, allowing the door to be pushed open.
Most modern interior door handles are made of plastic for cost, weight, and design flexibility. The linkage connecting both interior and exterior door handles to the door latch is located inside the door panel.
#16. Audio System
A car audio system is the vehicle’s sound system, comprising components like speakers, amplifiers, and a source unit (e.g., radio, CD player, digital media player). It’s designed to play music and other audio content within the car.
Modern car audio systems can be highly sophisticated, integrating with infotainment systems and offering features like:
- AM/FM radio
- CD/DVD playback
- Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio and hands-free calls
- USB and auxiliary inputs for external devices
- Satellite radio
- High-fidelity sound with multiple speakers and subwoofers
#17. Central Control Screen (Infotainment System)
The central control screen, also known as the infotainment system or multimedia display, is a prominent feature in modern car interiors. It acts as a central interface for various vehicle functions, information, and entertainment.
“Infotainment” is a combination of “information” and “entertainment,” reflecting the system’s dual purpose. These systems are essentially in-car computers that integrate a wide array of functions:
- Navigation systems
- Audio and media playback
- Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
- Vehicle settings and controls
- Climate control displays
- Backup camera displays
- Advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) displays
Infotainment systems are controlled through touchscreens, buttons, voice commands, and steering wheel controls, aiming to provide a user-friendly and integrated experience.
#18. Sun Visors
Sun visors are hinged flaps located above the windshield on the interior roof of the car. They are designed to be adjustable, flipping down to block glare from the sun, enhancing driver and passenger visibility and comfort in bright conditions.
#19. Car Seats
Car seats are designed for occupant support, comfort, and safety. They are constructed with a strong frame, typically made of metal or high-strength materials, and padded with cushioning materials to provide comfort and absorb impacts.
Modern car seats often include adjustable features to personalize comfort:
- Seat height adjustment
- Seatback angle adjustment
- Lumbar support adjustment
- Headrest adjustment
Regular seat maintenance includes vacuuming to remove dirt and dust. Leather or fabric conditioners can be used to maintain upholstery, preventing cracking or fading. Car seat covers are a popular accessory for protecting seats from wear and tear, spills, and stains, and for easy cleaning and customization.
#20. Floor Mats
Floor mats are essential for protecting the car’s interior carpeting and maintaining cleanliness. They are designed to be easily removable for cleaning, trapping dirt, mud, water, and debris that would otherwise soil the vehicle’s floor.
Some floor mats use fixation points or clips to secure them in place, preventing them from sliding around underfoot. In vehicles with permanently installed rubber flooring, such as commercial vehicles or some off-road vehicles, removable floor mats may be considered less necessary.
#21. Roof and Headliner
The car roof and headliner form the upper enclosure of the vehicle interior. They provide structural support, insulation, and contribute to the interior aesthetics.
The car roof provides structural rigidity to the vehicle body, contributing to rollover safety and overall vehicle stiffness. It also provides weather protection, keeping the interior dry and shielded from the elements.
The headliner is the interior fabric or material that covers the underside of the roof. It serves multiple functions:
- Sound absorption: Reducing road noise and improving cabin acoustics.
- Insulation: Providing thermal insulation, helping to regulate cabin temperature.
- Aesthetics: Concealing the vehicle’s roof structure and wiring, contributing to a finished interior appearance.
Together, the roof and headliner create a functional, comfortable, and visually complete cabin environment for vehicle occupants.
FAQs about Car Interior Parts
What are common names for interior car parts?
The most common names of parts of car interior include:
- Steering Wheel and Horn
- Ignition
- Pedals
- Gear Shifter
- Dashboard
- Hazard Lights
- Seat Belts
- Airbags
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 lowered and concealing electrical wiring and motors for power windows and door locks.
What is the top inside of a car called?
The top inside of a car is called the headliner. It’s a material that lines 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?
A dashboard, or instrument panel, is located at the front of the car interior. It houses essential gauges and indicator lights, providing critical information to the driver and acting as a partition between the front of the car and the cabin.
What materials are used for car interiors?
Modern car interiors utilize a wide range of materials, with polymers being prevalent. These include lightweight seats, instrument panels, durable upholstery fabrics like nylon and polyester, vinyl, premium leather, sound-dampening fabrics, and materials for headliners, dashboards, and door panels.
What are the different types of car interiors?
Car interiors are often categorized by their upholstery material:
- Nylon Upholstery: A common and durable fabric choice.
- Polyester Upholstery: Another popular and versatile fabric option.
- Vinyl Upholstery: A non-fabric, durable, and easy-to-clean material.
- Leather Upholstery: Considered a premium option, offering luxury and durability.
