The Anatomy Of A Car: Revealing the Full List of Car Parts for the Exterior and Interior!

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The Anatomy Of A Car List of Car Parts

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If we were to go down to every single bolt, washer, O-Ring, and all other major components, the number of parts in an average car would total over 30,000. But since we are all familiar with what holds it all together, we will list down all the major systems and their parts.

The major systems and part clusters of an average passenger vehicle are the engine, transmission and drivetrain, cooling, ignition, fuel system, intake, exhaust, ECU, brakes, suspension, wheels and tires, steering, charging system, lights, chassis, windows, dashboard, interior, and chassis.

The Anatomy Of A Car List of Car Parts

Engine

The internal combustion engine is what made the cars as we know them today. The ICE, which is essentially a spicy air pump,can have as many as one hundred moving parts and can sustain temperatures of up to 4,500F and pressures of 1,000 PSI. So, here are all the parts that make it happen.

  1. Engine
    1.1 Engine Block
    1.2 Cylinder Head(s)
    1.3 Piston(s)
    1.4 Connecting Rod(s)
    1.5 Crankshaft 1.6 Camshaft(s)
    1.7 Valves (Intake and Exhaust)
    1.8 Valve Springs
    1.9 Valve Lifters (Tappets)
    1.10 Pushrods (in pushrod engines)
    1.11 Rocker Arms (in pushrod engines)
    1.12 Timing Belt or Timing Chain (in overhead cam engines)
    1.13 Timing Gears or Sprockets (in overhead cam engines)
    1.14 Timing Tensioner (in overhead cam engines)
    1.15 Timing Guides (in overhead cam engines)
    1.16 Timing Cover
    1.17 Oil Pan
    1.18 Crankcase
    1.19 Piston Rings
    1.20 Piston Pins (Wrist Pins)
    1.21 Engine Bearings (Main Bearings and Rod Bearings)
    1.22 Oil Pump
    1.23 Oil Filter
    1.24 Cylinder Sleeves (if applicable)
    1.25 Engine Gaskets and Seals
    1.26 Timing Belt Cover (in timing belt-driven engines)
    1.27 Timing Chain Cover (in timing chain-driven engines)
    1.28 Harmonic Balancer (Crankshaft Damper)

Transmission and Drivetrain

It’s a little known fact that a human arm can make more torque than a small four-cylinder engine, which isn’t a lot of power. But what the engine has going for it is speed, and that’s where the transmission comes in. The transmission essentially multiplies the engine torque at the cost of speed, and without it, our cars wouldn’t be nearly as usable, fast, and fuel-efficient as they are.

  1. Transmission and Drivetrain
    1.1 Transmission
    1.1.1 Transmission Case
    1.1.2 Transmission Fluid
    1.1.3 Torque Converter
    1.1.4 Transmission Filter
    1.1.5 Transmission Pan
    1.1.6 Shift Solenoids
    1.1.7 Transmission Control Module (TCM)
    1.1.8 Transmission Mount
    1.1.9 Input Shaft
    1.1.10 Output Shaft
    1.1.11 Gear Sets (including gears and synchronizers)
    1.1.12 Clutch Packs or Bands (in automatic transmissions)
    1.1.13 Clutch Discs, Pressure Plate, and Flywheel (in manual transmissions)
    1.2 Driveshaft
    1.3 Differential
    1.3.1 Differential Case
    1.3.2 Ring and Pinion Gear
    1.3.3 Differential Fluid
    1.3.4 Axle Shafts
    1.3.5 CV Joints (in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles)
    1.3.6 Universal Joints (in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles)
    1.4 Transfer Case (in four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles)
    1.4.1 Transfer Case Fluid
    1.4.2 Transfer Case Control Module
    1.4.3 Transfer Case Actuator or Motor
    1.5 Driveshafts or Propeller Shafts (in four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles)
    1.6 Axles
    1.6.1 Front Axle (in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles)
    1.6.2 Rear Axle (in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles)
    1.7 Wheel Hubs and Bearings

Cooling System

We already mentioned that the engine can reach temperatures of up 4,500F, so there has to be a system in place to keep the temperature in check. And cooling system not only keeps the engine from overheating, but also gets it up to operating temperatures much faster. Because let’s remember, a cold engine is almost as bad as an overheating one.

  1. Cooling System
    1.1 Cooling
    1.2 Fluid / Chemical
    1.2.1 Coolant / Antifreeze
    1.2.2 Coolant / Antifreeze Leak Detection Dye
    1.2.3 Coolant Additive
    1.2.4 Cooling System Flush
    1.2.5 Radiator Leak Sealant
    1.3 Radiator
    1.3.1 Radiator Cap
    1.3.2 Radiator Drain Petcock
    1.3.3 Radiator Fan Assembly
    1.3.4 Radiator Fan Blade
    1.3.5 Radiator Flush T
    1.3.6 Radiator Insulator
    1.3.7 Radiator Overflow Tube Repair Kit
    1.3.8 Radiator Seal
    1.4 Sender / Sensor
    1.5 Thermostat
    1.6 Water Pump
    1.7 Cooling Fan
    1.8 Fan Clutch (if applicable)
    1.9 Heater Core
    1.10 Radiator Hoses (upper and lower)
    1.11 Coolant Reservoir
    1.12 Expansion Tank (if equipped)
    1.13 Serpentine Belt
    1.14 Coolant Temperature Sensor
    1.15 Heater Control Valve (if equipped)
    1.16 Engine Oil Cooler (if equipped)
    1.17 Transmission Oil Cooler (if equipped)

Ignition System

The ignition system is what made the gasoline engine possible, and internal combustion engines in general. An ignition system as we know it today is what gave us control over fuel combustion and allowed us to lower the combustion chamber pressures, decrease fuel consumption and increase performance.

  1. Ignition System
    1.1 Ignition Coil
    1.2 Ignition Distributor (in older ignition systems)
    1.3 Ignition Control Module (ICM)
    1.4 Ignition Switch
    1.5 Ignition Key
    1.6 Spark Plugs
    1.7 Spark Plug Wires (Ignition Cables)
    1.8 Ignition Coil Packs (in coil-on-plug systems)
    1.9 Ignition Coil Connectors
    1.10 Ignition Control Unit (ICU) or Ignition Control Module (ICM)
    1.11 Ignition Capacitor (in older ignition systems)
    1.12 Ignition Points (in older ignition systems)
    1.13 Ignition Rotor (in older ignition systems)
    1.14 Ignition Condenser (in older ignition systems)
    1.15 Ignition Ballast Resistor (in older ignition systems)
    1.16 Ignition Timing Sensor (in some electronic ignition systems)
    1.17 Ignition Lock Cylinder
    1.18 Ignition Switch Actuator
    1.19 Ignition Lock Housing
    1.20 Ignition Lock Cylinder Retainer
    1.21 Ignition Lock Cylinder Spring
    1.22 Ignition Lock Cylinder Repair Kit
    1.23 Ignition Lock Cylinder Lockout
    1.24 Ignition Lock Cylinder Housing Bolt
    1.25 Ignition Lock Cylinder Housing Repair Kit
    1.26 Ignition Lock Cylinder Lock Ring
    1.27 Ignition Lock Cylinder Housing Bearing
    1.28 Ignition Lock Cylinder Housing Cover

Fuel System

Delivering just the right amount of fuel to the cylinders at just the right time while taking into consideration all the external circumstances is a science in and of itself. That’s why there are multiple different fuel systems out there and below, you will find components from all of them.

  1. Fuel System
    1.1 Fuel Tank
    1.2 Fuel Pump
    1.3 Fuel Filter
    1.4 Fuel Lines
    1.5 Fuel Injectors
    1.6 Fuel Rail
    1.7 Fuel Pressure Regulator
    1.8 Carburetor (in older carbureted systems)
    1.9 Intake Manifold (in port fuel injection systems)
    1.10 Fuel Pressure Sensor
    1.11 Fuel Level Sensor
    1.12 Fuel Pump Relay
    1.13 Fuel Tank Sending Unit
    1.14 Fuel Injector O-rings
    1.15 Fuel Pump Strainer
    1.16 Fuel Pressure Damper
    1.17 Fuel Vapor Canister
    1.18 Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) System
    1.19 Fuel Cap
    1.20 Fuel System Cleaner
    1.21 Fuel Additives
    1.22 Fuel Pressure Gauge
    1.23 Fuel System Seals and Gaskets

Intake System

The intake is system is pretty straightforward. It’s an airtight set of tubes and hoses through which the engine draws air. Its components are few, but importance and the effects they have on how the engine runs and delivers power are not to be underestimated.

  1. Intake System
    1.1 Air Filter
    1.2 Air Intake Tube
    1.3 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
    1.4 Throttle Body
    1.5 Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
    1.6 Intake Manifold
    1.7 Intake Gasket
    1.8 Intake Runner(s)
    1.9 Intake Plenum
    1.10 Intake Manifold Gasket
    1.11 Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
    1.12 Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve
    1.13 PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Valve
    1.14 Breather Hose
    1.15 Vacuum Lines
    1.16 Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Valve (in vehicles with variable intake manifold technology)
    1.17 Intake Manifold Tuning Valve (in vehicles with variable intake manifold technology)
    1.18 Intake Air Bypass Valve (in vehicles with forced induction or turbocharging)
    1.19 Intake Air Duct
    1.20 Intake Air Resonator (in certain designs)
    1.21 Intake Air Silencer (in certain designs)

Exhaust System

The exhaust system may also seem straightforward but in modern cars the system can have as much as 7 sections and subsections and it’s also the most important system in reducing harmful exhaust emissions. Not to mention lowering the noise pollution, and having a major impact on the performance.

  1. Exhaust System
    1.1 Exhaust Manifold
    1.2 Catalytic Converter
    1.3 Oxygen Sensors (O2 Sensors)
    1.4 Exhaust Pipes
    1.5 Muffler
    1.6 Resonators
    1.7 Exhaust Hangers and Brackets
    1.8 Exhaust Gaskets
    1.9 EGR Valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
    1.10 EGR Cooler (in some systems)
    1.11 EGR Pipe or Tube
    1.12 EGR Control Solenoid or Vacuum Valve
    1.13 EGR Pressure Sensor
    1.14 EGR Temperature Sensor
    1.15 EGR Vacuum Lines
    1.16 Exhaust Heat Shielding
    1.17 Exhaust Clamps and Fasteners
    1.18 Exhaust Tips (decorative or performance enhancements)
    1.19 Exhaust System Mounts or Hangers
    1.20 DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) (in diesel engines)
    1.21 SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) System (in vehicles with DEF – Diesel Exhaust Fluid)
    1.22 AdBlue/DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Tank (in vehicles with SCR system)
    1.23 AdBlue/DEF Injector (in vehicles with SCR system)
    1.24 AdBlue/DEF Pump (in vehicles with SCR system)
    1.25 AdBlue/DEF Level Sensor (in vehicles with SCR system)
    1.26 AdBlue/DEF Heating System (in vehicles with SCR system)
    1.27 AdBlue/DEF Lines and Connectors (in vehicles with SCR system)

ECU and Sensors

The ECU with all its sensors may just be the most complicated system of the entire car. An interesting fact is that the modern vehicle’s ECU has significantly more computing power than Apollo 11 which took us to the moon. The ECU is essentially a computer with that monitors and controls virtually all aspects of what engine is doing making it potentially the most important component as well.

  1. ECU and Sensors
    1.1 Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Engine Control Module (ECM)
    1.2 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
    1.3 Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
    1.4 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
    1.5 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
    1.6 Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
    1.7 Oxygen Sensors (O2 Sensors)
    1.8 Knock Sensor
    1.9 Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
    1.10 Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
    1.11 Fuel Pressure Sensor
    1.12 Oil Pressure Sensor
    1.13 Oil Level Sensor
    1.14 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Position Sensor
    1.15 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor
    1.16 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
    1.17 Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS)
    1.18 Brake Position Sensor
    1.19 Transmission Range Sensor (TRS)
    1.20 Fuel Level Sensor
    1.21 Fuel Composition Sensor
    1.22 Battery Voltage Sensor
    1.23 Steering Angle Sensor
    1.24 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensors
    1.25 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Sensors
    1.26 Stability Control Sensors (Yaw Rate, Lateral G, etc.)
    1.27 Airbag Sensors (Crash Sensors)
    1.28 Parking Assist Sensors
    1.29 Rain Sensor
    1.30 Light Sensors (ambient light, headlight level, etc.)

Braking System

Stopping two tons of metal isn’t a simple task even at low speeds, let alone from 120 mph which is what almost all cars can do nowadays. But given that the brakes are the single most important safety component, it’s developed incredibly over the years and has become powerful, reliable and technologically advanced.

  1. Braking System
    1.1 Brake Pedal
    1.2 Brake Booster
    1.3 Master Cylinder
    1.4 Brake Lines
    1.5 Brake Fluid
    1.6 Brake Calipers
    1.7 Brake Pads
    1.8 Brake Rotors/Discs
    1.9 Brake Shoes (in drum brake systems)
    1.10 Wheel Cylinders (in drum brake systems)
    1.11 Brake Hoses
    1.12 Brake Proportioning Valve
    1.13 ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Module
    1.14 ABS Sensors (Wheel Speed Sensors)
    1.15 ABS Pump/Motor
    1.16 Brake Control Module/Unit
    1.17 Brake Fluid Reservoir
    1.18 Brake Warning Light
    1.19 Brake Pedal Position Sensor
    1.20 Parking Brake Lever/Handle
    1.21 Parking Brake Cables
    1.22 Brake Pad Wear Sensors
    1.23 Brake Drum (in drum brake systems)
    1.24 Brake Drum Hardware Kit (in drum brake systems)
    1.25 Brake Bleeder Screw
    1.26 Brake Dust Shields
    1.27 Brake Line Clips/Clamps
    1.28 Brake Hardware (springs, pins, retainers, etc.)
    1.29 Brake Assembly Lubricant
    1.30 Brake Fluid Pressure Sensor
    1.31 Brake Booster Check Valve

Suspension

Suspension is what makes or breaks a car in the eyes of the buyer because of the scope of it’s effect on how the vehicle behaves, and especially because of its complexity. There are numerous different suspension systems out there some better the others but all with their own advantages.

  1. Suspension
    1.1 Shock Absorbers/Struts
    1.2 Coil Springs
    1.3 Leaf Springs (in some vehicles)
    1.4 Control Arms
    1.5 Ball Joints
    1.6 Sway Bar/Stabilizer Bar
    1.7 Sway Bar Links
    1.8 Bushings (Control Arm, Sway Bar, etc.)
    1.9 Tie Rods
    1.10 Steering Knuckles
    1.11 Strut Mounts
    1.12 Suspension Springs (Air Springs, Torsion Bars, etc.)
    1.13 Suspension Strut Bearings
    1.14 Suspension Strut Bump Stops
    1.15 Suspension Strut Dust Boots
    1.16 Suspension Control Module/Unit (in vehicles with electronic suspension)
    1.17 Suspension Height Sensors (in vehicles with adjustable suspension)
    1.18 Suspension Air Compressor/Pump (in vehicles with air suspension)
    1.19 Suspension Air Lines (in vehicles with air suspension)
    1.20 Suspension Air Bags (in vehicles with air suspension)
    1.21 Suspension Load Leveling Sensors (in vehicles with load-leveling suspension)
    1.22 Suspension Hydraulic Fluid (in vehicles with hydraulic suspension)
    1.23 Suspension Hydraulic Lines and Hoses (in vehicles with hydraulic suspension)
    1.24 Suspension Hydraulic Accumulator (in vehicles with hydraulic suspension)
    1.25 Suspension Electronic Dampers (in vehicles with adaptive suspension)
    1.26 Suspension Electronic Height Control (in vehicles with adjustable suspension)
    1.27 Suspension Linkages and Rods
    1.28 Suspension Control Arms

Steering System

The steering system has remained largely unchanged in past one hundred years. Sure, the rack and pinion steering has had some modifications like the introduction of power steering and electric steering most recently, but the basic working principle is the same.

  1. Steering System
    1.1 Steering Wheel
    1.2 Steering Column
    1.3 Steering Shaft
    1.4 Steering Gearbox (or Rack and Pinion)
    1.5 Power Steering Pump
    1.6 Power Steering Hoses
    1.7 Power Steering Fluid
    1.8 Steering Knuckles
    1.9 Tie Rods
    1.10 Steering Arms
    1.11 Pitman Arm (in vehicles with steering gearbox)
    1.12 Idler Arm (in vehicles with steering gearbox)
    1.13 Center Link (in vehicles with steering gearbox)
    1.14 Steering Dampers (in some vehicles)
    1.15 Steering Coupler (in vehicles with collapsible steering column)
    1.16 Steering U-Joints
    1.17 Steering Boots
    1.18 Steering Wheel Position Sensor (in vehicles with electric power steering)
    1.19 Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for Electric Power Steering
    1.20 Steering Angle Sensor
    1.21 Steering Pump Pulley
    1.22 Steering Reservoir Tank
    1.23 Steering Fluid Cooler (in some vehicles)
    1.24 Steering Shaft Bearing
    1.25 Steering Column Lock
    1.26 Steering Column Switches (turn signal, wiper controls, etc.)
    1.27 Steering Wheel Controls (audio, cruise control, etc.)

Charging System

The charging system is again one of those systems that didn’t see a lot of advancement over the years but no mechanical electric components have. The electric motor is much the same as it was one hundred years ago, and the magnetic/alternating chargers are as well. But that doesn’t make the charging system less important, on the contrary, without a functioning charging system your car won’t go further than five miles.

  1. Charging System
    1.1 Alternator
    1.2 Voltage Regulator
    1.3 Battery
    1.4 Serpentine Belt or Drive Belt
    1.5 Battery Cables
    1.6 Battery Terminals
    1.7 Battery Hold-Down Bracket
    1.8 Fusible Link
    1.9 Starter Motor
    1.10 Starter Solenoid
    1.11 Ignition Switch
    1.12 Alternator Pulley
    1.13 Alternator Mounting Bracket
    1.14 Alternator Belt Tensioner
    1.15 Alternator Wiring Harness
    1.16 Battery Tray
    1.17 Battery Isolator (in some vehicles with dual battery system)
    1.18 Battery Charger (for maintenance and charging)
    1.19 Alternator Cooling Fan
    1.20 Alternator Diode Trio
    1.21 Alternator Rectifier Bridge
    1.22 Battery Temperature Sensor (in some vehicles)
    1.23 Battery Voltage Sensor (in some vehicles)
    1.24 Battery Monitoring System (in some vehicles)
    1.25 Alternator Bearings

Wheels and Tires

Tires are the only contact point between your car and the surface you are driving on making them the second most important safety component right after the braking system. Without good tires the vehicle won’t brake properly, accelerate or corner. And since the wheels dictate what size tires you need they are just as important even though they are pretty crude in general terms.

  1. Wheels and Tires
    1.1 Wheel Rim
    1.2 Tire
    1.3 Valve Stem
    1.4 Wheel Bolts/Lugs
    1.5 Wheel Locks
    1.6 Hubcaps/Wheel Covers (if applicable)
    1.7 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor
    1.8 TPMS Receiver/Control Unit
    1.9 Tire Pressure Valve Caps
    1.10 Wheel Spacers (if applicable)
    1.11 Wheel Studs (if applicable)
    1.12 Tire Repair Kit (sealant and inflator)
    1.13 Spare Tire (if applicable)
    1.14 Spare Tire Jack and Lug Wrench
    1.15 Tire Chocks (for parking)
    1.16 Tire Inflator/Compressor (for emergency use)
    1.17 Wheel Alignment Adjustment Components (adjusting bolts, camber kits, etc.)
    1.18 Wheel Balancing Weights
    1.19 Tire Mounting Equipment (tire machine, tire balancer, etc.)
    1.20 Lug Nut Key (for wheel locks)
    1.21 Tire Tread Depth Gauge
    1.22 Tire Pressure Gauge
    1.23 Tire Changing Tools (tire iron, pry bar, bead breaker, etc.)
    1.24 Wheel Lug Nut/Lug Bolt Covers
    1.25 Tire Sidewall Markings (such as tire size, speed rating, load index, etc.)
    1.26 Wheel Center Caps
    1.27 Tire Puncture Repair Patch/Plug Kit

Lights

There has been an accelerated advancement in automotive lighting technology in the past thirty years. During that time span we have gone from halogen bulbs to xenon, to LED, to Laser to active headlights. The same goes for the rear lights, but one thing hasn’t changed and that’s the number of lights and for the most part their colors.

  1. Lights
    1.1 Headlights
    1.1.1 Headlight Bulbs
    1.1.2 Headlight Housings
    1.1.3 Headlight Bezels
    1.1.4 Headlight Adjusters
    1.1.5 Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
    1.1.6 High Beam/Low Beam Switch
    1.1.7 Headlight Leveling System (in some vehicles)
    1.2 Taillights
    1.2.1 Taillight Bulbs
    1.2.2 Taillight Housings
    1.2.3 Taillight Bezels
    1.3 Brake Lights
    1.3.1 Brake Light Bulbs
    1.3.2 Brake Light Switch
    1.4 Turn Signal Lights
    1.4.1 Turn Signal Bulbs
    1.4.2 Turn Signal Switch
    1.5 Fog Lights
    1.5.1 Fog Light Bulbs
    1.5.2 Fog Light Housings
    1.5.3 Fog Light Bezels
    1.6 Reverse Lights
    1.6.1 Reverse Light Bulbs
    1.7 License Plate Lights
    1.7.1 License Plate Light Bulbs
    1.7.2 License Plate Light Housings
    1.8 Interior Lights
    1.8.1 Dome Lights
    1.8.2 Map Lights
    1.8.3 Courtesy Lights
    1.8.4 Trunk/Cargo Lights
    1.9 Dashboard Lights
    1.9.1 Instrument Cluster Bulbs
    1.9.2 Control Panel Lights
    1.9.3 Warning Indicator Lights
    1.10 Side Marker Lights
    1.10.1 Side Marker Bulbs
    1.11 Auxiliary/Accessory Lights (such as off-road lights, work lights, etc.)
    1.11.1 Auxiliary Light Bulbs
    1.11.2 Auxiliary Light Mounting Brackets
    1.11.3 Auxiliary Light Wiring and Switches
    1.12 Lighting Control Module/Unit (in vehicles with advanced lighting systems)
    1.13 Relay and Fuse Box (for lighting circuits)
    1.14 Lighting Wiring Harnesses and Connectors

Chassis and Exterior Body Panels

The exterior body panels can be made of multiple different materials, have infinite shapes, colors, functions, but the number of them for the most part has remained unchanged and even children learn the body panels first. But the chassis is a different story and there several different types, but the most common one is the unibody design also called monocoque.

  1. Chassis and Exterior Body Panels
    1.1 Frame
    1.2 Subframe (if applicable)
    1.3 Underbody Panels
    1.4 Floor Pan
    1.5 Rocker Panels
    1.6 Pillars (A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, etc.)
    1.7 Roof Panel
    1.8 Doors
    1.8.1 Door Panels
    1.8.2 Door Handles
    1.8.3 Door Locks and Latches
    1.8.4 Door Hinges
    1.9 Hood/Bonnet
    1.10 Trunk Lid/Tailgate
    1.11 Fenders
    1.12 Quarter Panels
    1.13 Bumpers
    1.14 Grille
    1.15 Mirrors (Side Mirrors, Rearview Mirror)
    1.16 Weatherstripping (Seals and Gaskets)
    1.17 Body Mounts
    1.18 Splash Guards/Mud Flaps
    1.19 Skid Plates (if applicable)
    1.20 Chassis Stiffening Bars/Braces (if applicable)
    1.21 Chassis Control Arms (if applicable)
    1.22 Chassis Crossmembers
    1.23 Chassis Wiring Harnesses and Connectors
    1.24 Chassis Mounting Hardware (bolts, nuts, clips, etc.)

HVAC and A/C System

Altough the A/C system wasn’t so common no more than 30 years ago, today its unimaginable to drive a car in summer without a functioning A/C system and people will often delay the entire vacation if that’s the case. Without the HVAC system on the other hand it can be very nearly immposible to drive, especially during colder months, not because you will freeze but because the windows will fog up no more than a minute later. So, here are all the components of a system that improves the driving comfort more than other on this list.

  1. HVAC and A/C System
    1.1 Heater Core
    1.2 Blower Motor
    1.3 Blower Fan
    1.4 HVAC Controls
    1.4.1 HVAC Control Panel
    1.4.2 Temperature Control Knob
    1.4.3 Fan Speed Control Knob
    1.4.4 Mode Control Knob (vent, floor, defrost, etc.)
    1.4.5 A/C Button/Control
    1.4.6 Recirculation Button/Control
    1.4.7 Defrost Button/Control
    1.5 Air Conditioning Compressor
    1.6 A/C Condenser
    1.7 A/C Evaporator
    1.8 A/C Receiver/Dryer
    1.9 A/C Expansion Valve/Orifice Tube
    1.10 A/C Refrigerant Lines
    1.11 Cabin Air Filter
    1.12 HVAC Ducts
    1.13 HVAC Blend Door Actuator
    1.14 HVAC Mode Door Actuator
    1.15 HVAC Temperature Door Actuator
    1.16 HVAC Control Module
    1.17 A/C Pressure Switches/Sensors
    1.18 A/C High-Pressure Hose
    1.19 A/C Low-Pressure Hose
    1.20 A/C Belts and Pulleys (if applicable)
    1.21 A/C Condenser Fan
    1.22 A/C Refrigerant (e.g., R134a)
    1.23 A/C Service Ports
    1.24 A/C Leak Detection Kit
    1.25 A/C Recharge Kit

Dashboard

We often overlook that the dashboard is the single part of the vehicle that we will spend the most time looking at, and interacting with. That’s why its design and functionality is crucial, as well as simplicity and ease of use. And since manufacturers do a pretty good job of that, I don’t think any driver will have much trouble knowing what each of the following components are.

  1. Dashboard
    1.1 Instrument Cluster
    1.1.1 Speedometer
    1.1.2 Tachometer
    1.1.3 Fuel Gauge
    1.1.4 Temperature Gauge
    1.1.5 Odometer
    1.1.6 Trip Meter
    1.1.7 Warning/Indicator Lights
    1.1.8 LCD Display/Infotainment Screen
    1.1.9 Dimmer Control
    1.1.10 Instrument Cluster Bezel/Trim
    1.2. Wiper/Washer Controls
    1.3 Dashboard Panel
    1.3.1 Air Vents
    1.3.2 Audio System/Head Unit
    1.3.3 Climate Control System
    1.3.4 HVAC Controls (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
    1.3.5 Center Console
    1.3.6 Cup Holders
    1.3.7 Storage Compartments
    1.3.8 Glove Compartment
    1.3.9 Dashboard Bezel/Trim
    1.4 Dashboard Controls
    1.4.1 Light Switches (headlights, interior lights, etc.)
    1.4.2 Power Window Controls
    1.4.3 Power Mirror Controls
    1.4.4 Door Lock Controls
    1.4.5 Hazard Light Button
    1.4.6 Parking Brake Lever/Control
    1.4.7 Trunk Release Button
    1.4.8 Fuel Door Release Button
    1.4.9 Hood Release Lever
    1.5 Dashboard Wiring Harnesses and Connectors
    1.6 Dashboard Mounting Hardware (screws, bolts, clips, etc.)

Windows

Car windows are substantially different from those you will find on houses and buildings. The windshield for example is made to hold its shape in the even of breaking so that glass shrapnel doesn’t end up in driver’s face. The side windows on the other hand are tempered making them easier to break, plus they shatter instantly allowing a faster escape in case of a fire or water submersion.

  1. Windows
    1.1 Windshield
    1.2 Front Door Windows
    1.3 Rear Door Windows (if applicable)
    1.4 Rear Quarter Windows (if applicable)
    1.5 Rear Window/Back Window
    1.6 Sunroof/Moonroof (if applicable)
    1.7 Window Glass
    1.8 Window Regulator
    1.9 Window Motor
    1.10 Window Switches
    1.11 Window Seals/Gaskets
    1.12 Window Channels
    1.13 Window Tracks
    1.14 Window Run Channels
    1.15 Window Frames
    1.16 Window Weatherstripping
    1.17 Window Tint (if applicable)
    1.18 Window Deflectors/Rain Guards (if applicable)
    1.19 Window Wiper Blades (for rear window)
    1.20 Window Washer Nozzles (for windshield)

Other Interior Parts

The interior of cars has become increasingly more complicated and listing off all the parts apart from seats can be nearly impossible for one person to do without forgetting something. Some cars for example have umbrellas in the doors, fridges in the back, multiple screens, handheld tablets, and even fax machines and telephones are on the table, at least in older cars. But we will do our best to list off only the relevant parts and we’ll make sure not to forget something.

  1. Other Interior Parts
    1.1 Seats
    1.1.1 Front Seats
    1.1.2 Rear Seats (if applicable)
    1.1.3 Seat Frames
    1.1.4 Seat Cushions
    1.1.5 Seat Covers/Upholstery
    1.1.6 Seat Adjusters (manual or power)
    1.1.7 Headrests
    1.1.8 Armrests
    1.1.9 Seat Belts
    1.1.10 Seat Belt Buckles
    1.1.11 Seat Belt Pretensioners
    1.1.12 Seat Belt Anchors
    1.2 Steering Wheel
    1.2.1 Steering Wheel Controls
    1.2.2 Steering Wheel Cover
    1.3 Center Console
    1.3.1 Console Lid/Armrest
    1.3.2 Cup Holders
    1.3.3 Storage Compartments
    1.3.4 Auxiliary Input/USB Ports
    1.3.5 Wireless Charging Pad (if applicable)
    1.4 Door Panels/Trim
    1.4.1 Door Armrests
    1.4.2 Door Handle/Trim
    1.4.3 Door Controls (window switches, lock/unlock buttons)
    1.4.4 Door Storage Pockets
    1.4.5 Door Sill Plates
    1.4.6 Door Speaker Grilles
    1.4.7 Door Pull Handles
    1.5 Headliner
    1.6 Carpet/Floor Mats
    1.7 Dashboard
    1.8 Interior Lighting
    1.8.1 Dome Lights
    1.8.2 Map Lights
    1.8.3 Courtesy Lights
    1.8.4 Trunk/Cargo Lights
    1.9 Sun Visors
    1.10 Rearview Mirror
    1.11 Pedals (accelerator, brake, clutch if applicable)
    1.12 Grab Handles
    1.13 Dashboard Storage Compartments (glove compartment, cubbies, etc.)
    1.14 HVAC Vents and Controls
    1.15 Audio System/Infotainment System
    1.16 Rear Entertainment System (if applicable)
    1.17 Cabin Air Filter (if applicable)
    1.18 Interior Trim and Accents
    1.19 Floor Console (if applicable)
    1.20 Interior Wiring Harnesses and Connectors

Final Words

In the end, we haven’t even scratched the surface of the complexity that an average vehicle is. We still haven’t covered different variations of these systems, what makes some better than the others, and we haven’t gone into great detail about the boring parts like bolts, nuts, plastic clips, seals and so on.

Still, the list we have made will be more than helpful for the average driver, and will more than likely go right over heads of inexperienced drivers, but not to worry, there always comes a time to learn something new.

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