26 Interior Parts of a Car

The automobile has become an essential component of the majority of households and businesses. The car is a four-wheeled vehicle designed for transportation and typically powered by an internal combustion engine. Your car contains various external and internal parts.

These parts play a vital role in ensuring the efficient performance of the car. This article explains the various interior parts of the car.

Types of Car Interior Parts

The major interior parts of the car are given below:

• Steering Wheel
• Air Ventilation
• Rear View Mirror
• Temperature Gauge
• Emergency or Parking Brake
• Side Mirror
• Emergency Flashers
• Vehicle Audio System
• Fuel Gauge
• Storage Compartment
• Brake Pedal
• Clutch Pedal
• Beverage or Cup Holder
• Floor Carpet
• Ventilation Control Panel
• Airbag
• Door Lock Controls or Power Window
• Transmission
• Speedometer
• Gas Pedal
• Headliner
• Door Opening Trim
• Turn Signal Indicator
• Door Weather Strip
• Seat and Seat Belt
• Tibia Pad

1) Steering Wheel

The steering wheel is one of the most important interior parts of your car. It is responsible for controlling the direction of your car’s wheels.

The driver manually operates the power steering wheel, also referred to as a driving wheel or handwheel.

The steering wheel is directly attached to your car’s front wheels and enables the driver to steer the car based on their input.

In the latest vehicle models, electrical power steering systems are commonly utilized. The power steering unit incorporates a horn that produces an extremely audible noise to attract the attention of pedestrians and other cars in the vicinity.

2) Air Ventilation

The latest vehicle models are equipped with an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. Its primary purpose is to regulate and maintain the interior air temperature based on fixed settings.

The air conditioning system of your car uses the air recirculation method to cool the air inside the car by recirculating it. Conversely, the fresh air method involves bringing atmospheric air inside the vehicle through an air duct located at the car’s front. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages.

3) Rear View Mirror

An interior component called the rear-view mirror enables the driver to observe the area behind the car by looking into the rear window, including the space occupied by passengers.

The rear view mirror provides an unobstructed 180-degree view as well as a standard reflected view of the car’s rear surroundings.

Side-view mirrors further enhance the rear-view mirror’s functionality, serving as dedicated mirrors for trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles to ensure proper rear vision.

4) Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge is located on the dashboard of your car. It is responsible for measuring the temperature of the vehicle’s engine. It assists in preventing engine overheating by providing vital temperature information.  

5) Emergency or Parking Brake

The emergency brake, located in the central console of your car, works as a hand lever for immediate braking.

It consists of a cable attached to the two-wheel brake, which is further connected to a drive mechanism.

When the vehicle is parked, the emergency brake prevents the vehicle from moving back or forth.

6) Side Mirror

Side mirrors are exterior components mounted on the sides of a car. They provide the driver with a view of the side areas, extending beyond the peripheral vision, as well as the rear of the vehicle.

These mirrors are commonly referred to as wing mirrors. The side mirror can be adjusted remotely or manually, allowing for vertical or horizontal positioning to achieve optimal exposure for drivers of varying heights and seating positions.  

7) Emergency Flashers

An emergency warning flasher is a warning light positioned on the front dashboard of your car. When you press the emergency warning light switch, these flashers start to operate.

Each car contains four turn signal lights located on the external sides of the car.

By activating the emergency flashers, the driver signals to other drivers that there is an emergency situation they need to be aware of. As the emergency flashers are activated, all four turn signals of your car will also start to illuminate.

8) Vehicle Audio System

The audio system is one of the most famous interior parts of a car, providing both entertainment and information to its passengers.

It allows individuals to enjoy their preferred music while traveling in the vehicle.

During the early 1950s, vehicles were equipped with simple AM radios. However, with technological advancements, these radios have transformed into multifunctional systems that now include different features such as FM radios, Blu-ray players, DVD players, cassette players, record players, CD players, 8-track cassette players, navigation systems, and smartphone integration with Android and CarPlay Auto.  

9) Fuel Gauge

A fuel gauge is a device installed on the car’s dashboard to measure the fuel level in the fuel tank. It is an essential component for monitoring fuel levels during driving.

Both the fuel gauge and speedometer are considered essential features in automobiles. Since the early 20th century, these were only available for standard equipment.

10) Storage Compartment

The storage compartment, commonly known as the glove compartment, is one of the most famous interior parts of the vehicle. It is located on the dashboard of your car.

The storage compartment serves as a storage space for different items, with driving gloves being a popular item stored inside. Typically, it is positioned just above the front seat footwell, near the driver’s side floorboard.

11)  Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is an integral part of your vehicle, serving as a means to control the braking system. Positioned on the vehicle floor to the accelerator pedal’s left, it is directly linked to the brakes.

When you press the brake pedal, it applies pressure to the brakes, leading to the vehicle’s deceleration or a complete stop. Typically, the driver uses their right foot to operate the brake pedal and engage the brakes.

12) Clutch Pedal

Clutch pedals are exclusively found in manual transmission cars. Positioned to the left of the brake pedal on the floorboard, the clutch pedal plays a crucial role in the transmission system.

When the clutch pedal is pressed, it disengages the clutch, interrupting the supply of power from the engine to the transmission system. When the driver releases the clutch pedal, it opens the flow of power, and power starts to flow from the engine to the transmission.

13) Beverage or Cup Holder

A beverage holder, also known as a cup holder, is utilized as a convenient surface or slot to securely hold drinks and food during car journeys. It is designed for easy usability, sustainability, and durability.  

14) Floor Carpet

To maintain a clean and pleasant environment inside the vehicle, it is important to prevent the spread of dirt and unpleasant odors caused by shoes.

Using a car floor carpet can effectively prevent the accumulation of dust and water inside your car. This carpet can be easily removed for manual cleaning.

15) Ventilation Control Panel

The driver’s ventilation control panel enables control over the heating and cooling settings within the vehicle.   

The HVAC system’s fan blows cool air from the AC system or hot air from the engine cooling system (via the heater core) into the passenger cabin, thereby regulating the temperature according to the driver’s preferences.

16)  Airbag

The airbag is one of the most common interior parts of a car. The airbags are designed to rapidly inflate and deflate in case of a collision. It consists of an impact sensor, an inflatable module, a flexible fabric bag, and an airbag cushion.

 

The primary function of the airbags is to provide a soft cushion and restraint for passengers during a collision, reducing the potential for injuries between the car’s internal parts and occupants.

17) Door Lock Controls or Power Window

Power windows in modern cars are operated using an automatic button. These windows, commonly found in the latest models, can be opened or closed by pressing the designated button installed on the vehicle door.

Power windows were initially introduced by Ford Motor in 1941. They were first utilized in Lincoln Custom and Packard Custom Super 180 cars.

Unlike manual windows, power windows do not have manual handles and, therefore, cannot be operated manually.

18) Transmission

The manual transmission, also referred to as a stick shift, is a transmission system in which gears are manually changed by the driver while decelerating or accelerating the vehicle.

This interior component is typically positioned at the center of the car, with a connecting rod linking the shift lever to the transmission.

Read More: Transmission Slipping Causes

19) Speedometer

A speedometer, also known as a speed meter, is a gauge situated on the car’s dashboard that calculates and shows the current speed of the car while driving.

Some speedometers utilize a rotating flexible cable. This cable is driven by gears connected to the transmission of the vehicle. However, certain vehicles, such as the early motorcycles and Volkswagen Beetle, contain a cable powered from the front wheel.  

20) Gas Pedal

The gas pedal also referred to as the accelerator pedal, is positioned on the car floor’s right side.

The primary function of the gas pedal is to regulate the amount of fuel supplied to the engine, thereby regulating the car’s speed. As the vehicle starts to move, the driver gradually presses the gas pedal to increase speed.

21) Headliner

A headliner is an interior part of the car used to cover the roof. It consists of an inner rigid substrate, an inner foam backing, and an outer layer of fabric.

In modern cars, the headliner serves various tasks and is designed in a modularized manner to accommodate different features.

22) Door Opening Trim

The door opening trim also referred to as window molding, is constructed of rubber or plastic. The trim is attached to the car body around the door area.

It serves multiple functions, including shock absorption, visual enhancement, and interior sealing. Additionally, it also assists in securing the window in place and provides protection to the window glasses.  

23) Turn Signal Indicator

A car is equipped with four turn signals positioned on all four sides of the vehicle. Inside the car, the turn signal indicator is typically represented by green arrows pointing in the desired direction.

Some cars have turn signals integrated into the left side of the power steering system. The turn signal indicator operates by moving the lever upward to indicate a right turn and downward to indicate a left turn.

24) Door Weather Strip

The door weather strip is one of the famous interior parts of the car. It is also known as the window seal.

It is attached on both sides of the door window to prevent rainwater from entering the vehicle as you roll your vehicle’s window up or down. It also plays a vital role in minimizing window glass vibrations while driving.

25) Seat and Seat Belt

The car’s interior includes a passenger seat and a driver seat, both equipped with seat belts. The driver occupies the driver’s seat, while the passenger seat is positioned beside it for the passengers.

Seat belts are crucial vehicle safety devices that ensure the occupant’s safety and keep them secure during accidents or sudden vehicle stops.

26) Tibia Pad

The tibia pad, typically constructed from polystyrene resin, is positioned between the car floor and the carpet. In case of accidents, the tibia pad serves as an energy absorber and lowers the effect on the passenger’s legs.

The latest tibia pads may also possess noise absorption capabilities, further enhancing the passenger’s comfort.

FAQ Section

What are car interior accessories?

• Dashboard decoration
• Floor mats
• Ambient lighting
• Car seat organizer
• Seat covers
• Alloy wheels
• Sun shades
• Body cover

What are the essential car interior parts?

• Steering Wheel
• Air Ventilation
• Rear View Mirror
• Temperature Gauge
• Emergency or Parking Brake
• Side Mirror
• Emergency Flashers
• Vehicle Audio System
• Fuel Gauge
• Storage Compartment
• Brake Pedal
• Clutch Pedal
• Beverage or Cup Holder
• Floor Carpet
• Ventilation Control Panel
• Airbag
• Door Lock Controls or Power Window
• Transmission
• Speedometer
• Gas Pedal
• Headliner
• Door Opening Trim
• Turn Signal Indicator
• Door Weather Strip
• Seat and Seat Belt
• Tibia Pad

What is the front interior of a car called?

The center console, also known as the center console, pertains to the control-bearing surfaces located in the middle of the front interior of an automobile.

What is vehicle interior trim?

Interior car trims encompass all the components of your vehicle that prioritize aesthetics over functionality. Their primary objective is to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere within the car’s interior.

How many parts are in car?

Your car comprises approximately 30,000 components, ranging from the smallest nuts and bolts to the substantial engine block.