What Are Car Body Parts Called?

They’re generally called body panels and exterior trim; key pieces include the hood/bonnet, fenders/wings, doors, quarter panels, roof, trunk/boot lid or tailgate, bumpers and fascias, pillars (A/B/C/D), rocker panels/sills, glass (windshield/windscreen and windows), lights, mirrors, and various moldings. Below is a clear breakdown of the common names, how they fit together, and notable regional differences so you can identify and discuss any exterior part accurately.

Core exterior body panels

These are the large, visible metal or composite pieces that form the vehicle’s shell and define its shape and crash structure.

• Hood (US) / Bonnet (UK): Panel covering the engine bay or front trunk on some EVs.
• Fender (US) / Wing (UK): Panels over the front wheels; rear equivalents are typically “quarter panels.”
• Door: Front and rear closures providing entry to the cabin.
• Quarter panel: Rear side body panel, usually welded to the body shell.
• Roof panel: Top section of the body; may include rails and sunroof aperture.
• Trunk lid (US) / Boot lid (UK): Rear cargo-area closure on sedans/coupes.
• Tailgate / Liftgate / Hatch: One-piece rear opening on hatchbacks, SUVs, and wagons.
• Rocker panel (US) / Sill (UK): Long panel below the doors; key structural member.
• Pillars (A/B/C/D): Vertical supports around openings; A is at the windshield, then B between doors, C at the rear of sedans/coupes, D on some wagons/SUVs.
• Cowl (US) / Scuttle (UK): Base of the windshield area, often housing wiper mechanism.
• Wheel arch (lip) and inner fender/liner: The opening and protective liner around each wheel.

Together, these pieces create the vehicle’s exterior “shell,” influencing aerodynamics, safety, and style, and they are often repaired or replaced in collisions.

Front-end assembly (fascia) components

The front fascia integrates protection, airflow, styling, lighting, and sensors that support modern driver-assistance systems.

• Bumper cover: Painted plastic outer cover.
• Bumper reinforcement/impact bar: Structural beam behind the cover.
• Energy absorber/foam: Layer between the cover and reinforcement to manage low-speed impacts.
• Grille: Intake opening and trim; may include active grille shutters.
• Radiator/core support: Structure holding radiators, condenser, and headlights.
• Valance/air dam/splitter: Lower aero pieces that direct airflow.
• Fog lamp bezels/DRL surrounds: Trim around auxiliary lighting.
• Tow hook cover: Removable cap exposing a threaded tow point.
• Sensor housings: Radar cover, front camera shroud, ultrasonic sensor bezels for ADAS.
• Hood latch and striker: Mechanism securing the hood to the front structure.

These parts work together to protect the front end, cool the powertrain, host sensors, and establish the vehicle’s face.

Rear-end components

The rear integrates cargo access, impact protection, lighting, and aero features.

• Rear bumper cover: Painted outer cover; often with reflectors or sensors.
• Reinforcement bar and absorber: Structural beam and energy-absorbing layer.
• Trunk/boot lid or tailgate/liftgate/hatch: Rear opening panel depending on body style.
• Tail panel/rear body panel: Structural panel behind the bumper supporting lamps and latch.
• Rear valance/diffuser: Lower aero piece shaping airflow and sometimes housing exhaust tips.
• License plate garnish/plinth: Mounting trim for number plates and cameras/lights.
• Spoiler: Lip or wing mounted to lid or roof for stability and efficiency.
• Back glass with defroster and wiper (where fitted): Rear window assembly.
• CHMSL/High-mounted stop lamp: Third brake light, often on the decklid or roof spoiler.

These components handle rear impacts, provide cargo access, and incorporate lighting and aerodynamic elements.

Glass and openings

Glazing and sealing parts ensure visibility, safety, weatherproofing, and cabin quietness.

• Windshield (US) / Windscreen (UK): Laminated safety glass at the front; often houses ADAS cameras.
• Back glass/rear windshield: Tempered or laminated glass; includes defroster grid.
• Door glass (side windows): Movable panes within door frames.
• Quarter glass: Fixed small windows near the rear pillar or in doors.

• Vent glass: Small triangular panes, sometimes opening.
• Sunroof/moonroof panel: Sliding/tilting glass or metal roof insert and its shade.
• Weatherstrips and seals: Rubber gaskets around doors, glass, and openings.
• Belt molding/window reveal moldings: Trim at the base or perimeter of windows.

These parts are central to visibility and noise control and may require calibration of cameras or sensors when serviced.

Lighting and signaling assemblies

Modern lighting blends styling with safety, often integrating advanced LEDs and adaptive features.

• Headlamp assembly: Low/high beams; may include matrix/laser tech and auto-leveling.
• Daytime running lights (DRLs): Always-on visibility lights.
• Fog lamps: Low-mounted lamps for poor weather.
• Front and rear turn signals/indicators: Directional signaling lights.
• Tail lamp assembly: Rear lamps with brake, tail, and turn functions.
• Side markers/reflectors: Lateral visibility elements.
• CHMSL: Center high-mounted stop lamp.
• Light housings, lenses, and bezels: Exterior-facing lamp components.

Lighting assemblies are model-specific and regulated, with increasing integration of sensors and styling signatures.

Side and underbody elements

These parts protect from debris, improve aerodynamics, and contribute to styling and structure.

• Side skirts/rocker cladding: Protective/aero trim along the rockers.
• Wheel arch moldings/flares: Protective trim around arches.
• Splash shields/inner liners: Plastic panels in wheel wells and under the engine bay.
• Underbody trays/pans: Aero panels beneath the car; aid efficiency and noise control.
• Skid plates (on SUVs/trucks): Protective plates under key areas.

Beyond aesthetics, these parts shield the body and improve airflow, which can enhance range and fuel economy.

Doors and apertures: parts within

Behind each door’s painted skin is a set of mechanisms that manage latching, glass, and weatherproofing.

• Outer door skin and inner door shell: The door’s exterior and structural frame.
• Hinges, latch, striker, and door check: Attachment and closing mechanisms.
• Exterior/interior handles and lock cylinder or touch sensors: Access hardware.
• Door glass and regulator (manual/electric): Window and lift mechanism.
• Mirror mount and sail panel trim: Area where side mirrors attach.
• Beltline/weatherstrips and window channels: Sealing and guidance components.
• Door card/trim panel and clips: Interior finishing panel and fasteners.

Door internals are critical for safety, security, and refinement, and they require precise alignment to prevent wind noise or leaks.

EV-specific exterior terms

Electric vehicles add or repurpose exterior elements for charging, aerodynamics, and storage.

• Charge port door/flap: Hinged cover over the charging inlet(s).
• Frunk lid: Front compartment lid on vehicles without a front engine.
• Aero grille panels/shutters: Smoothed or automatically closing front openings.
• Underbody battery shields/covers: Panels protecting and smoothing the battery pack underside.
• Sensor shrouds and camera washer nozzles: ADAS housings tailored to EV front-end designs.

These items reflect EV packaging differences and aerodynamics-first design priorities.

Regional names and jargon

Many parts share different names across markets; knowing both helps when ordering or reading manuals.

• Hood (US) / Bonnet (UK)
• Trunk (US) / Boot (UK)
• Fender (US) / Wing (UK)
• Quarter panel (US) / Rear wing (UK)
• Windshield (US) / Windscreen (UK)
• Rocker panel (US) / Sill (UK)
• Cowl (US) / Scuttle (UK)
• Gas door (US) / Fuel filler flap (UK)
• License plate bracket (US) / Number plate plinth (UK)
• Turn signal (US) / Indicator (UK)
• Front fascia/valance (US) / Front apron/valance (UK)

Using both sets of terms reduces confusion when sourcing parts internationally or reading global documentation.

How the industry categorizes body parts

Automakers and repairers group exterior components into standard categories for manufacturing and service.

• Body-in-White (BIW): The welded body shell before paint.
• Closures: Doors, hood/bonnet, trunk/boot lid, tailgate/liftgate.
• Fascias and bumpers: Front and rear bumper systems and covers.
• Glazing: All glass components and seals.
• Exterior trim: Moldings, badges, appliqués, spoilers, cladding.
• Structural panels: Quarter panels, rockers, pillars, roof, floor pan.
• Service parts and standards: OE/OEM, OES, and CAPA-certified aftermarket parts for quality assurance.

These categories guide production, repairs, parts cataloging, and insurance estimating.

Care, repair, and replacement notes

Modern body parts often integrate sensors and materials that affect repair techniques and costs.

• Bolt-on vs. welded: Doors, hoods, and fenders are typically bolt-on; quarters and roofs are welded/bonded.
• Panel bonding and materials: Aluminum, high-strength steel, plastics, and composites require specific methods.
• Paint and finishes: Use the vehicle’s paint code; blending adjacent panels may be needed for color match.
• ADAS recalibration: Windshields, bumpers, and grilles with sensors often need recalibration after service.
• Corrosion protection: Seam sealers, cavity wax, and primers are essential post-repair.
• Fasteners and clips: Many trim pieces use one-time-use clips; replace to prevent rattles.
• R&I vs. R&R: “Remove and install” existing parts vs. “remove and replace” with new parts.

Following correct procedures preserves safety, appearance, and the performance of advanced driver-assistance systems.

Summary

Car body parts are broadly known as body panels and exterior trim, covering everything from the hood/bonnet and fenders/wings to bumpers, doors, glass, lighting, and underbody shields. Names vary by region, but the functions are consistent: protect occupants, optimize aerodynamics, house technology, and shape the vehicle’s design. Knowing the correct terms helps with ordering parts, discussing repairs, and understanding how the vehicle’s exterior is put together.

What are the names of car parts?

What are the Parts of a Car?

• Engine. The heart and soul of your vehicle is the internal combustion engine.
• Transmission.
• Battery.
• Alternator.
• Radiator.
• Front Axle.
• Front Steering and Suspension.
• Brakes.

What is the outer body of a car called?

The outer shell of a car is generally called the body or the body shell. This refers to the main structure that encloses the car’s interior and mechanical components, giving it its shape and appearance. It’s made up of various components known as body panels, which are vulnerable to damage.
 
Key Terms

• Body Shell/Body: The comprehensive exterior structure of a car, including the main parts that define its form. 
• Body Panels: The individual pieces of metal, plastic, or other material that make up the exterior of the body shell, such as the doors, roof, fenders, and hood. 

Function
The body shell serves several critical functions: 

• Protection: It protects the car’s internal components and passengers from external elements and impacts. 
• Structure: It provides the frame upon which other mechanical and interior components are built. 
• Aerodynamics: Its design influences the car’s fuel efficiency and overall performance. 
• Appearance: The body shell determines the overall look of the vehicle. 

What is the name of car body parts?

Car body and main parts

• Interior/cab/cabin.
• Engine compartment.
• Bonnet/hood. Bonnet/hood. Support stick. Hinges and springs. Car cover.
• Bumper. Unexposed bumper. Exposed bumper.
• Cowl screen.
• Decklid.
• Fender (wing or mudguard)
• Fascia.

What do you call parts of a vehicle?

Important vehicle parts include the engine, transmission, brake system, steering system, suspension, and electrical components, each playing a vital role in ensuring the vehicle’s safety.