What Car Parts Are Called

Car parts are commonly called auto parts, automotive components, or vehicle components; they include major systems like the powertrain, chassis, brakes, electrical/electronics, body and interior, plus EV-specific items such as traction batteries and inverters. Below is a clear breakdown of the standard names, categories, and regional variations you’ll encounter when identifying or sourcing parts in 2025.

Core Terms and Synonyms

Across the automotive industry and among repairers and retailers, a few umbrella terms are widely used to describe the pieces that make up a vehicle. Understanding these synonyms helps when searching catalogs, discussing repairs, or ordering replacements.

• Auto parts / car parts / vehicle parts
• Automotive components / assemblies
• Spare parts / spares
• Service parts / maintenance items
• Wear items (e.g., brake pads, wiper blades, tires)
• Hardware/fasteners (bolts, clips, pins, rivets)

These terms are often used interchangeably; “components” usually refers to individual items, while “assemblies” indicates groups of parts pre-fitted together (for example, a strut assembly).

Major Systems and Typical Parts

Powertrain (ICE, Hybrid, EV)

The powertrain is the group of parts that generate and transmit power to the wheels. Names differ by technology—internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles (EVs) all have distinct components.

• Engine (ICE): block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, timing belt/chain, turbocharger/supercharger, intercooler, fuel injectors, throttle body, intake/exhaust manifolds
• Emissions/aftertreatment: catalytic converter, oxygen/O2 sensors, GPF/DPF (gasoline/diesel particulate filter), EGR valve, SCR system with DEF/AdBlue
• Induction and fuel: airbox, air filter, MAF/MAP sensor, fuel pump, fuel rail, fuel filter
• Cooling and lubrication: radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, oil pump, oil cooler, oil pan, oil filter
• Transmissions/driveline: manual gearbox, clutch, flywheel, automatic transmission, torque converter, valve body, TCU, CVT/e-CVT, transfer case, differential(s), driveshaft/prop shaft, CV axles
• EV/hybrid power electronics: traction battery pack, BMS (battery management system), inverter, electric motor(s)/e-axle, reducer/gearbox, DC-DC converter, onboard charger (OBC), high-voltage contactors, HV cables, charge port (CCS1/CCS2, NACS in North America), thermal management/heat pump

Together, these parts convert stored energy (fuel or electricity) into motion and manage emissions, cooling, and power delivery from the source to the wheels.

Chassis, Suspension, and Steering

The chassis is the vehicle’s structural base. Suspension controls ride and handling, while the steering system directs the wheels.

• Structure: frame/unibody, subframes, crossmembers
• Suspension: control arms, struts, shock absorbers, coil/leaf springs, top mounts, sway/anti-roll bars, end links, bushings, ball joints
• Steering: steering wheel and column, rack-and-pinion steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump/hoses (hydraulic) or EPS motor/module (electric), intermediate shaft
• Hubs and joints: wheel hubs, wheel bearings, CV joints, knuckles/uprights

These components work together to support the vehicle, absorb bumps, maintain tire contact with the road, and convert driver input into directional change.

Brakes and Wheels

Braking parts slow and stop the vehicle, while wheels and tires affect grip and ride quality.

• Hydraulics and control: brake pedal, master cylinder, brake booster (vacuum or electric), brake lines/hoses, ABS/ESC module, proportioning valve
• Friction components: brake discs/rotors, calipers, brake pads, drum brakes and shoes (on some rears), parking brake/EPB actuators
• Rolling assembly: wheels/rims, tires, TPMS sensors, wheel nuts/lug bolts, hub caps/center caps

Effective braking relies on hydraulic pressure and friction components, while TPMS and proper wheel hardware support safety and maintenance.

Electrical and Electronics (12V and High-Voltage)

Modern vehicles blend traditional 12-volt systems with advanced electronics; EVs add high-voltage circuits to power propulsion and fast charging.

• 12V power and cranking: 12V battery (lead-acid or Li-ion), alternator (ICE), starter motor, fuse/relay boxes, wiring harnesses
• Control units and networks: ECU/ECM/PCM, TCU, BCM, gateway module, CAN/LIN bus wiring
• Sensors and actuators: O2 sensors, MAF/MAP, crank/cam sensors, wheel-speed sensors, ignition coils, fuel pump, injectors, throttle actuator
• Lighting and visibility: headlights (halogen/LED/MATRIX), DRLs, indicators/turn signals, tail and brake lamps, fog lamps, interior dome/map lights
• Infotainment and connectivity: head unit, instrument cluster, amplifier, speakers, telematics/connected car module, GPS and cellular antennas, wireless charging pad
• ADAS and autonomy: forward radar, front/rear/side cameras, ultrasonic sensors, lidar (on some models), driver monitoring camera, ADAS domain controller
• EV high-voltage: inverter, OBC, DC-DC converter, HV junction box, HV cables, charge port (CCS/NACS/CHAdeMO region-dependent), thermal management

These systems manage everything from engine control and lighting to driver assistance and, in EVs, propulsion and charging.

Body, Exterior, and Glass

Body panels shape the vehicle and protect internal systems; glass ensures visibility; exterior trim and hardware add function and style.

• Panels and closures: hood/bonnet, fenders/wings, doors, quarter panels, trunk/boot lid, tailgate/liftgate, roof, rocker panels/sills, bumpers (cover and reinforcement), grille
• Exterior hardware: door handles, hinges, latches, striker plates, weatherstripping/seals, splash guards/undertray, wheel arch liners, emblems/badges
• Glass and visibility: windshield/windscreen, side windows, rear window/backlight, window regulators, wiper arms/blades, washer pumps and jets, defroster elements
• Mirrors and lighting units: side mirrors (with indicators, heating), center mirror (manual/auto-dim), light housings and modules

Exterior components balance safety, aerodynamics, noise reduction, and design—while glass and wipers maintain visibility in all conditions.

Interior and Comfort

Interior parts support safety, ergonomics, and comfort, from seats and restraints to climate control and infotainment.

• Safety restraints: seat belts/pretensioners, airbags (front, side, curtain, knee), steering wheel airbag module
• Seating and trim: seats and rails, headrests, seat motors and heaters, upholstery, door cards, center console, dashboard, headliner, carpeting, floor mats
• Controls and displays: steering wheel, stalks, pedals, shifter/selector, instrument cluster, touchscreens, buttons/knobs
• HVAC: heater core, A/C compressor (belt-driven or electric), condenser, evaporator, expansion valve/orifice tube, blower motor, cabin air/pollen filter, ducts and vents
• Convenience: sun visors, interior lighting, power outlets/USB, wireless charging, trunk/cargo covers and nets

Together these parts provide occupant protection and comfort, while climate systems regulate temperature, airflow, and air quality.

Fluids, Filters, and Maintenance Items

Routine maintenance centers on consumables and service parts that ensure reliability and longevity.

• Fluids: engine oil, coolant/antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid (if hydraulic), differential/transfer case fluid, windshield washer fluid
• Filters: oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, cabin air/pollen filter
• Ignition and belts: spark plugs, ignition coils, serpentine/accessory belt, timing belt/chain (intervals vary), tensioners/idlers
• Other wear items: wiper blades, bulbs, fuses, tires, brake pads/rotors

Following the maintenance schedule and replacing these wear items on time helps prevent costly repairs and keeps vehicles safe and efficient.

Regional Naming Differences

Some car parts have different names depending on the country or region, particularly between North American and British/Commonwealth English. Knowing both terms can prevent confusion when ordering parts or reading manuals.

• Hood ↔ Bonnet; Trunk ↔ Boot
• Fender ↔ Wing; Rocker panel ↔ Sill
• Windshield ↔ Windscreen; Rear window ↔ Backlight
• Turn signal ↔ Indicator; License plate ↔ Number plate
• Muffler ↔ Silencer; Tire ↔ Tyre; Gas ↔ Petrol
• Gas tank/fuel tank ↔ Petrol tank; Fuel cap ↔ Filler cap
• Cabin air filter ↔ Pollen filter
• Charging standards: CCS1 (NA) ↔ CCS2 (EU), NACS (increasingly standard in North America), Type 1/J1772 (NA AC) ↔ Type 2/Mennekes (EU AC)

Parts catalogs often note both names; when in doubt, rely on diagrams and part numbers to confirm the correct component.

How Parts Are Identified and Sourced

Accurate part identification avoids fitment issues. Manufacturers assign specific part numbers, and compatibility is often tied to the vehicle’s VIN, production date, trim, engine, and market.

• Part types: OEM (made by the vehicle manufacturer), OE/OES (original equipment supplier), aftermarket, remanufactured, used
• Identifiers: part numbers, revision codes, supersessions, VIN decoding, build date and option codes (PR codes/RPO codes)
• Catalogs and diagrams: official dealer catalogs, online parts stores, exploded diagrams for assemblies
• Standards and guidance: SAE/ISO specs, service manuals, technical service bulletins (TSBs)

Use your VIN and a reputable catalog to cross-check part numbers; verify revisions and regional variants before purchasing.

Frequently Used Acronyms

Automotive documentation is full of initialisms. These are among the most common you’ll encounter across systems and service information.

• ECU/ECM/PCM (engine/powertrain control), TCU (transmission), BCM (body control)
• ABS (anti-lock brakes), ESC/ESP (stability control), TCS (traction control), TPMS (tire pressure monitoring)
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
• OBD-II (on-board diagnostics), CAN/LIN (vehicle networks)
• DPF/GPF (particulate filters), EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), SCR (selective catalytic reduction)
• FWD/RWD/AWD/4WD (drivetrains), CVT/e-CVT (transmissions)
• BMS (battery management system), OBC (onboard charger), DC-DC (converter), SoC (state of charge), HV/LV (high/low voltage)
• ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems), ACC (adaptive cruise control), AEB (automatic emergency braking), LKA (lane keep assist)

When unsure, consult a glossary in the service manual or parts catalog; acronyms often point directly to the controlling module or function.

Summary

In everyday use, car parts are called auto parts, vehicle parts, or automotive components. They’re organized by systems—powertrain, chassis, brakes, electrical/electronics, body, and interior—with EVs adding high‑voltage components like battery packs and inverters. Names can vary by region, so reference part numbers, diagrams, and your VIN to ensure proper fitment and function.