Facts About Miscellaneous Car Parts and Accessories

An automobile includes several features that are not main components. Some are necessary for a car to run properly, while others are aesthetic  A few of these products include:

• Windshield
• Brake pad
• Oil filter
• Seat Covers
• Floor Mats

Windshields

A windshield is composed of two layers of glass separated by a layer of flexible plastic, which glues the two together. This layer is very beneficial because it:

• Makes penetration by objects more difficult
• Makes the windshield stronger and less likely to shatter into tiny pieces if broken
• Stops harmful UV rays from entering the vehicle
• Reduces sound from outside the car

By recycling vehicle windshields, the amount of automotive waste in landfills could be reduced by 3 percent; however, due to plastic laminates, windshields are one of the most difficult auto parts to recycle.

Brake Pads

Brake pads are the part of the car that absorb the heat energy from friction when the brakes are applied, and also provide grip to stop the vehicle, turning kinetic energy of a moving car to heat energy. Today, brake pads are considered semi-metallic, typically using:

• Synthetic fiber
• Brass fiber
• Copper fiber
• Bonding resin

Brake pads were composed of asbestos and carbon in the past, but those types of brake pads have since been banned in the U.S. Some brake pads are made in part from ground rubber from recycled tires.

Oil Filters

Motor oil has several extremely important functions, so it is important that contaminants do not enter the oil and cause wear on internal parts. In order to keep the oil clean, cars are equipped with oil filters. Oil is pumped through the filter and then distributed through out the engine. Oil filters are composed of steel; if all the filters sold each year in the U.S. were recycled, 160,000 tons of steel would be recovered. Oil filters are highly recyclable.

Seat Covers

Seat covers are a great way to keep your car looking new and clean. Seat covers can:

• Protect the upholstery from hazards
• Cover existing damage rather than having to reupholster your seats
• Create an interior that suits your preference and tastes

There are several different types of material used to create seat covers, including:

• Poly-cotton
• Cotton canvas
• Neoprene
• Sheepskin

Car floor mats

This accessory can protect the flooring and cargo areas from grime and moisture. Mats are typically made of reaction injection-molded polyurethane, which maximizes shock absorption but does not add bulk or weight. When purchasing car floor mats, look for mats made from scrap tires.