Choosing the right materials is essential to guarantee the quality, performance and safety of a car. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the combination of different materials allows us to create vehicles that adapt to the needs and preferences of each driver.
Steel is, without a doubt, the king of materials in the automotive industry. It is strong, resistant and moldable, which makes it the ideal material to build the main structure of the car: the chassis and the body.
Aluminum is another star material in car manufacturing. It is much lighter than steel, which helps reduce the weight of the vehicle and therefore improve its energy efficiency. In addition, it is very resistant to corrosion, which makes it ideal for parts exposed to inclement weather, such as the hood and doors.
Plastics are true chameleons in the automotive world. We find them almost everywhere: from door panels to seats, headlights and bumpers. They are lightweight, easy to shape and very cheap to produce, making them a very popular choice. In addition, plastics can have very different properties, from flexible and soft to rigid and hard, which allows them to be adapted to multiple uses.
Glass is another essential material in car manufacturing. The windows allow us to enjoy the view while driving and protect us from wind and rain. Furthermore, the windshield is a fundamental part of the car’s safety system, since in the event of an accident it helps protect the occupants.
In addition to the materials mentioned, there are many others that are used in the manufacture of cars, each with its own characteristics and applications: rubber (used to make tires, gaskets and other components that require flexibility and resistance to abrasion), textiles (used in the manufacture of seats, interior linings and other elements that are in direct contact with passengers), carbon fiber (very light and resistant material, used in sports and high-end cars to improve performance and reduce weight) or ceramics, which are used in brake systems to improve their performance and durability.
The secret perfume of the factory
The aroma of a new car is unforgettable. That smell that transports us to dreams of the open road and adventures to discover. But have you ever wondered why that characteristic smell disappears so quickly or why it is not achieved after a good wash?
Let’s imagine a car as a freshly baked cake. When it comes out of the kitchen, it gives off a delicious and warm aroma that catches us and makes our mouths water. Well, something similar happens with cars. The materials used during the manufacturing process contain volatile organic compounds, which are like small aromatic particles that are released into the environment.
It is precisely these volatile organic compounds that are responsible for the characteristic new car smell. Each material contributes its own aromatic note to the mix, creating a unique olfactory symphony. Some of these compounds are benzene, toluene or xylene.
Now, why does that intoxicating smell disappear over time? The answer is simple: organic compounds volatilize, that is, they evaporate and disperse in the air. With every kilometer we travel and every time we open the windows a part of that aroma escapes. Additionally, ultraviolet radiation and heat accelerate this process, making the odor disappear even faster.
Water and cleaning products help remove volatile organic compounds that still adhere to the car’s surfaces. Additionally, the friction of soap and water removes a layer of dirt and particles that can trap odors.
The smell of a new car is a balm for the soul, a promise of adventures to come, a perfume that fades over time, being replaced by road dust, cookie crumbs and the driver’s perfume.
#smell #car
