Understanding Car Chassis and Getting to Know What It Looks Like
If likened to humans, cars also have a framework that supports them. This framework is known as the chassis. The existence of the chassis in this four-wheeled vehicle plays a very important role.
It has the function of moving the car body. The following will discuss the definition and forms of car chassis that you need to know.
Definition of Car Chassis
As previously explained, cars have a framework called chassis. The chassis itself is the internal framework of a four-wheeled vehicle used to support various car components.
Not only does it support car components, but the chassis can also bear the weight of the vehicle and passengers.
The chassis also serves to maintain the shape of the four-wheeled vehicle to remain sturdy. That is why the chassis is made from special materials that are very strong and capable of withstanding all loads from the vehicle.
Usually, the chassis is made from a steel or iron frame that has been specially designed to meet all needs such as safety and durability.
Read also: Let's Follow 4 Ways to Properly Dismantle a Car Engine
Types of Car Chassis Shapes
In fact, the definition and shape of car chassis are not just one, but there are various other types that work together to support all vehicle loads.
1. Ladder Frame
Having a shape like a ladder, the ladder frame chassis serves as the base for the vehicle body, engine, transmission, and other four-wheeled vehicle components.
That is why the ladder frame is placed at the bottom to support the body, engine, and all car components. Generally, this part is made of symmetrical steel shaped like a beam where certain parts are reinforced using additional joints and crossmembers.
In certain designs, this ladder frame chassis part is usually reinforced with crisscrossed iron between its frames.
2. Monocoque Chassis or Monocoque Chassis
This type of chassis is made integrated with the car body. It can be said that the definition and shape of this car chassis is the outer part of the car body that is intentionally designed in such a way.
Its function is to protect the cabin space from impacts. The monocoque chassis is made from several sheets of composite steel to form the car body framework.
3. Backbone Chassis
Serving as the main single framework, the backbone chassis runs along the middle part of the four-wheeled vehicle, connecting the front and rear parts to each other.
Almost the entire part called backbone chassis is equipped with a rigid structure to withstand heavy loads on the vehicle.
4. Tubular Space Frame
Utilizing various arrangements of steel pipes, where these steel pipe arrangements will later resemble the shape of a car in accordance with the desired construction.
5. Aluminium Space Frame
This chassis uses sheets of steel plate. As the name suggests, the definition and shape of this car chassis fully utilizes aluminum.
Just imagine if the chassis part were absent in a four-wheeled vehicle, the car would not be able to move even if it were equipped with various components.
You should know that now many motor vehicle manufacturers are starting to develop this chassis part into various shapes according to the desired specifications.
Read also: Engine Mounting Important Component of Car Engine