Silicone rubber has good high-temperature resistance, flexibility, weather resistance, and sealing performance, so it is widely used in the automotive sector. This article will talk about the seven most important applications of silicone rubber in the automotive industry, hoping to provide some help for you when sourcing.
Advantages of Silicone Rubber
Cars usually run in many different kinds of environments. Some parts are close to the engine and must resist heat, while others are exposed to cold weather, rain, sunlight, dust, and vibrations for some periods. So, materials used in automobile parts need to stay stable in such environments.
Weather Resistance
Silicone rubber can stay soft and elastic in both high and low temperatures. At the same time, it can be more stable than many regular silicone rubbers under sunlight, moisture, and ozone environments. This can make the automobile parts work normally for a longer time.
Sealability
Since silicone rubber has good sealing properties, it is very suitable for the automotive industry. Many car systems need to be kept away from water, dust, and air. Silicone rubber can make a reliable seal, which prevents leaks of water.
Electric Insulation
Except for weather resistance and good sealability, silicone rubber also has good electric insulation. Moreover, it can keep good insulation even at higher temperatures. Nowadays, modern cars and new energy vehicles have become more and more popular. So, electric insulation is very important for these kinds of cars.
7 Applications of Silicone Rubber for Automotive Use
Automotive Cooling Systems
The cooling system is one of the most important systems in a car. It is used to keep the engine at the right temperature while the car is running, preventing it from overheating. As a result, the coolant needs to keep circulating through many hoses and components inside the car, and keep the cooling system safe through cycles of high and low temperatures.
Silicone rubber can stay stable in both high and low temperatures, making it a perfect material for the temperature environment in a car’s cooling system. Common uses include silicone rubber radiator hoses, coolant hoses, and various seals. Silicone rubber can help the coolant flow through the system safely.
At the same time, silicone rubber has good flexibility even after being used for a long time, which makes it less likely to crack or have other problems. This can improve the stability and lifespan of the cooling system.
If you’re sourcing parts for a car cooling system, such as silicone rubber radiator hoses, coolant hoses, and reliable seals, silicone rubber material is a good choice.
Engine and Turbocharger Systems
Silicone rubber has good heat resistance and insulation, and it can stay soft for a long time at high temperatures and will not easily crack or become damaged. So it can be used to make car parts that are exposed to high heat frequently, like turbo hoses, intake hoses, seals, and connector components.
When a car is running, the engine will produce a lot of heat. Also, many cars’ turbo systems often work at high temperatures for a long time. Silicone rubber products are often used in engines and turbo systems because of their good heat resistance. They can accelerate air flow and protect the system so it runs smoothly.
Moreover, silicone rubber is very durable. Automobile parts can be used for a longer time if it is made of silicone rubber material.
So, if you’re purchasing parts for car engines and turbo systems, silicone rubber turbo hoses, intake hoses, seals, and similar components are a good choice.
Sealing Systems
Since it can stay soft and flexible in all kinds of weather, silicone rubber is also used in the interior and exterior sealing systems of cars. Whether it’s the hot summer or the freezing winter, silicone rubber can keep good sealing performance.
Inside the car, there are many joints, seams, and openings. Without good sealing, water, dust, and air may easily get into or out of the car. Silicone rubber is often used to make gaskets, seals, and O-rings. It can prevent liquids or air from getting into or out of the car and keep the car running smoothly.
On the outside, silicone rubber seals can often be found on car doors, windows, headlights, and other areas that are exposed to the air. These seals can keep rain, dust, and wind out of the car. What’s more, it can also reduce noise outside the car and make the rider more comfortable.
Seals are very important for protecting the car and keeping its performance. There’s also a large market in car manufacturing and after-sales maintenance for them. So if you’re sourcing auto parts, you can think about silicone rubber sealing products.
Electronic Components and Wiring Systems
Silicone rubber is also used in cable insulation. Silicone rubber can cover the outside of a wire and protect the numerous wires, connectors, sensors, and control modules inside. Silicone rubber material is often used in the wiring systems of cars.
In passenger cars, trucks, and new energy vehicles, silicone rubber is also used in cable sheaths. Silicone rubber sheaths wrap around the outside of wiring harnesses. It can organize and protect the wires while reducing the influences of heat, moisture, dust, and daily wear and tear.
Except for cable insulation and sheaths, silicone rubber is also used in connector seals. These small seals are used to block out moisture, dust, and other things that may damage the connector. Moreover, some sensors and electronic modules will use silicone rubber O-rings or protective covers to enhance durability.
When sourcing automotive electronics and electrical parts, you might think about silicone rubber wire harness protectors, connector seals, and cable sheaths.
Automotive Interior Components
Many car interior parts also use silicone rubber materials, such as silicone rubber keys and silicone rubber buttons. They are soft and can stay stable under repeated long-term pressing. They are often used in central control panels, steering wheel control buttons, and other operating switches.
Silicone rubber is also widely used in cup holder mats, anti-slip mats, and storage box liners. Silicone rubber can keep items in place and prevent bumps and noise while driving. Moreover, silicone rubber is also used for decorative pieces, protective covers, and some small interior seals.
At the same time, silicone rubber materials can also be used in charging port covers, dashboard accessories, and other areas that will be touched frequently.
When you are sourcing car interior parts, it is good for you to choose silicone rubber keys, anti-slip mats, protective covers, and interior seals.
EV Battery Systems
In new energy vehicles, silicone rubber is used in many battery-related parts, such as seals, gaskets, protective covers, sleeves, and other protective parts in the battery system.
One of the most common uses is the battery pack sealing gasket. It’s installed between different parts of the battery pack to provide a sealed structure. Silicone rubber is also used around the battery cover and maintenance cover seals frequently.
Another common use is cable protection. High-voltage cables inside new energy vehicles often use silicone rubber sleeves and protective covers. These products wrap around the cables and give them extra protection.
Also, you’ll often see silicone rubber seals around battery connectors, charging interfaces, and sensor housings as well. Many connection points use small silicone rubber pieces to cover gaps and interfaces.
In some new energy vehicle designs, silicone rubber is also used for cushioning pads, isolating pads, and protective pads, which are installed between different battery parts. These products of silicone rubber have many shapes and sizes according to different batteries.
If you’re sourcing parts for new energy vehicle battery systems, silicone rubber battery sealing gaskets, cable sleeves, connector seals, and various protective covers are worth thinking about.
Vibration and Noise Reduction Systems
Silicone rubber is widely used in many small automobile parts that are very important for cushioning, isolating, and supporting. Silicone rubber can be found in electronic modules, behind interior panels, between mounting brackets, and in many connection areas.
One of these uses is the silicone rubber shock-absorbing pad. These are installed between two parts as a soft contact layer. Moreover, they can be made into gaskets, rings, blocks, or many custom shapes.
Silicone rubber is also often used to produce buffer blocks and bumper pads. These small parts are often used behind panels, covers, storage boxes, and other movable parts. It can also be used between two hard parts to reduce the influence of a collision.
In some cars, silicone rubber cable grommets are used where wires and hoses pass through openings. These products wrap around the cables and cover the edges of the openings. Moreover, silicone rubber sleeves and protective pads are often used in many parts that need to be protected carefully.
When sourcing silicone rubber products for cars, silicone rubber shock pads, buffer blocks, grommets, protective pads, and bumper pieces are all good choices for you.
FAQ
How Long Can Silicone Rubber Automobile Parts Be Used?
Generally, many silicone rubber car parts can be used for 10 to 20 years. The lifespan will be influenced by different kinds of factors, like operating temperature, exposure to chemicals, product design, and the use environment.
Can Silicone Rubber Be Customized into Different Automobile Parts?
Yes. Silicone rubber can be made into seals, gaskets, sleeves, protective covers, buttons, and all kinds of shapes and sizes according to your requirements.
What Hardness Options Do Automotive Silicone Rubber Products Have?
Automobile silicone rubber material has many shore hardness options, usually ranging from 20 Shore A to 80 Shore A. 30–50 Shore A is often used for seals, gaskets, O-rings, and weatherstrips that need good flexibility. 60–80 Shore A is often used for protective covers, bumpers, and cushioning pads that need to keep their shape and durability.
What Is the Working Temperature Range of Automotive Silicone Rubber?
Most automotive silicone rubber can stay stable between -60°C and 200°C. It depends on the grade of the material and the working environment.
What’s the Difference Between EPDM and Silicone Rubber Used for Automobile Parts?
EPDM has good water-resistance and stability, and the price of EPDM is often lower than that of silicone rubber. But Silicone rubber has better properties in high-temperature environments and can remain flexible in extreme weather. Silicone rubber is a better choice for extreme environments for cars.
Final Thoughts
From cooling systems and sealing systems to new energy vehicle battery parts, silicone rubber has many applications in the automotive industry. If you’re looking for a reliable supplier of automotive silicone rubber parts, contact us to get professional advice.
