Automotive Tech How Automotive Fasteners Ensure Vehicle Safety Uneeb KhanDecember 23, 20230504 views Image Credit: Canva Did you know that the U.S. had 233 million drivers in 2021, but the population has 0.08 vehicles per person? The number of vehicles on the road has led to many manufacturing regulations, particularly their small parts, to increase road and vehicle safety. Fasteners play several important roles in the safety of your vehicle. Table of Contents Structural IntegrityCollision ProtectionMaterial and corrosion resistanceTorque specificationsTamper ResistanceQuality ControlUpgrading and Changing Your Fasteners Structural Integrity Your vehicle has more than 30,000 small parts, including both metal and plastic automotive fasteners, such as bolts, screws, nuts, washers, rivets, and clips. These parts contribute significantly to vehicle safety, so this market is expected to reach $33 billion by 2030. You can find fasteners in every part of your vehicle. They prevent each part from loosening and failing. They also increase the reliability of your other parts. These products also hold the body of your vehicle together, including the frame assembly. You can find them in your chassis components as well. In fact, fasteners ensure the structural integrity of your entire vehicle. Automotive fasteners reduce the vibrations your vehicle creates when it runs. Their manufacturing helps them stand up during these consistent vibrations, and they reduce the noise you would hear otherwise. Overall, your vehicle’s fasteners actually improve your driving experience. Collision Protection Fasteners hold your vehicle’s body and frame together, securing each panel, so if you get into an accident, these products actually absorb the energy and distribute it so your panels remain secured to your vehicle. They also secure your safety systems, such as your airbags, seatbelts, and emergency braking system. However, these small parts also help you prevent accidents. They keep your backup camera in place and properly angled so that you can see behind you. They also secure your sensors, including those that warn you of someone entering your blind spot. Material and corrosion resistance Your automotive fasteners contain high-quality materials with rust-prevention coatings. Made from iron, plastic, and aluminum, each fastener gets carefully chosen for its intended purpose. For example, the right fasteners hold your car together in high temperatures. Their manufacturing also gives them protection from UV radiation and weather wear. Torque specifications Your vehicle has specific torque specifications. Each part has to have the ability to handle the torque put on it. Your automotive fasteners handle high stress and loads. However, they require proper assembly and the right fastener for each connection. These parts are also self-locking to prevent excess vibration and loosening parts over time. Tamper Resistance Due to increases in vehicle theft, new fasteners also offer tamper resistance. Parts like alarms and immobilizer as well as keyless entry devices now have anti-tamper fixings that prevent theft, protecting you from costly repairs. These automotive fasteners have unique shapes that require specialized tools for removal, preventing someone from stealing your parts and selling them on the black market. Quality Control Automotive fasteners undergo strict quality control testing to ensure their reliability and performance. Government regulations and industry standards produce stringent requirements because fastener failure can either be minor or it can result in critical failures. Upgrading and Changing Your Fasteners Your automotive fasteners work hard to protect you in a variety of ways including the structural integrity of your vehicle. Stock up on different types of fasteners today to ensure upkeep and longevity.