Main Rubber Products in Automotive Industry
Nov 17, 2025
1. Tires
Tires are the primary contact points between vehicles and the road, designed as flexible, round, rubber products. Tires are subjected to complex and harsh conditions, bearing deformations, loads, and varying temperatures during use. They must offer high load-bearing, traction, and cushioning performance, along with high wear resistance and flexibility. Rubber used in tires typically includes a blend of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and polybutadiene rubber (BR). Inner tubes are commonly made of butyl rubber.
2. Sealing Products
A. Sealing Strips
Sealing stripsare used to fill gaps between vehicle body components, providing noise reduction, water, and dust resistance, as well as enhancing the driving experience. They are typically made from EPDM rubber. Types of sealing strips include:
Hood Seals (Front, Side, Rear)
Door Seals
Window Seals (Front, Rear, Side)
Sunroof Seals
Trunk Seals
Noise Reduction Seals
Anti-dust Seals
B. Other Sealing Products
These products prevent fluid or material leakage and include oil seals, O-rings, dust covers for rotary shafts, flat gaskets, brake cups, membranes, and various seals. They rely on rubber's high elasticity, resilience, and airtight properties to function effectively, playing vital roles in sealing, vibration damping, noise reduction, and braking.
3. Vibration Dampening Products
Vibration dampeners are designed to reduce or prevent vibrations and noise in vehicles. These rubber components are used in areas such as engines, drivetrains, suspension systems, body parts, and exhaust systems. They absorb or reflect vibration energy and prevent resonance effects. Materials commonly used include natural rubber, chloroprene rubber (CR), nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber (SI), and butyl rubber (IIR). Vibration dampening rubber products have seen increased demand in recent years.
4. Hose Products
Automotive hoses are used across the chassis, engine, and body to transfer fluids, air, and energy. They serve functions like fuel, water, brake, vacuum, air conditioning, and cooling. Types of hoses include fuel hoses, water hoses, brake hoses, vacuum hoses, air conditioning hoses, radiator hoses, and power steering hoses.
5. Automotive Belts
Automotive belts include V-belts and timing belts. V-belts are the most widely used and come in various shapes, while timing belts feature teeth on the inner circumference that match with corresponding pulleys. Timing belts are typically made from rubber or polyurethane, with rubber timing belts usually made of chloroprene or saturated nitrile rubber for special applications.
6. Other Rubber Products
This category includes rubber mats (for floors and mudguards), interior automotive accessories, adhesives, and sealants. Floor mats are used to provide noise reduction and prevent slippage. Wiper blades ensure visibility during rain or snow by clearing the windshield, while adhesives are used for bonding interior materials and providing protection to the underside of the vehicle.
This summary covers the key rubber products used in automotive applications, highlighting their essential functions in ensuring vehicle performance, safety, and comfort.
