According to some researchers and specialists, the main problem with cars today is that they are primarily made out of steel. In this article, we'll explore how and why advancing technologies in plastic may be the best alternative to steel cars. Read on to find out.
What is the problem with steel as a primary manufacturing material for our vehicles? It not only weighs a lot, thereby contributing to low mileage ratios, but also leaves a great carbon footprint with all the industrial manufacturing that must be done to produce steel. Plants, mills, electrical exertion, and energy consumption also contribute to increasing costs of vehicles, which is a direct reflection of the amount of energy that must be put forth to manufacture steel.
A proposed alternative is turning to more lightweight, but still durable and strong materials. Since weight is by far has a great influence on fuel efficiency and optimal movement, there is certainly more economic material than steel. Research is under development to develop a carbon fiber car, which was introduced in 1978. However, the small car structure remained unattractive to car manufacturers due to small profit margins. Recent more developments have been focused on plastic composites in addition to carbon fiber materials to improve the crash resistance on larger models such as cross-overs and SUV's. Another experiment focuses on producing cars made from thermoplastic technology and even agricultural resin.
It is still uncertain when we will see primarily plastic cars in the market. When more information is found, the options should be boundless as more non-traditional manufacturers enter the market of more eco-friendly and innovative car production. As more light weight composites are being integrated into car design, the more we will save on gas mileage. All we can do now is drive as safely and as economically as we can. This means that electric cars will need to invade the market first. And more effort must be geared towards not only primary materials but working on a more lightweight body frame for cars.
Plastics are also being introduced as the main component of your windshield. The process is called polycarbonate glazing, which offers a fifty percent weight reduction which can shave even more weight off a car's overall weight. In addition, polycarbonate glazing is not a new concept but can be designed to shatter in the event of a crash or collision in customized shapes and sizes. Although it is more expensive, extremely it can end up saving you more money in terms of mileage efficiency, and makes for other customizable options easier to input due to its moldable characteristics.
Another way to be thrifty and frugal when it comes to your vehicle is saving money on auto insurance, which allows you to indulge the money you would have spent on highly monthly insurance rates towards these new, slightly more expensive but innovative features that are becoming available as technology advances. Shop and compare insurance rates and keep your eyes paleed; your next car may just be made from plastic!