Composites in Cars Are Here to Stay

By Chris Bonneau | September 2, 2025

Composites are made with two or more materials to create a product that is more useful than the individual materials alone. Automotive composite materials are primarily favored because of their high strength-to-weight ratio. These modern materials provide significant structural integrity while being significantly lighter than traditional materials like steel. The use of composites in cars has led to increased fuel efficiency, improved performance and other benefits without sacrificing safety.

While composites have changed vehicle designs mostly for the better, these modern materials pose unique challenges in collision repair. Repair technicians must manage unfamiliar materials, new technology and other advancements that require new skills and knowledge. Fortunately, SUN® Collision Repair Information provides on-demand OEM repair data no matter how advanced the repair.

How Composite Materials in Cars Have Transformed Design

Composites offer manufacturers the ability to create specialized materials for specific uses, from engine covers to body panels. Composite materials are not only stronger and lighter than traditional materials, but they can also be formulated to add rigidity, withstand high temperatures and meet many other specifications. Here’s a breakdown of the composite materials in cars that are already in use.

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Carbon fiber is used for structural elements, intake manifolds, engine covers and many other components because of its rigidity and temperature resistance. Often used in engine covers.

Ceramic Matrix Composites

Ceramic composites are found in exhaust systems, turbochargers and other components because the material resists thermal shock and has superior stability at high temperatures.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Fiberglass is often used for engine components and housing parts because of its affordability, thermal resistance and mechanical properties.

Metal Matrix Composites

Metal matrix composites are ideal for pistons, cylinder heads and other engine components because of their strength, rigidity and resistance to high temperatures.

Polymer Matrix Composites

Polymer-based materials are lightweight and can be molded into complex shapes, making them an excellent choice for gaskets, seals and other components that need flexibility.

Thermoplastic Composites

Thermoplastic materials are commonly used for non-structural components because they are light, strong and have high impact resistance.

While steel continues to be a staple for vehicle manufacturing, the use of modern materials like composites in cars and trucks is on the rise. Vehicle manufacturers continually innovate to create lighter and stronger components that will continue to transform the auto industry.

Composites in Cars and Trucks: What Technicians Should Know

Collision repair technicians have been working with high-strength steel, composites and other “modern” materials since the 90s. However, the unprecedented innovation in composite materials in cars over recent decades has created an uncharted territory for body shops. To perform safe and accurate repairs involving composites and other advanced materials, repair technicians must have the latest OEM tools and knowledge.

While technicians should always consult OEM repair procedures for composites, there is much more to the process. Investing in specialized training and certification programs is essential for learning composite repair methods and best practices. To maintain profitability in the age of automotive composite materials, body shops face challenges in addition to training. The ongoing innovation in vehicle materials, high cost of repairs and fluctuating parts availability will continue to be hurdles.

How Sun Collision Supports Repairs of Composites in Cars

When vehicle manufacturers seem to introduce new technologies and materials every year, keeping up with the latest repair information is challenging. The best way to manage repairs for advanced automotive plastics and composites is with advanced collision repair technology. SUN® Collision Repair Information gives body shops instant access to the most up-to-date collision repair data for materials, techniques and so much more.

Our powerful and easy-to-use proprietary search engine, 1Search Plus, lets technicians find the exact information they need when they need it. Finding the most relevant repair data, from diagnostics to paint and finishing, is fast and simple. When collision repair technicians can hit the ground running to start a repair, it makes the repair process more efficient and manageable. Features like the common repair module and SureTrack® ‘s network of professional technicians offer the extra support technicians need for safe and accurate repairs.

SUN Collision: Your One-Stop Resource for Staying Ahead of the Curve

SUN Collision Repair Information software gives repair technicians the latest tools to tackle even the most advanced composite materials in cars. When collision repair technicians have on-demand access to the most relevant and updated repair data, your body shop can be more efficient and perform better repairs. Confident and knowledgeable technicians not only perform at higher levels but also help build a healthier bottom line.

Invest in the most comprehensive collision repair resource to keep your body shop as efficient, productive and profitable as possible today and in the future. If you want to transform your body shop into a modern, up-to-date collision repair facility, you can put SUN Collision to work today. To learn more about how SUN helps you stay ahead of the curve, get your free no-obligation demo or talk with a collision repair expert at 877-840-1973.

SOURCES
https://www.fenderbender.com/running-a-shop/operations/article/33029347/plastic-repair-options-for-todays-vehicles
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359836817342063
https://www.mech.utah.edu/composites_cars/
https://www.automotive-iq.com/chassis-systems/articles/is-the-body-repair-industry-ready-for-the-composit