The chassis supports the body.
Chassis is a term that comes from the French word châssis . Although it is a concept that is frequently used, misunderstandings often occur with its meaning or scope, since it is often confused with other structures .
The frame that supports the body of a car is called chassis, or chassis (with an accent on the I ). From this definition, we can already see that the chassis and the body are different things.
What is the chassis
It can be said that the chassis is the skeleton of the vehicle. It is an internal component that integrates and supports the engine, transmission and suspension, among other mechanisms and systems essential for the operation of this means of transportation.
The stability and robustness of a car depend largely on the chassis. It is important to keep in mind that it makes it possible to assemble the rest of the parts and devices that make up the car .
Generally the chassis consists of beams and tubes of different calibers depending on their function. The most used materials are metals and alloys .
Classification according to type
There are two main types of chassis: the independent chassis and the monocoque or self-supporting chassis . In the case of the independent chassis, it can be a frame or a central tunnel .
The frame-independent chassis is made up of transverse beams (known as crossmembers ) and longitudinal beams (the stringers ). All the parts and mechanical assemblies of the vehicle are fixed to it in various ways. It should be noted that this frame - used by trucks , buses , and off-road vehicles - is often also referred to as a chassis.
In some cases, chassis is used as a synonym for frame.
The central tunnel chassis , meanwhile, has a rectangular tube structure, to which the suspension anchors are linked. Therefore, it lacks the cross members and stringers that the frame chassis features.
The monocoque chassis , for its part, is characterized by its manufacturing method. This chassis is built in a single piece : the various mechanisms and structures, including the body, are joined together using welding . This chassis is used in most automobiles or cars .
Differences between the chassis, body, frame and platform
We already indicated that the chassis is the internal structure of a car that supports the body and serves to integrate the other components of the vehicle. The idea of a frame can also refer to this type of frame, although it usually refers specifically to a part of the chassis (specifically the structure formed by the cross members and the side members).
According to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), the notion of platform can be used to refer to the chassis or frame. Another definition, however, speaks of the platform as the assembly formed by the base, steering, axles, suspension and engine compartment. This set can be shared by different brands in various models.
As for the body , it is the part of the car that is located on the chassis, covering the engine and providing the interior space for the transfer of passengers and luggage. The shape of the body means that a car can be a sedan, coupe, three-door, five-door or family car, for example.