What Are The A, B, C, And D Pillars In A Car?

A car is like a building supported by roofs, pillars, and a floor. A car stands on six pillars or columns, sometimes called posts. Different types of cars also sport the D and E pillars. You can identify all the three pillars separately if you look at the vehicle from a side profile. Pillar A is the sloping pillar that supports the windshield. Pillar B is right behind the front door hiding the seat belt mechanism and the locks for the front door. The third pillar, pillar C is the last one in the case of smaller vehicles and sedans and includes the seat belt mechanism for the rear seat and the locks for the back door. Larger vehicles or even large sedans with the third row for seating often have a D Pillar. There are also specialty cars with several B pillars referred to as B1, B2, etc. This is often the case with limousines. 

Let’s take a look at all the pillars in detail. We will then discuss the importance of these pillars in a car. 

Pillar A- The One With The Windshield

The first pillar of the car is the one that holds the windshield from side to side. The design of the window between the front glass and the first side window of most cars has gone under various modifications over time. To ensure safety and compliance, manufacturers add airbags to this pillar. 

During the 60s, A car pillars used to be comparatively \thin compared to the ones we have today. Safety measures and regulations have made the old hard tops invisible in the market. However, the hardtop look lives on with so many manufacturers trying to merge it with the windows as much as possible and giving the windows a single chrome outer lining. It is important to note that if the A-pillar is too wide, it can cause issues in terms of pedestrian visibility at cross points which might prove fatal. 

Pillar B - Safety Matters

The pillar right behind the front seats with the safety mechanism and locks for the front doors is Pillar B. If we look at older cars, this pillar did not exist at all in many cases. However, for safety reasons and to make the vehicle sturdier and more stable, manufacturers gradually incorporated B pillars in car designs over the past few decades. It is the most complex pillar in the car because it holds the locks for the front door, the hinges for the rear door, and supports the roof. Most manufacturers make this pillar as sturdy as possible because the car roof rests on it. It is vital to the structural support of the car. 

Manufacturers are working to help passengers have a better view and enhanced safety by reducing the width of this pillar. 

Pillar C - The Rear Pillar

It is the last pillar in most cars. This pillar holds the latches of the rear door, the safety mechanism for the passenger seats, and supports the rear glass.

Pillar D - Just For SUVs And Station Wagons

The last pillar for SUVs and station wagons is not pillar C, but pillar D. Pillar D is not common in all cars. It only features in vehicles which have a third seating row. It does for SUVs what the C pillar does for sedans, hatchbacks, and smaller cars. 

Summary

The pillars of a car provide it with structural strength. Pillar names help consumers identify the car structure and understand the reviews better. For example, if I say, pillar B has a dent on the left side of the car, it will be much easier for you to spot the dent. These nomenclatures help rescue teams to help victims in case of accidents as well. Saying the front end or the rear end might confuse the rescue team. 

Maintaining pillars in shape is critical to car safety. When making modifications, though, many people overlook safety and just go by the aesthetics of the car before changing the frame of the vehicle. It is not advisable to get modifications done to the body without an expert because these pillars come with specifications for repair in the case of wear and tear. That’s all about car pillars. Safe travels!

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