 
Copper is an important component in automobiles. Copper represents
6-9% by weight of a typical car. The average car contains about 20
kilograms (45 pounds) of copper.
Copper is an essential component in the wiring harness, windings of
the alternator, starter motor, auxiliary motors, and for actuators.
Copper alloys are required for conductive spring clips, terminals,
and connectors, and are used for bearings, gears, and valve guides.
Small machined components can be made cheaper in brass than in steel
and do not need such critical protection against corrosion.
The heads, cores, and crimped fins of radiators are generally made
with copper, and the tubes are made with thin brass strip of foil.
In the next few years, new light-weight copper-brass radiators will
be introduced to the market which are expected to last for 10 years
and will provide over 800,000 kilometers (500,000 miles) of service.
When the usable lifetime of the radiators has expired, the copper
in the radiators can be recycled into the next generation of radiators
or developed into other copper products.
Copper may soon regain its position as the preferred material of choice
in automotive brake tubing systems, which carry pressurized fluids
between the master cylinder and the cylinders at the wheel. An alloy
containing 90% copper has been demonstrated to be corrosion resistant
to road salt, which will enable copper to compete once again with
existing materials. |
