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Forty years since the discovery of Santoprene thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), its application is still not showing signs of slowing down. The steady use is attributed to increased capacities in research and development, as well as collaborations with consumers in finding the best application for TPV. If you are in the automotive repair business, then this is good news. It is an indication that the production and utilisation of TPV Santoprene in the automotive industry are moving in the right direction. This article highlights some of the trends involving TPV Santoprene application in the automotive industry.

Weight Reduction

The automobile industry has realised that consumers need vehicles that have better mileage and abide by government standards on emissions. For this reason, more car parts are being made from TPV because of the material's lightweight. As an auto shop owner, therefore, you need to stock parts that are made from TPV. For instance, if a client needs to change the exterior and interior look of their vehicle, it is prudent to propose the replacement of individual parts with TPV components. The advantage of using TPV spare parts is that they help to reduce the total weight of the vehicle by as much as 5%, which improves fuel consumption and enhances vehicular dynamics.

Extra Soft Touch

Typically, drivers rest their hands on the steering wheel for the entire duration of a journey. Therefore, it is essential for the steering wheel to feel as comfortable as possible. While innovations that have produced ergonomic steering wheels that are comfortable for drivers, consumers are demanding more as cars become ubiquitous in households. For this reason, research and development efforts have led to the development of soft grade TPVs that are excellent for steering wheels. If you want your client to have a different experience on their steering wheel, replace their steering wheel with the soft grade TPV type.

Window Encapsulation

Few car owners pay little attention to the rear quarter window. Consequently, car owners neglect taking care of the window and in most cases, they let the seal peel until it is too late. If you have such a client, then it would be best to replace the rear quarter window with a sealant that is made from TPV. Such seals adhere well to glass, are weather- and scratch-resistant, and have a high flow that reduces chances of breakage. Most importantly, such seals are squeak-resistant, thereby eliminating unnecessary noises during operation.