Uses of Rubber in the Automotive Industry

5th January, 2026

The automotive industry spans the globe, with worldwide motor vehicle production in 2024 reaching over 92.5 million units. With the rise of electric vehicles and new technology being incorporated into the production of road cars, the automotive industry is in a period of change, development and growth globally.

Other aspects of the automotive industry, like the motorsport sector or classic car area, remain prominent areas for engineers and manufacturers. Since different automotive rubber parts are needed for racing cars compared to classic cars, the industry is so vast with current trends in the rubber industry constantly changing.

This guide to the uses of rubber in the automotive industry will explore road cars, racing cars and classic cars, where rubber is used, why rubber is so important, the materials used in automotive applications and how to maintain them for optimal performance and prolonged use.

What is the automotive industry?

One of the world’s largest economic sectors, the automotive industry incorporates the design, development, manufacture and repair of motor vehicles, including road cars, trucks, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. People often oversee the fact that the automotive industry is made up of more than just road vehicles, including racing cars which are used in motorsport categories across the world and classic cars, such as the restoration and upkeep of vintage vehicles.

In the UK, the automotive includes the production of cars and engine manufacturing, with a strong presence in luxury cars, performance cars and racing cars in the motorsport industry. Whilst many cars are imported from outside the UK, including vehicle parts and components, a large portion of UK-built vehicles are exported to other countries.

The UK automotive industry also invests heavily in research and development which fuels innovation and drives economic growth through employment opportunities, exports and investment, whilst advancing key technologies, such as electric vehicles and the rise of digitalisation.

The automotive industry in the UK is therefore extremely diverse; from mass-market road vehicles to performance and motorsport-related manufacturing, the UK has a distinctive niche in the sector.

Some of the UK’s most notable automotive companies include luxury and sports car brands like Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls Royce – who are also responsible for engine technology in the automotive and aerospace sectors – and high-volume manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover and Mini.

During the design and manufacture process of any automotive application, the consideration and use of rubber materials and products are critical to ensure safety, longevity and practicality. At Aquaseal Rubber, we produce bespoke rubber solutions for a range of projects, including a range of automotive applications.

Where is rubber used in the automotive industry?

Rubber is used across several important applications in the automotive industry. From road cars where the focus is on passenger comfort and safety to racing cars where speed and precision is key, and classic cars where preserving collectible and iconic vintage vehicles is the goal, automotive rubber is vast and used for numerous reasons.

Road cars

In vehicles that operate on the roads, comfort and safety is the top priority. Therefore, rubber is a crucial material for road cars and is found in the following areas:

• Tyres: rubber provides grip and stability for drivers through tyres, ensuring and enhancing safety in different driving conditions.
• Engine mounts: used to offer vibration, shock absorption and noise dampening, engine and body mounts are used to absorb road impacts before they reach passengers in the vehicle.
• Rubber seals: weatherproofing road cars is essential at different times in the year, and rubber seals are used to ensure water, dust and noise are kept out of the vehicle.
• Hoses and tubing: found under the bonnet, rubber hoses and tubing are used for coolant, fuel, brake system hoses and air intake ducts, ensuring the vehicle is operating optimally with the fluids it needs.
• Interior components: rubber is also found inside road cars, in floor mats, pedal pads and switches or button surrounds to ensure comfort for drivers and passengers alike.
• Elastomers: electrical insulation is critical in road cars to ensure heat protection, flexibility and moisture resistance

Rubber materials, like fluoroelastomers, are commonly found in electric vehicles. Most commonly, rubber is used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, as well as in non-active components, including binders, separators and high-voltage cable insulation.

Racing cars

Motorsport is a fast-paced sector of the automotive industry where speed, strategy and safety are critical. Rubber plays an essential role across different applications in racing cars and their surrounding environment to support these high-performance teams to reach one goal: to win.

In racing cars, automotive rubber materials are found in:

• Tyre compounds: in racing, tyres consist of numerous types of rubber, from natural rubber for its durability and strong grip to synthetic rubbers for its heat resistance and ability to be fine-tuned.
• Rubber seals: used for radiators, airboxes and fuel systems, rubber seals keep applications airtight and prevent dangerous leaks and spillages.
• Engine seals: racing cars operate in high-temperatures and experience high-temperatures within the operating systems, so engine seals are used to ensure the chassis holds its form, even in extremely hot conditions.
• Suspension bushings: a critical aspect of a racing car, suspension bushings and engine mounts are used to absorb violent vibrations from contact with other cars or safety barriers.
• Rubber hoses and tubing: fuel-delivery systems, oil systems and cooling systems, like coolant lines, are essential in racing cars and all use rubber hoses and tubing to ensure the safe transport of these fluids.

Polyurethane plastic products also play an important part in different applications in motorsport.

Classic cars

Automotive rubber products are commonly used in classic car restoration projects because they can be tailored to meet certain specifications to improve older cars, for which the original manufacturer may no longer be producing parts. Standard seals don’t always work on classic car restoration projects, so bespoke rubber solutions can include:

• Tyres: classic car tyres may seem fine, but if the rubber is old and cracked, they can be dangerous, so natural and synthetic rubbers can be used for tyres, as well as inner tubes and valve stems.
• Seals: often the most commonly replaced items in classic cars to support weatherproofing, rubber is used for door, boot and bonnet rubber seals, as well as windscreen and rear window rubber gaskets.
• Suspension bushings: used to replace hardened or cracked old rubber, suspension bushings help isolate vibration.
• Hoses and tubing: older cars rely heavily on rubber hoses and tubing, like radiator or coolant and heater hoses or vacuum lines.
• Interior components: since rubber is used throughout the interior of classic cars, it can be manufactured for pedal covers, handbrake gaiters and door bump stops – and more – to restore the original feel of the car.

Rubber parts for classic cars are designed to meet bespoke specifications by our team at Aquaseal Rubber to ensure they fit perfectly with your vehicle. This maintains the authenticity of classic cars whilst enhancing performance and reliability.

What rubber materials are used in the automotive industry?

Automotive rubber products can be made from an extensive range of rubber materials. Rubber has a range of unique properties – from flexibility and strength to chemical, temperature and fuel resistance – meaning it is an extremely common choice for the automotive industry.

Rubber in automotive industry applications must meet several requirements, including safety, precision and comfort for drivers, passengers and collectors, all whilst ensuring optimal performance and maximum practicality.

To ensure requirements are met, different rubber materials are offered to be used in the automotive industry. Some materials can be used across road, racing and classic cars, whilst others are more suited to certain areas. These include:

• Natural rubber: used across all three sectors, natural rubber is an excellent choice for automotive rubber because of its high elasticity and tear resistance, durability, abrasion resistance and strong grip. Natural rubber can be mixed with synthetic rubbers to create a more bespoke type of product or can be used alone.
• Synthetic rubber: materials like styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and butyl rubber are often used in all sectors because of its high wear resistance, durability and oil and fuel resistance, as well as its ability to be engineered for specific properties through the synthetic rubber production process.
• Nitrile: found predominantly in road cars and classic cars, nitrile is used in fuel system seals for its resistance to oils, fuels and chemicals and in engine bay hoses to support the safe transport of these essential fluids.
• EPDM: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, or EPDM, is found in racing and classic cars, used to support radiator hoses, coolant lines or to maintain brake system components to improve safety.

Natural and synthetic rubbers are used across different automotive rubber applications. A full list of our rubber in automotive industry materials at Aquaseal Rubber is available on our wider automotive page.

What are the best ways to maintain rubber in the automotive industry?

Regardless of its uses, looking after rubber products is essential to expand its lifespan and ensure optimal performance. In the automotive industry, rubber plays such a crucial role in safety and precision and extensive uses causes rubber to deteriorate, so it is important that your products are properly maintained.

Automotive rubber products can be cared for through:

• Regular and thorough cleaning: using mild soap and warm water, cleaning rubber projects can eradicate problematic contaminants like dirt, road salt, brake dust and oils which accelerate rubber deterioration.
• Protecting against UV, heat and ozone damage: as the top causes of rubber cracking, it is important to create a barrier that reduces oxidation using silicone-based rubber conditioners or glycerine-based rubber care products.
• Inspection and early replacement: rubber failure is predictable and by completing regular checks, you can identify cracks, hardening, swelling or damaged seals early, ultimately preventing breakdowns and leaks.
• Choosing modern rubber where possible: especially important in classic car restoration, using modern rubber can ensure better performance; choose EPDM, silicone, fluoroelastomers or viton to support your vehicle.

Aquaseal Rubber can support your automotive rubber applications

At Aquaseal Rubber, we understand the importance of selecting the right rubber material for your automotive application, especially since the automotive industry operates at a fast pace whilst prioritising safety. We can also produce polyurethane plastic products for your application, since polyurethane is important in the automotive industry.

We are proud to support clients on a global basis with bespoke automotive rubber solutions. If you are looking for bespoke rubber solutions for your automotive project, contact us to see how our team can help you.