Why are we starting to see more plastic looking engine mounts?

In their pursuit to cut emissions, vehicle manufacturers (VM) are intent on reducing the weight of their vehicles, as a 10% weight saving can lead to an impressive 6-8% reduction in fuel consumption and subsequently, emissions.

Innovative solutions have allowed lighter materials, such as plastics to be used in a far wider range of components, consequently reducing the overall vehicle weight. When it comes to load bearing structural elements like Engine Mounts, steel and aluminium structures have traditionally been used, however, Engine mounts with the structural part made from plastics are appearing more regularly on mainstream production vehicles, such as on the Vauxhall Astra 09> (First Line – FEM4097) and on the Vauxhall Vectra 02>09 (First Line – FEM3999).

There is a danger that the use of plastic in these components may cause technicians to think that they are of less quality and strength, however this is not the case. The plastics used are incredibly strong and have some great advantages compared to aluminium and steel, such as weight reduction and greater comfort and control.

Let's be reminded that in the world of Aerospace and Motorsport, plastics re-enforced with carbon fibre (CFRP) are commonly used, however it is expensive to produce. Vehicle manufacturers are investing in the production of CFRP, as its value outweighs its cost. Therefore as time goes by, we will see more and more products manufactured using CFRP being fitted to the mainstream vehicles and consequently being supplied by First Line.