How do I know what the shell of my car is made of?

Question

How do I know what the shell (outside of my car is made of)? How do i know if it is metal, fiberglass, or plastic? PS I have a 2004 KIA Rio if that helps. Thanks

What about the frame of my car.

Answer 1

It's steel. All Kias are. It's a unibody and doesn't have a traditional frame though there is a sub-frame up front. Stick a magnet on it and you'll know that it's steel.

Answer 2

Well, they sound different when you knock on them. You could also look at the inside of the body panels. Best place would be under the hood, toward one of the fenders, or inside the trunk.
Additionally, many car bodies are made with a combination of materials. For instance, your fenders and doors might be metal, while your trunk and hood are made of fiberglass. It's done to help reduce weight, and manufacturing costs. It just depends on the vehicle you own.
I just saw your question about your car's frame, so I had to add to my answer.
Your car is a newer model, so most likely ( with exception to the actual cage of course, which is metal ) it has what is called a "rail system", which is usually metal. When a body panel is replaced, if there is any damage to the rail, they remove that piece, and replace it; then attach the new body panel. Pretty ingenious.

Answer 3

It's made of steel.

Knock it, it will sound metallic.
Fibreglass will sound hollow and plasticky. Look on the inside of panels and you will most likely be able to se the fibreglass matting.
Plastic will sound hollow and plasticky too!

Hope this helps :-)

Answer 4

it is made of steel...use a magnet...frame the same

Answer 5

STEEL AND STEEL................