What Types of Adhesive Tapes Are Used in Automobiles?
What Types of Adhesive Tapes Are Used in Automobiles? Here's What the Industry Doesn’t Always Tell You
Introduction: Tapes — The Hidden Heroes in Every Vehicle
When you think of what holds a car together, you probably imagine bolts, welding, or maybe glue. But industrial adhesive tapes are the unsung heroes in every vehicle on the road today.
From holding down wire bundles to sealing window frames and keeping panels vibration-free, automotive tapes have become a critical part of vehicle manufacturing and repair. At Abendo, we work directly with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and repair professionals to supply automotive-grade adhesive solutions that go far beyond the basics.
Let’s take a look under the hood — literally — and explore the surprising range of tapes used in modern cars.
1. Wire Harness Tape – Protecting the Nerve System of the Car
Use:
Bundling and protecting electrical cables and wiring throughout the vehicle.
Common Type:
PET cloth tape or non-woven fleece tape
Heat-resistant, abrasion-resistant, noise-dampening
Why It Matters:
Modern vehicles are packed with electronics. These tapes ensure quiet cabins, stable connections, and long-term reliability under heat, vibration, and moisture.
2. Masking Tape – For Perfect Paint Lines
Use:
During painting and detailing, masking tape is used to block off trim, windows, and adjacent body areas.
Common Type:
Crepe paper tape or PE masking film with adhesive edge
Features:
Clean peel with no residue
UV- and solvent-resistant
Works in both manual and automated systems
3. Double-Sided Tape – For Trim, Badges, and Sensors
Use:
Permanent bonding of emblems, moldings, cameras, and sensors.
Common Type:
Acrylic foam tapes or modified PE tapes
High tack and peel strength with long-term weather resistance
Why It Matters:
No drilling. No screws. Clean, fast, and lightweight solutions — a must for EVs and modern lightweight designs.
Abendo Insight:
We offer die-cut custom sizes and VHB-grade double-sided tapes that are widely used in automotive interiors and exteriors.
4. Anti-Rattle / NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) Tapes
Use:
Eliminating buzzing, squeaking, and rattling between plastic or metal surfaces.
Common Type:
Felt tapes, PU foam tapes, acoustic fabric tapes
Where It’s Used:
Inside door panels
Dashboard assemblies
HVAC systems
Seat structures
5. Surface Protection Film – During Assembly or Shipping
Use:
Temporary protection of painted surfaces, screens, trim, and bumpers.
Common Type:
LDPE film with removable adhesive
UV and scratch resistant
Why It Matters:
Keeps vehicles looking flawless from the assembly line to the showroom.
6. Sealing and Bonding Tapes – For Weatherproofing and Insulation
Use:
Sealing door frames, windows, sunroofs, battery packs, or HVAC ducts.
Common Type:
Thermally conductive adhesive tape (for EVs)
7. Specialty Automotive Tapes for Electric Vehicles (EVs)
As electric mobility grows, new demands emerge:
Flame-retardant tapes for high-voltage components
Thermal interface tapes for battery cooling systems
Why OEMs Are Choosing Tape Over Traditional Fixings
Weight Reduction: Every gram counts — tapes are lighter than screws or welds
Faster Assembly: No curing, no drying, no hardware
Cleaner Aesthetics: Invisible bonding
Durability: UV-, water-, and heat-resistance built in
Conclusion: Tapes Are Driving the Future of Mobility
From classic sedans to cutting-edge EVs, automotive tapes are everywhere — just hidden from sight. Whether you’re looking to streamline production, enhance performance, or solve a tricky bonding issue, there’s a tape for that.
At Abendo, we’re not just a tape supplier — we’re a partner in your engineering process. From prototype to mass production, we help you choose the right adhesive solution for every application.
Ready to Discuss Your Automotive Tape Needs?
Get in touch with our application engineers today.
Request a free sample kit or start a custom die-cut project with Abendo.
Keyword:
automotive tape,wire harness tape,double-sided automotive tape,industrial car tape
RELATED NEWS
Copyright © 2021 abendo All rights reserved.
LET'S GET IN TOUCH