D-pillar
Rearmost roof support
The D-pillar is the rearmost vertical or near-vertical roof support in a vehicle, found only in longer-bodied cars like station wagons, SUVs, and minivans.
Pillars are lettered front to back—A-pillar at the windshield, B-pillar behind the front doors, C-pillar further back, and D-pillar at the rear window or hatch.
The D-pillar on that SUV creates a massive blind spot.
Car body over wheel
- rooflineUpper building contour
- rear windowVehicle's rearward visibility panel
- tailgateRear vehicle hatch
- liftgateHinged rear vehicle panel
hatchback · station wagon · SUV · crossover · minivan · cargo area · taillights · spoiler
State of being unbending
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
- chassisStructural support base
- unibodyIntegrated structural shell
- monocoqueSelf-supporting outer structure
bodywork · frame · strength · welding · stamping · structural integrity
Area of blocked perception
- backup cameraVehicle rear-vision system
- parking sensorsVehicle proximity detection system
- rear-view mirrorWindshield-mounted backward reflector
- shoulder checkBrief look behind you
Mechanisms minimizing collision harm
- side impactCollision from the flank
- rolloverVehicle flipping accident
- airbagsCrash-activated vehicle cushions
- crumple zoneDesigned-to-deform safety structure
quarter panel
Car body over wheel
- rooflineUpper building contour
- rear windowVehicle's rearward visibility panel
- tailgateRear vehicle hatch
liftgate · hatchback · station wagon · SUV · crossover · minivan · cargo area · taillights · spoiler · body panel
rigidity
State of being unbending
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
- chassisStructural support base
- unibodyIntegrated structural shell
monocoque · bodywork · frame · strength · welding · stamping · structural integrity
blind spot
Area of blocked perception
- backup cameraVehicle rear-vision system
- parking sensorsVehicle proximity detection system
- rear-view mirrorWindshield-mounted backward reflector
crash protection
Mechanisms minimizing collision harm
- side impactCollision from the flank
- rolloverVehicle flipping accident
- airbagsCrash-activated vehicle cushions
- car structurechassis, monocoque, body panels, car frame, car body