Basic engine, safety and convenience systems in cars rely on wiring harnesses to get the job done. This bundled collection of wires, connectors and terminals is actively involved in transmitting power and data signals to different car parts, including control modules, sensors and switches. Their main aim is to ensure consistent functionality and reliability. Harnesses are the backbone of everything from lighting and power steering to recent safety systems such as Lane Keep Assist and Autonomous Braking.
They also ensure that wires and connectors are well-organised (and use less space), are shielded from external elements such as heat and moisture, and reduce the risk of malfunctions. Modern cars can have up to 40 harnesses, each with thousands of wires. To keep harnesses and wires bundled, secured and protected, car manufacturers use durable wire tape. This simple yet strong automotive cloth tape also helps with cabin comfort by reducing potential noises from vibrating harnesses and preventing everyday wear and tear.
Basics of Car Wiring Tape
Cloth tapes have replaced older PVC electrical tapes in protecting, securing and bundling wires and wiring harnesses. Fleece tape, in particular, is a popular option in everything from LED light conversions to sensor replacements and audio upgrades. This Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – based tape is lined with a woolly polyester backing material (thus the name) and is extensively used by OE manufacturers for general and specialty wiring. Compared to PVC and other common electrical tapes, fleece tape exhibits:
- Higher flexibility and conformability: The versatility and widespread use of fleece tape is down to its high flexibility and conformability. It can secure dozens of wires together and adhere to odd shapes and surfaces. PVC tapes, on the other hand, are less flexible and harder to work with.
- Very high tensile strength and elongation: With a tensile strength of 60N/m (or roughly four times that of ordinary PVC electrical tape), fleece tape is exceptionally strong. It also has 3 times better tear resistance and elongation.
- Abrasion, heat and chemical resistance: The fabric backing provides excellent protection against abrasions, ensuring wires and bundled harnesses are undamaged when in contact with other car parts, specifically metal panels. Moreover, tapes can withstand up to 200 degrees Celsius for shorter periods, or continuous temperatures of 105 degrees. This shields wires and connections near hot engine parts. Cloth tapes also perform better at preventing electrical faults with improved resistance to common vehicle chemicals such as engine oils and battery alkalis.
- Lower weight – wiring in new vehicles can stretch for miles, meaning considerable amounts of wire tape to bundle separate wires and wiring harnesses. This also means a lot of added weight. PET fleece tapes are lighter and less dense than comparable PVC tapes, resulting in weight savings and benefits such as lower fuel use.
- Better noise absorption – Non-woven PET tapes can reduce cabin sound from rattling and vibrating harnesses by up to 6 decibels, or a third in perceived volume. Conversely, you’ll be hearing more if you bundle wires and harnesses with electrical tape.
- Stronger adhesion: Lastly, choose PET automotive wire tape for its better adhesion. The tape maintains a strong bond with wire harnesses and bundled cables even under environmental stress (road debris, UV radiation, moisture, humidity, corrosion, etc.) PVC tapes, on the other hand, become brittle and can fade, crack or unravel over time.
Besides bundling and protecting wires, this versatile tape is suitable for residential wiring use, such as organising and securing wires in electrical panels, and for more demanding industrial applications, including insulating machinery, and ensuring safe and efficient wire and cable management. Being light, easy to tear (by hand along the width), and even easier to apply, the tape suits a variety of wiring needs.
Pair Fleece Tape with Underbody Wiring Tape for All-Round Protection
For exposed and wet areas such as the engine bay and the undercarriage, choose undebody cloth wiring tape. This is made of woven canvas, with enhanced resistance to wear and tear. Though similar to specialty fleece tape, underbody tape is twice as thin, even more flexible, though with slightly lower adhesion strength. It’s use in cramped and espeically hot vehicle area stems from its better liquid repellency, shielding wires and harnesses from water, oil and other potential external hazards. With a protective waterproffing coating, it’s especially efficient against engine and transmission oil, diesel and petrol fuel, coolant and leaking car batteries.
Like fleece tape, it can be torn be hand, is easy to apply, and with good adhesion stays on once applied. Both tapes are sold in varying lengths, but in standard wiring widths of 19/24/25mm. Shop for both fleece and underbody cloth wiring harness tape from specialised automotive stores for clean and protected wiring runs during general maintenance tasks, when upgrading and accessorising your vehicle or in car rebuilds and restorations.