Not everyone is a major car enthusiast; it’s easy to get lost in automotive jargon when speaking to a mechanic. It may even feel like they’re speaking an entirely different language altogether. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the meanings of commonly used automotive terms to effectively communicate with your mechanic.
ABS – Anti-lock Braking System. If you find yourself slamming on your brakes, the ABS helps your wheels grip the road and prevents them from locking up.
Aftermarket – Automotive parts that aren’t made by the original manufacturer but can be used as replacements or enhancements.
ASE– Automotive Service Excellence. This professional certification requires a mechanic to have at least two years of on-the-job training and pass a skill test.
Battery – The component under your hood that stores electrical power needed to start your vehicle.
Coolant (Anti-freeze) – A liquid that transfers heat throughout the engine to avoid damage caused by boiling or freezing temperatures.
Drivetrain – All the components of your car that provide power to the wheels, including the transmission, driveshafts, and differentials.
Emissions – Pollutants released by a vehicle, regulated by the EPA to ensure they are within safe limits for the environment.
Fuel Economy – How far a vehicle can travel based on the amount of fuel it consumes, usually measured in miles per gallon (MPG).
OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer. Vehicle parts created by the original manufacturer.
PSI– Pounds per Square Inch, measuring the air pressure inside your tires.
Pulling – When a vehicle's steering wheel pulls to the left or right on its own, even though you’re trying to drive straight.
Recall – When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies a safety defect in a car model that does not comply with federal safety standards.
Thermostat – Regulates engine temperature by controlling the flow of coolant.
Tire Pressure– The amount of air inside a vehicle’s tires, expressed in PSI.
TPMS– Tire Pressure Monitoring System; alerts you if your tire pressure is too low.
VIN – Vehicle Identification Number, a unique identifier for each vehicle.
Water Pump – Circulates coolant through the radiator, heater, and engine to maintain optimal temperatures
Alternator – Generates electrical power to recharge the battery and power the electrical systems when the engine is running.
Chassis– The frame of the vehicle, which supports the body and other components.
Torque – A measure of the rotational force produced by the engine, often influencing a vehicle's acceleration and towing capacity.
Transmission – A system that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move at various speeds.
This glossary includes a great list of terms that you should have on hand to understand specific aspects of your vehicle. It also helps to understand the most commonly used terms to communicate effectively with others. There may be other terms that are commonly used depending on your specific car make or model, but this is a great starting point.