The ultimate car owner’s Jargon Buster
Ever feel overwhelmed by the technical language surrounding cars and repairs? Not sure where to begin when it comes to explaining and understanding car maintenance? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
At Fixter, we want to make caring for your car as easy and convenient as possible. This includes demystifying the complex language related to car maintenance and ensuring that car owners understand what’s wrong with their car and how it can be fixed. That’s why we’ve created a handy car care jargon buster to help you wrap your head around the tricky automotive lingo, brush up on your knowledge of common car maintenance terms, and diagnose underlying car problems.
A
ABS = Anti-lock Braking System. Computerised system that uses sensors at each wheel to sense when the wheels are about to lock, and releases the brakes to prevent locking.
Air bag = An inflatable bag that inflates in the event of a sudden impact, to protect the driver and/or passengers from injury. They typically inflate with nitrogen gas at a speed of 1/20 of a second (faster than the blink of an eye), then deflate immediately following inflation, absorbing the impact as they do so.
Air conditioning (Aircon or AC) = A system that enables the temperature of the air inside the car to be lowered, and dehumidifies the air. A lifesaver on a hot summer’s day and great for rapid demisting.
Air filter = A renewable paper or foam filter that removes foreign particles and debris from the air that is drawn into the engine.
Airflow sensor = A sensor used in the engine management system to measure the amount of air being sucked into the engine.
Alternator = An electrical generator driven by the engine. It provides electricity to charge the battery and for the car’s electrical system when the car is running.
Anti-roll bar = A metal bar used in front and/or rear suspension systems to reduce the tendency of the car’s body to roll from side to side. Not all cars have them.
Automatic transmission fluid = A fluid that cools the transmission system and lubricates moving parts in automatic cars. Make sure your car’s transmission fluid level is always up to ‘full’ on the reservoir, but don’t overfill it.
B
Balljoint = A maintenance-free flexible joint used mainly in suspension and steering systems to allow for movement of the components. Consists of a metal ball and cup, with a rubber seal to retain the grease.
Battery = A ‘reservoir’ that stores electricity. It provides the power to start the engine, and powers the electrical systems when the engine is off. It is charged by the alternator when the engine is running.
Bore = A term used to describe the diameter of a cylinder in an engine.
Brake bleeding = A procedure for removing air from the brake hydraulic system.
Brake caliper = The part of a disc braking system that houses the brake pads and the hydraulic pistons. The caliper straddles the brake disc.
Brake disc = A rotating metal disc coupled to a roadwheel, which is clamped between two brake pads in a braking system. As the brake disc slows down due to friction, so does the car’s wheel.
Brake fluid = A hydraulic fluid resistant to high temperatures, used in hydraulic braking systems and some hydraulic clutch systems.
Brake pad = A metal plate, with a pad of hard-wearing friction material bonded to one side. When the brakes are applied the hydraulic pistons in the brake caliper push the brake pads against the brake disc.
C
Cam belt = See Timing belt.
Camshaft = A rotating shaft driven from the crankshaft, with lobes or cams used to operate the valves, via the valve gear.
Carburettor = A device used to blend the air and fuel mix in an engine to create the correct ratio for combustion. Carburettors have been replaced by fuel injectors, but are still found in older cars and machines with a small engine, such as lawnmowers.
Catalytic converter = A device fitted in the exhaust system that reduces the amount of harmful gases released into the atmosphere.
Coolant = A liquid consisting of a mixture of water and antifreeze, used in a car’s engine cooling system.
Coolant (water) pump = A pump driven by the engine that pumps the coolant around the cooling system.
Cooling fan = Electric or engine driven fan mounted at the front of the engine compartment and designed to cool the radiator.
Crankshaft = A cranked metal shaft that translates the up-and-down motion of the pistons and connecting rods into rotary motion.
Cylinder = A metal tube in the engine, in which a piston slides.
Cylinder head = The machined component that sits on top of the cylinder block, closing it to create the combustion chambers. It is important that there is good sealing between it and the block.
Cylinder head gasket = A gasket fitted to provide a leak-proof seal between an engine’s cylinder block and cylinder head.
D
Diagnostic check = performed by a mechanic to check for vehicle sensor faults. A specialised code reader is used to detect problems with your vehicle which may be difficult to spot manually.
Diagnostic light (engine warning light) = A warning light on a car’s dashboard that illuminates when a fault code has been stored in the engine electronic control unit memory.
Dipstick = A metal or plastic rod with graduated marks to check the level of a fluid.
Distributor = A device used to distribute the ignition HT circuit current to the individual spark plugs. The distributor may also control the ignition timing.
Drive belt = A belt, usually made from rubber, used to transmit drive between two pulleys or sprockets. Often used to drive the camshafts and engine ancillaries.
E
ECU (Engine Control Unit) = A unit that controls all elements of the engine to ensure optimum performance. Using a series of sensors, the ECU interprets data and uses it to control air/fuel mix, valve timing and more. It also monitors the emissions from the exhaust system and can sense when a problem has occurred. An engine warning light is illuminated when the ECU has discovered a problem.
EFI = Electronic Fuel Injection
EGR = Exhaust Gas Recirculation. An emissions control system that recirculates a proportion of the exhaust gases back into the engine, where they are burnt with fresh air/fuel mixture. Controlled by the EGR valve.
Engine oil = A fluid that lubricates all moving parts within the engine, reducing wear whilst allowing components to move freely. The engine oil level can be checked using a dipstick, and should be changed in line with the service schedule recommended by the manufacturer to maximise the life of the engine.
Engine warning light = See Diagnostic light
EV (Electric Vehicle) = A blanket term to describe any type of vehicle that is primarily powered by an electric motor.
Exhaust manifold = A device used for ducting the exhaust gases from the engine’s cylinder head into the exhaust system.
F
Fan belt = Another term for a drive belt. The term came about because on older cars a drive belt was used to drive the cooling fan. Electric cooling fans are used on most modern cars.
Fault code = An electronic code stored in your car’s electronic control unit which gives details of a fault detected by the self-diagnostic system. A warning light will usually illuminate to indicate a fault. A vehicle diagnostic check can help get to the root of the fault.
Fuel filter = A replaceable metal or plastic filter which prevents particles and contaminants in the fuel tank from reaching the engine.
Fuel pump = A small pump which sends the fuel from the tank to the engine. This is usually found in the fuel tank itself, and is electrically-powered on most modern cars.
G
Glow plug = The spark plug of diesel engines. An electrical heating device fitted into a diesel engine to help it start from cold. They help achieve the correct temperature by warming the air in the combustion chamber. Each cylinder usually has its own glow plug.
H
Head gasket = See Cylinder head gasket.
Hydraulic = A term used to describe the operation of a component or system using fluid pressure.
I
Idle speed = The running speed of an engine when the throttle is closed (when the car is at rest and the driver isn’t pressing the accelerator pedal).
Ignition coil = An electrical coil used to convert power from the low voltage systems used throughout the vehicle into the spark needed for an effective ignition in petrol vehicles.
Ignition system = The electrical system that controls the spark used to ignite the air/fuel mixture in petrol engines.
Ignition timing = Controlled by the ECU, ignition timing refers to the exact point at which a spark should occur in the combustion chamber, triggering ignition. The firing point is relative to the crankshaft speed and the position of the pistons.