Here are some of the more important words for you to know in order to successfully manage your car’s automotive repair. You are more likely to get the repairs you need and be happy with the results if you understand the terms used by your European auto repair service in describing the problems and solutions.
air filter
Auto air filters are thin paper or synthetic filters that collect dirt and debris as air circulates in the engine. Air filters for European vehicles should be changed before they become clogged and restrict air flow. How often you need to do this varies depending on how you drive and the places your vehicle is driven. For example, cars driven mainly in cities and on freeways may only need to have their air filters changed every year, or every 15,000 miles. Vehicles driven in the country or on dirt roads may require much more frequent changes.
aftermarket car parts
Any car parts not produced by the original manufacturer. They are made to function like OEM parts, but often cost less. Beware of cheap aftermarket car parts, as these may not wear as well or fit as tightly as original parts. Most European auto repair services recommend OEM parts rather than aftermarket parts whenever possible to maintain the quality and value of the vehicle.
European auto repair shop
A car repair service that is hired maintain and repair clients’ vehicles. European auto repair shops maintain and repair European vehicle brands, including Volvo, Smart, BMW, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Mini, MG, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Audi, Saab, Aston Martin, Fiat, Porsche and Rolls Royce.
classic automobile
A vehicle between 20 and 40 years in age, according to the standards of the Classic Car Club of America. Some popular classic European cars include Alfa Romeo GTZ, Ferrari 308 GTB, Porsche 911T, Mercedes 300SL, Mercedes 300 W 186, BMW 635 CSI, Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, Aston Martin DB4 Zagato, Austin Healy 3000 MkII and Jaguar XKE.
Also known as: classic car, vintage car, old car, antique car
clutch
The transmission device which transfers the engine’s power between its components. Clutches are a characteristic feature of European cars, such as the Porsche and Alfa Romeo.
chassis
The vehicle’s undercarriage, where all the powertrain and suspension components are located.
crankshaft
Sometimes just called the crank, this part of a car’s engine ensures that the pistons are rotating properly.
European cars
Any car which is manufactured in Europe. Commonly known European cars include Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Ferrari, Porsche, Volkswagen (VW), Mini, and Jaguar.
exhaust
The gases ejected from a car’s engine in the form of waste.
foreign auto repair shop
An auto repair shop that specifically concentrates on maintenance and repairs for cars not built in the United States.
Also known as: mechanic, auto service, auto repair service, auto body repair, auto garage
front wheel drive
Driving system that focuses on the car’s front two wheels, in either automatic or manual shift.
fluid change
This is a standard practice for auto maintenance, in which a car’s oil is changed, and the fluids of the engine, transmission, radiator / cooling system, battery, brakes, window washer, and air conditioning system are also assessed.
Also known as: oil change, transmission fluid
horsepower
The amount of energy that a car’s engine can produce.
Also known as: supercharger, car performance, car motor performance
luxury car
Any car that provides desirable yet not entirely necessary features at a higher cost than other vehicles. Well known luxury car brands frequently come from Europe and include Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Jaguar, and Volvo, among others.
make
The name of the car’s brand or manufacturer, i.e. Audi, Jaguar, Porsche, Citroen, Seat or Volkswagen.
model
The name of the specific type of car. Examples include Volkswagen Jetta, BMW 3-Series, BMW 5-Series, Mini Cooper, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A5.
OEM
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. OEM means that auto parts used for a repair job were made by the car’s actual manufacturer. They are pricier than aftermarket parts, but they are a better fit for the car, more durable, and usually include warranty coverage. Most European auto repair sources recommend OEM parts to keep vehicles running as the manufacturer intended.
power train
A term that refers to the car’s engine and transmission, which power the car.
RPM
“Revolutions per minute.” The speed at which the crankshaft of the engine turns.
salvaged part
This is an auto part recycled from another car. Frequently cheap, these parts rarely have warranties and can’t be guaranteed. For rare or older European cars, salvaged parts can sometimes be a last option for hard-to-find parts.
serpentine belt
A long belt that helps several components of an engine to work, including the air pump, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator.
shocks
Better known as shock absorbers.” These parts work with the brakes in order to soften how a car rides. Experts recommend replacing shocks once every 50,000 miles.
stick shift
Manually operated transmission, with the shift lever set on the steering column or the floor; a common fixture in European vehicles.
struts
An integral part of any vehicle, especially for those with front wheel drive. Located near the front of a car’s undercarriage, struts feature coil springs, spring seats, a strut bearing, and the steering knuckles, in addition to the shocks.
timing belt
The belt is covered in teeth, operated by the crankshaft. Timing belt problems typically include improperly open valves, which can be bent out of shape by the engine’s pistons.
transmission
The complex of gears, shafts, and the like that transmit a car’s power from its engine to its driving wheels.
Also known as: automatic transmission, manual transmission, transmission repair
undercarriage
A car’s underside that provides a supportive framework for the vehicle’s parts.
upholstery
The interior features and design of a car’s interior, particularly its seats and flooring.
Read moreRead less