The key auto repair terms and descriptions below can help you steer your way through your auto’s repair from beginning to end.
air filter
A paper or synthetic filter that blocks dust, dirt and debris as air enters the engine.
Also known as: auto air filters, car air filter, performance air filter, auto air filter replacements, auto cabin air filter
aftermarket auto parts
Auto repair parts not made by the original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made to fit and function the same as the original parts, but they’re often less expensive than OEM parts. Some aftermarket auto parts are redesigned to increase performance.
Also known as: aftermarket parts, functionally-equivalent auto parts, off-brand auto parts, off-make auto parts, performance aftermarket parts
auto repair shop
An automotive repair shop that maintain and repair the internal working parts of automobiles. Some auto repair shops specialize in specific repairs, such as auto electrical repair shops, automobile brake shops, muffler repair shops and automobile engine repair shops. Other vehicle repair centers are general repair garages that do all types of maintenance and service repairs.
Also known as: car repair shop, auto mechanic shop, car mechanic shop, automobile repair shop, auto repair garage
anti-freeze
Liquid in the cooling system that dissipates heat. Antifreeze prevents freezing during winter, cools the engine in summer and protects the cooling system from corrosion and rust.
Also known as: coolant
auto electrical repair
Auto repairs to the electrical system of a vehicle, including alternator repair, auto starter repair, ignition repair, and auto electrical wiring repairs or replacement.
Also known as: automobile electrical repair, automotive electrical repair, car electrical repair, auto electrical services
catalytic converter
A vehicle’s catalytic converter isolates exhaust particles and burns them before they leave the tailpipe.
Also known as: cat, catcon
chassis
The underside of a vehicle is known as the chassis. The chassis carries all power train and suspension parts.
Also known as: framework, auto case, auto frame, auto undercarriage
control arms
The moving suspension components mounted between the vehicle frame and the wheels.
Also known as: car wishbone, auto double wishbone, vehicle suspension
crankcase
The largest engine section, the crankcase contains the crankshaft.
crankshaft
The rod that transfers power from the engine to the transmission.
Also known as: crank
differential
The differential is important for turning and cornering. It’s the gear system that allows one wheel to rotate faster than the other.
domestic auto repair shops
Auto repair garages that specialize in repairs on domestic vehicles. General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler (also known as The Big Three) are considered domestic vehicle manufacturers.
fast idle
When a vehicle’s engine runs fast while the vehicle is stopped and idling.
flooded engine
When too much fuel is in the cylinders and makes starting difficult or impossible.
Also known as: engine flooded with gas, car flooded, engine stall, flooded vehicle
foreign auto repair shops
Foreign auto repair shops perform repairs and maintenance on vehicles manufactured by foreign car companies, including some models built in the United States, including BMW, Toyota, Honda and Lexus.
four-wheel drive
4WD is a drive system that powers all four wheels and provides better traction during off-road use and poor weather conditions.
Also known as: 4WD, 4×4, four by four, sport utility vehicle
front-wheel drive
A driving system that powers the front wheels of the vehicle. Front-wheel drive systems can be automatic or manual shift.
Also known as: FWD
fuel injection
The fuel delivery system where injectors (also known as nozzles) spray fuel into the cylinders, giving better fuel control and efficiency.
Also known as: electronic fuel injection (EFI)
hesitation
The momentary loss of power on acceleration that causes a vehicle to hesitate when gaining speed.
Also known as: engine hesitation, engine sputtering, auto stumbling
horsepower
The amount of energy produced by a vehicle’s engine.
Also known as: HP, mechanical horsepower, car horsepower, vehicle horsepower, electrical horsepower
idle
The term used to describe a vehicle that is stationary but running.
Also known as: idling
mechanic
An auto mechanic is a professional who repairs and maintains vehicles.
Also known as: auto mechanic, automobile mechanic, auto repair technician
mobile auto repair
A mechanic who repairs vehicles on-site is considered a mobile auto repair service. Mobile auto repair shops can often do minor and major repairs and tune-ups.
OEM auto parts
Auto parts made by the vehicle producer. While they may cost more than aftermarket auto parts, OEM parts usually fit and perform better, last longer and have better warranties than other auto parts.
Also known as: Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, stock vehicle parts, stock parts
power loss
When an engine runs at reduced speed or requires more throttle to maintain speed.
Also known as: auto power loss, low power output, automobile hesitating
power train
The term referring to the transmission and engine, the parts that deliver power to the vehicle.
RPM
The speed at which the engine crankshaft is turning.
Also known as: revolutions per minute, RPMs, revs, Rs
rebuilt auto parts
Rebuilt auto parts are used auto parts that have been remanufactured, reconditioned and restored.
Also known as: salvage auto parts, salvage car parts, salvaged parts, used auto parts, replacement parts, used car parts, refurbished auto parts, rebuilt auto parts
rough idle
Rough idling is when the engine shakes and vibrates while the vehicle is running and stationary.
Also known as: vibrations, auto choking, engine sputtering
salvage auto parts
Auto parts taken from recycled vehicles are called salvage parts. These are often cheap vehicle repair parts, but they usually don’t come with warranties because they haven’t been repaired or altered so their dependability can’t be assured. Salvage auto parts are often a final option for vehicle owners looking for hard-to-find parts for unusual or older vehicles.
Also known as: salvage auto parts, salvage car parts, salvaged parts, used auto parts, replacement parts, used car parts
serpentine belts
Serpentine belts are also called multi-vee or multi-rib belts. They are a long, continuous belt that runs several automotive engine components, indulging the alternator, power steering pump, air pump and water pump.
Also known as: multi-vee belts, multi-v belts, multi-rib belts
shimmy / car shaking
Shimmying is a side-to-side motion that causes a vehicle’s tires and steering wheel to shake while driving.
Also known as: car shaking, vehicle vibrations
sluggishness
When a vehicle does not accelerate smoothly or quickly enough.
Also known as: auto hesitation, vehicle loss of power, sluggish performance
suspension
Shock absorbers and auto springs that create a smoother ride by dampening the motion of a vehicle as it drives is known as the auto suspension system.
Also known as: suspension system, vehicle suspension
timing belt
The timing belt is a toothed belt that is operated by the crankshaft and drives the camshaft in a vehicle. Broken timing belts cause valves to remain open and can cause extensive engine damage when the valve is struck and bent by a piston.
Also known as: auto timing belt, main belt
undercarriage
The underside of a vehicle that supports and creates the framework.
Also known as: automobile framework, car body, auto frame, vehicle chassis
vacuum hose
A hose that creates vacuum suction force in the engine. Vacuum hoses move fluids from one part of the engine to another.
water pump
The pump that moves coolant (antifreeze) through the radiator and engine.
Also known as: auto water pump, car water pump, cooling pump, radiator pump
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