How Well Do You Know Your Car Terms?
How much do you really know about cars? Even if you're a self-proclaimed car enthusiast, there might still be some common terminology you're unfamiliar with. From ABS to trim level, let's put your knowledge to the test—here are 20 car terms every automobile expert should know.
1. ABS
No, not those six-pack abdominal muscles you have under your shirt. ABS in car terminology stands for anti-lock braking system, which prevents skidding and loss of control in emergencies, such as on wet roads. In short, it ensures your wheels don't lock up.
2. AWD & 4WD
AWD stands for all-wheel drive, meaning engine power is distributed to all four wheels of a vehicle. This is especially useful and optimized for on-road performance, such as on wet or slippery surfaces. In contrast, 4WD or four-wheel drive is best for off-road use as it helps with traction on tougher terrains.
3. Mileage
In car terminology, mileage refers to the distance (in miles or kilometers) the vehicle has been driven since its manufacturing date. It can also mean how far the car can drive on a specific amount of fuel. You may often hear that the more mileage a car accumulates, the more its value drops.
4. Transmission
A car's transmission or gearbox is how power is transmitted from the engine to the wheels. Depending on where you're from, automatic transmission (automatically shifts gears) may be the most common type of car you'll see on the road, while others may use manual transmission (gears are shifted manually by the driver).
5. Horsepower & Torque
Horsepower refers to how much power the engine can produce; the higher the horsepower, the faster your car will go. Horsepower is also sometimes confused with torque, but they work in tandem. Torque is the rotational or twisting force being created, while horsepower is how fast that work is done.
6. Gears
Part of your car's transmission, gears dictate how much power from the engine is sent to your wheels. In automatic transmission, there are typically only four gears: park, reverse, neutral, and drive. You may also see D1-D3 gears, which are used for low speeds. In manual transmission, cars may be equipped with up to six gears: one for reverse and five for speeds low to high.
7. Battery
A car battery provides the energy and electricity needed to power the engine. Without it, your car will not be able to start. It also supplies current to other systems, like the radio, GPS, wipers, lights, and more. Extreme temperatures, hot and cold, can significantly wear down the battery.
8. Bumper
Car bumpers appear at the front and back of your vehicle and are there to absorb force if a collision happens. Without bumpers, the car's cabin will take the brunt of the impact, leading to much more serious injuries and accidents.
9. Console
The console refers to the middle section between the driver's and passenger's seats. This typically includes the stereo, heating and air conditioning controls, gears and stick shift, and the center storage compartment.
10. Cruise Control
Some cars may come with cruise control. This is a system that allows you to set a specific speed that your vehicle will continue to drive in without having your foot on the accelerator. Cruise control comes in handy in situations where you're maintaining a constant speed, like on straight roads with little to no traffic.
11. Diesel
Diesel cars refer to vehicles that run on a diesel engine. They have higher torque and are much more fuel-efficient than cars that run on gasoline. However, diesel vehicles are more costly to maintain and refuel, so many typically favor petrol cars.
12. Clutch
If you drive or have driven a manual shift car, then you definitely know what the clutch is. The clutch is the third pedal on the leftmost side where you'll find your brake and accelerator, and is used when you need to switch gears. It should always be operated with your left foot, since your right foot controls the brake and accelerator.
13. Hybrid
You've heard of electric and fuel-powered vehicles, but what about hybrid ones? While not as environmentally friendly as electric cars, hybrid vehicles can still help you save on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint, making them better than gasoline or diesel-powered cars.
14. Neutral
You probably know you can select neutral gear, but do you know what it does? Shifting into neutral gear actually has several uses. For one, since selecting this gear disengages the engine from the wheels (meaning the wheels will move independently of the gas pedal), its common placement between reverse and drive helps to prevent damage to the gearbox when changing rapidly between modes. You can also put your car into neutral when you need to roll your vehicle out of a stop or stall.
15. Idle or Idling
Idling is when your engine is powered on, but your vehicle isn't moving. A common example of this is when you're stopped at a red light. While it's fine in short-term cases like this where your vehicle isn't stationary for long, it's bad to leave it idling for longer periods.
16. Make
When someone asks you the make of your car, they're referring to the brand or manufacturing company that made the vehicle. For example, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Tesla, Volkswagen, and so forth, are all makes of vehicles.
17. Model & Trim Levels
People often get make and model confused. The model of a car is the specific name given to its line or design. For example, the make of a Honda Civic is Honda, while the model is Civic. Trim levels get even more specific and refer to a particular version of a car model. A Honda Civic has various trims, from the base LX to the stylish Sport.
18. Speedometer & Odometer
The speedometer is the instrument on your car dashboard that indicates how fast your vehicle is going. It's either measured in kilometers per hour or miles per hour. You'll typically find the odometer somewhere below or beside it, which tells you your mileage—the total distance your car has traveled.
19. Ignition
Some may get ignition and engine confused. While the engine is part of the ignition system, they're not the same thing. This is why it's possible to turn your car on without switching on the engine. An ignition system has several key elements that create the spark needed to power your vehicle—the battery, ignition coil, and spark plugs are the most important ones.
20. Tint
Tint refers to the darkening of windows on your vehicle, where a thin laminate film is applied to the glass. There are several reasons why someone may choose to get their windows tinted, from sun protection to better privacy. You can't, however, tint too dark; different laws in states and regions dictate the maximum amount you can do.
