Car Vocabulary

 

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): A safety system that prevents wheel lock-up during braking, maintaining steering control.

Acceleration: The rate at which a vehicle increases its speed.

AWD (All-Wheel Drive): A drivetrain system that powers all four wheels simultaneously, enhancing traction and stability.

Battery: A device that stores electrical energy to start the engine and power electrical components in a vehicle.

Cruise Control: An electronic system that allows a vehicle to maintain a constant speed without manual throttle input from the driver.

Chassis: The frame and structural components of a vehicle, excluding the body and engine.

Clutch: A mechanical device that engages and disengages the transmission from the engine, allowing for gear changes.

Convertible: A car with a retractable roof that can be folded down, providing an open-air driving experience.

Cylinder: A chamber in the engine where fuel is burned to generate power.

Drive Train: The components that transmit power from the engine to the wheels, including the transmission, driveshaft, and differential.

Engine: The motor that produces power to propel the vehicle.

Fuel Injection: A system that delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber of an engine for efficient combustion.

GPS (Global Positioning System): A navigation system that uses satellite signals to determine the vehicle's location.

Horsepower: A unit of power used to measure the performance of an engine.

Hybrid: A vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.

Ignition: The process of starting the engine by activating the spark plugs to ignite the fuel-air mixture.

Junction Box: A component in the electrical system that houses fuses and relays, protecting and controlling electrical circuits.

Kilometre per Hour (km/h): A unit of speed measurement commonly used in the metric system.

Lubrication: The process of applying oil or grease to reduce friction and wear between moving parts in the engine and other components.

MPG (Miles Per Gallon): A measure of a vehicle's fuel efficiency, indicating the distance it can travel on one gallon of fuel.

Navigation System: An electronic system that provides directions and maps to help drivers navigate.

Odometer: A device that measures and displays the total distance a vehicle has traveled.

Oversteer: A handling condition where the rear wheels lose traction during a turn, causing the rear of the vehicle to slide.

Power Steering: A system that assists the driver in turning the steering wheel by using hydraulic or electric power.

Quattro: Audi's trademarked term for their all-wheel-drive system.

RPM (Revolutions Per Minute): A measure of how fast the engine is rotating, indicating its speed.

Suspension: The system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect a vehicle to its wheels, providing a smooth ride and handling.

Torque: The rotational force produced by the engine, influencing the vehicle's ability to accelerate.

Transmission: The mechanism that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing for different gear ratios.

Understeer: A handling condition where the front wheels lose traction during a turn, causing the vehicle to drift wide.

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): A unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles.

Warranty: A manufacturer's guarantee covering defects and repairs for a specified period.

Xenon Lights: High-intensity discharge (HID) lights that provide brighter and more efficient illumination than traditional halogen lights.

Yaw Control: A stability system that helps prevent skidding by adjusting the vehicle's direction during rapid steering manoeuvres.

Zero-emission Vehicle (ZEV): A vehicle that produces no tailpipe emissions during operation.