Shop terms and what do they mean?
If you are not familiar with auto repair, it can seem like a foreign language when you hear mechanics discussing the inner workings of your vehicle. With so many different parts and systems, it can be challenging to keep up with all the technical jargon. That's why we've compiled a comprehensive list of auto repair terms and their meanings to help you navigate your next visit to the auto shop.
Alternator: The alternator is a device that charges the battery and provides power to the electrical system when the engine is running.
Battery: The battery is a device that stores electrical energy to power the starter and other electrical systems in the vehicle.
Brake Pads: Your wheels are connected to brake rotors that turn with the wheel. Brake calipers apply pressure to the rotors when the brakes are applied. The brake pads are components that lie between the rotor and the caliper and they work by pressing against the rotors to slow or stop the vehicle. They also reduce the level of friction from metal on metal.
Brake System: The brake system is a group of components that work together to slow or stop the vehicle, including the master cylinder, the brake shoes, the calipers, and the brake pads.
Clutch: Found in vehicles with manual transmissions, the clutch is a device that allows the driver to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission to change gears.
Cooling System: Including the radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, and a series of hoses that connect everything, the cooling system works to regulate the engine's temperature in order to prevent overheating.
Engine: The engine is the heart of the vehicle, responsible for converting fuel into power to move the vehicle.
Differential: The differential is a device that distributes power to the wheels and allows them to rotate at different speeds. This component takes the torque from the engine and divides it to the left and right wheels. When the torque is split to both wheels, they will be able to spin at different speeds.
Drive Shaft: The drive shaft is a component that transfers power from the transmission to the differential.
Exhaust System: Consisting of a complex series of pipes that run under your car connecting the muffler and catalytic converter, the components of the entire exhaust system work together to control (or enhance) noise and to route the exhaust fumes away from passengers, out of the rear of the car, and into the atmosphere.
Fuel System: The fuel system is a complex and intricate combination of components and electronics whose function is to store and supply fuel to the cylinder chamber where it can be mixed with air, vaporized, and burned to produce energy. Stored in a fuel tank, a fuel pump draws the fuel from the tank through fuel lines and delivers it through a fuel filter to a fuel injector, then delivered to the cylinder chamber for combustion.
Ignition System: The ignition system is a group of components that work together to start the engine and ignite the fuel, including the spark plugs, ignition coil, and distributor.
O2 Sensor: The O2 sensor is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and sends signals to the engine control module to adjust the fuel mixture.
Oil Filter: The oil filter is a device that removes contaminants from the engine oil to protect the engine from damage.
PCV Valve: The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve is necessary for ensuring that your vehicle meets emissions standards. It regulates the flow of gasses between the crankcase and intake manifold.
Radiator: The radiator is the heart of your engine’s cooling system. Once the heat from your BMW engine internals has been transferred to the circulating coolant, the fluid makes its way through a series of channels in your BMW's radiator core.
Spark Plug: The spark plug is a device that ignites the fuel in the engine.
Suspension System: The suspension system is a group of components whose primary function is to maximize the overall performance of a vehicle as it cruises down the road. The suspension system also helps to absorb bumps in the road and provide a safe and comfortable ride.
Timing Belt: Critical to the operation of your engine, the timing belt syncs the operations of the camshaft and the crankshaft so that the valves operate efficiently and safely.
Tires: The tires provide traction and support the weight of the vehicle on the road. It is important to make sure your tires are properly inflated, balanced, and suspension aligned in order to extend the life of your tire.
Transmission: The transmission is needed to convert energy created by the engine into torque. This torque makes your wheels turn and also allows gear changes. Put simply, the transmission is the connection between your engine and your wheels.
Wheel Alignment: Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels to ensure they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. It's important that wheels and tires are aligned, otherwise you could be damaging your tires and affecting your vehicle's handling characteristics.
Wheel Bearing: The wheel bearing is a device that supports the weight of the vehicle and allows the wheels to rotate smoothly while supporting the weight of your vehicle and distributing it across all four wheels.
Windshield Wipers: The windshield wipers are devices that clear the windshield of rain, snow, and debris.
Understanding these auto repair terms can help you communicate better with your mechanic and make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance and repairs.
