Shop terms and what do they mean?

Andrew Alexander • December 20, 2024

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.

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Top 3 causes of BMW Oil leaks

By C Deselle • February 12, 2025

Oil leaks are one of the most common issues BMW owners encounter. While these leaks might seem like minor inconveniences, ignoring them can lead to costly repairs and potentially serious damage to your engine. At TMJ Bimmers, we’ve seen and repaired countless BMW oil leaks, and three culprits consistently top the list: valve cover leaks, oil filter housing gasket leaks, and oil pan gasket leaks. Let’s break down these issues, their causes, and how they can be resolved. 1. Valve Cover Gasket Leak What It Is: The valve cover sits on top of your BMW’s engine and seals the valve train. Over time, the gasket that seals the valve cover becomes brittle and starts to leak. This is particularly common in models like the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and X Series vehicles, especially those with higher mileage. Signs of a Problem: A burning oil smell due to oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold. Visible oil leaks around the top of the engine. Check engine light (CEL) due to misfires caused by oil seeping into the spark plug wells. Engine running rough or noticeable performance issues. Causes: High engine temperatures causing gasket material to degrade. Normal wear and tear due to age and usage. Improper installation or over-tightening during previous repairs. Waiting too long between oil changes; Extended oil change intervals leading to sludge buildup, which accelerates wear. Potential Consequences : If left unchecked, a valve cover gasket leak can lead to more severe problems, such as damaged ignition coils or fouled spark plugs. This can result in misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and costly repairs. How We Fix It : At TMJ Bimmers, we replace the valve cover gasket with a high-quality OEM or aftermarket part, ensuring proper torque specifications to prevent future leaks. We also inspect the valve cover itself for cracks, which can occur on older models. After the repair, we thoroughly clean the area to remove any residual oil. 2. Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak What It Is : The oil filter housing gasket seals the connection between the oil filter housing and the engine block. Over time, this gasket can deteriorate, leading to leaks. This issue is particularly common in turbocharged BMW engines, such as the N54 and N55. Signs of a Problem: Oil pooling near the front of the engine. Unexplained decreased oil levels between oil changes. Visible oil stains on the engine or driveway. Unusual engine noises caused by low oil pressure. Causes : Exposure to heat and pressure, which breaks down gasket material over time. Age-related wear, especially in vehicles with over 60,000 miles. Poor-quality replacement gaskets from previous repairs. Waiting too long between oil changes; Delayed oil changes causing sludge buildup around the gasket. Potential Consequences: Ignoring an oil filter housing gasket leak can cause engine components to wear prematurely. It can also lead to low oil pressure, which in extreme cases, can result in engine failure. How We Fix It: We’ll replace the failing gasket and thoroughly clean the area to ensure no residual oil remains. During the repair, we’ll inspect nearby components like the oil cooler gasket, as it’s often affected in tandem. Additionally, we check for oil contamination in the cooling system, which can occur if the issue is left unresolved for too long. 3. Oil Pan Gasket Leak What It Is: The oil pan gasket seals the oil pan to the bottom of the engine. This gasket can fail, especially in older or high-mileage BMWs. Vehicles that experience frequent stop-and-go driving or those exposed to harsh road conditions are particularly susceptible. Signs of a Problem: Oil spots on your garage floor or driveway. Visible oil dripping from the underside of the car. Low oil level warning on the dashboard. Increased oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs. Causes: Damage from road debris or impacts causing stress on the oil pan. Long-term wear and exposure to heat, which weakens gasket material. Over-tightened bolts leading to gasket compression and failure. Improper installation during previous repairs. Potential Consequences : An untreated oil pan gasket leak can lead to low oil levels, causing inadequate lubrication of engine components. Over time, this can result in excessive wear, overheating, and potentially catastrophic engine damage. How We Fix It: Replacing an oil pan gasket involves removing the oil pan, cleaning the mating surfaces, and installing a new gasket. This process requires precision and care, as improper installation can lead to further leaks. While the oil pan is off, we inspect for sludge or debris to ensure the engine stays in optimal condition. We also replace the engine oil and filter as part of the service. Why Do BMWs Experience Oil Leaks? BMWs are known for their precision engineering and high-performance engines. However, these characteristics also make them more prone to oil leaks due to: Higher operating temperatures compared to many other vehicles. The use of synthetic oil, which can expose weaknesses in gaskets over time. Complex engine designs with multiple gaskets and seals. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to keeping your BMW in peak condition. Why Choose TMJ Bimmers for Your BMW Repairs? Oil leaks are more than just a nuisance—they can compromise your engine’s performance and longevity. At TMJ Bimmers, we specialize in BMW maintenance and repairs, offering: Expertise : Our team is trained to diagnose and repair common BMW issues efficiently. High-Quality Parts : We use OEM and premium aftermarket parts to ensure durability and reliability. Transparent Communication : We’ll walk you through the repair process and provide clear, upfront pricing. Comprehensive Inspections : Every repair includes a thorough inspection to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. If you suspect your BMW has an oil leak, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact us today at 713.384.2273 or visit tmjbimmers.com to book your appointment at our Houston shop to have your vehicle inspected. Let’s keep your BMW running smoothly and leak-free for miles to come!