Auto Repair & Cars

The mechanical components and tuning metrics that generate horsepower and torque.

• 0-100
  A metric measuring the time it takes a vehicle to accelerate from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour.
• 0-60
  A benchmark measuring the time required for a vehicle to accelerate from a dead stop to 60 miles per hour.
• 0-60-0
  A comprehensive test measuring the time or distance required to accelerate to 60 miles per hour and immediately brake to a halt.
• Acceleratoralso gas pedal, throttle
  The foot pedal that controls the engine speed and vehicle acceleration.
• Anti-knock indexalso AKI, pump octane number
  The standard numerical rating of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition.
• Antifreezealso coolant
  A chemical additive that lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of engine cooling water.
• Autovacalso vacuum tank
  A historic fuel delivery device that uses engine vacuum to draw fuel from the tank.
• B10also B10 biodiesel
  A commercial fuel blend consisting of ten percent biodiesel and ninety percent conventional petroleum diesel.
• B100also neat biodiesel
  A motor vehicle fuel consisting entirely of pure biodiesel without any petroleum blend.
• B5
  A diesel fuel blend containing 5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent petroleum diesel.
• Basic ignition timingalso base timing
  The baseline degree of crankshaft rotation at which the spark plug fires during idle.
• Bhp
  A measurement of an engine's power output before drivetrain losses.
• Big block
  A physically massive V8 engine designed for high displacement and torque.
• Big end
  The larger end of a connecting rod that attaches to the crankshaft.
• Blow-by
  Combustion gases that escape past the piston rings and enter the engine crankcase.
• Boostalso manifold pressure, charge pressure
  The positive air pressure created in the intake manifold by a forced induction system.
• Bottom dead centeralso BDC
  The lowest point of a piston's travel within its cylinder during an engine cycle.
• Bottom-endalso rotating assembly, short block
  The lower section of an engine block containing the crankshaft, connecting rods, and main bearings. Shop talk
• Boxer enginealso flat engine, horizontally opposed engine
  A flat engine configuration where opposing pistons move inwards and outwards simultaneously.
• Buzzin' dozen
  A slang term for Detroit Diesel two-stroke V12 engines. Shop talk
• CAFE
  Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations that mandate mileage standards for automakers.
• CAI
  A cold air intake system designed to draw cooler, denser air into the engine. Shop talk
• Catalytic converteralso cat
  An exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants into less harmful compounds.
• Chippedalso tuned, flashed
  An engine that has had its control module software altered or replaced to increase performance. Shop talk
• CIDalso cubic inch displacement, cubic inches
  Cubic inch displacement is the total volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine.
• Cold-blooded
  An engine that is difficult to start or runs poorly until it reaches operating temperature. Shop talk
• Compression
  The phase in an internal combustion engine where the piston squeezes the air-fuel mixture.
• Compression ratioalso CR
  The mathematical ratio of cylinder volume at the bottom of the piston stroke compared to the top.
• Conrodalso connecting rod
  The metal link that connects a piston to the crankshaft in an internal combustion engine. Shop talk
• Continuous variable valve timingalso CVVT
  An engine valvetrain system that constantly adjusts camshaft phasing to match operating conditions.
• Coolantalso antifreeze
  A fluid circulated through the engine block and radiator to regulate operating temperature.
• Crankwalk
  Excessive axial play in an engine crankshaft that allows it to shift back and forth. Shop talk
• Crate enginealso crate motor
  A fully assembled, brand-new or remanufactured engine delivered ready to install. Shop talk
• Cubealso CID
  A slang term for a cubic inch of engine displacement. Shop talk
• Cylinder headalso head
  This cast metal component bolts to the top of the engine block to seal the combustion chambers.
• DEFalso diesel exhaust fluid, AdBlue
  Diesel exhaust fluid is a urea-based solution injected into the exhaust stream to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
• Destroke
  Destroking an engine means reducing the piston stroke length to decrease displacement and alter the power band.
• Detonationalso knock, engine knock
  An uncontrolled secondary explosion in the combustion chamber that causes severe engine damage.
• DIalso direct injection
  Direct injection is a system that delivers fuel directly into the engine's combustion chambers.
• Dieselalso run on, dieseling
  To continue running after the ignition is turned off. Shop talk
• Diesel enginealso oil burner
  An internal combustion engine that uses high compression to ignite fuel without spark plugs.
• Diesel particulate filteralso DPF
  An exhaust component that traps and periodically burns off soot from diesel emissions.
• Dipstick
  A graduated metal rod used to measure the level of fluid in a reservoir or sump.
• DITA
  An engine configuration featuring direct injection, a turbocharger, and an aftercooler.
• DOD
  A fuel-saving engine technology that deactivates a portion of the cylinders during light loads.
• Downsizing
  The industry trend of replacing large-displacement engines with smaller, forced-induction powerplants.
• Dry sump
  An engine lubrication system that stores oil in an external tank rather than the oil pan.
• Dynamic ignition timing
  The continuous adjustment of spark delivery by an engine computer while the vehicle is running.
• Dynoalso dynamometer, rolling road
  A dynamometer used to measure engine power and torque output. Shop talk
• E-turboalso electrified turbocharger
  A turbocharger equipped with an electric motor to eliminate spooling delay.
• E10
  A motor fuel blend consisting of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.
• EFIalso electronic fuel injection
  Electronic Fuel Injection is a computer-controlled system that atomizes fuel into the engine.
• EGRalso exhaust gas recirculation
  Exhaust Gas Recirculation routes spent exhaust back into the intake to reduce emissions.
• Enricheneralso enricher
  An enrichener is a carburetor circuit that adds extra fuel for cold starts.
• Enricheralso enrichener
  An enricher is a carburetor mechanism that adds extra fuel for cold starting.
• Entry ignition engine
  An experimental internal combustion design that splits the four-stroke cycle across multiple dedicated cylinders.
• ERS
  The energy recovery system captures waste heat and kinetic energy to boost acceleration.
• Exhaust system
  The piping and components that route spent combustion gases away from the engine.
• Extractorsalso headers
  Performance exhaust manifolds designed to improve exhaust gas scavenging. Shop talk
• Feedlinealso fuel line, supply line
  The primary hose or pipe that delivers fuel from the tank to the engine.
• FI
  Fuel injection, a system that sprays atomized fuel directly into the engine.
• Forced induction
  The process of compressing intake air to increase the power output of an internal combustion engine.
• Four-stroking
  A rough-running condition in a two-stroke engine where it only fires on every other revolution.
• Fuel filter
  A replaceable element in the fuel line that removes dirt and contaminants before they reach the engine.
• Galleryalso oil gallery, oil passage
  An internal passageway machined into an engine block or cylinder head to distribute pressurized oil.
• Gas capalso fuel cap, petrol cap
  A removable cover that seals the fuel filler neck to prevent fuel evaporation and contamination.
• GDIalso Gasoline Direct Injection, direct injection
  Gasoline Direct Injection is a fuel delivery system that sprays gasoline directly into the combustion chamber.
• Giggle juicealso nitrous, bottle
  A slang term for nitrous oxide used as a performance enhancer in engines. Shop talk
• GIS
  A gas injection system used to deliver alternative fuels into an engine.
• Glasspackalso cherry bomb
  A straight-through exhaust muffler packed with sound-absorbing fiberglass.
• Gunkalso sludge, grime
  A sticky accumulation of oil, dirt, and degraded fluids found on engine components. Shop talk
• Harmonic balanceralso torsional damper, crank pulley
  A weighted pulley mounted to the front of the crankshaft to absorb torsional vibrations.
• Head gasket
  The critical seal positioned between the engine block and the cylinder head.
• Hemi
  A V8 engine featuring hemispherical combustion chambers, famously associated with Chrysler. Shop talk
• High-octanealso premium
  A grade of gasoline formulated to resist premature detonation under heavy compression.
• Honeycomb radiator
  An early style of heat exchanger built from a dense matrix of hexagonal tubes.
• HOT
  A high-output turbocharger system designed to deliver maximum boost pressure.
• HPP
  A high performance powertrain designed for maximum power output and track capability.
• HSDI
  The abbreviation HSDI stands for high-speed direct injection, an efficient diesel engine technology.
• Hydrostatic lockalso hydrolock
  Catastrophic engine failure occurs when liquid enters the combustion chamber and prevents compression.
• Ignition timing
  The exact moment a spark plug fires relative to the position of the piston during the compression stroke.
• In-line enginealso straight engine
  An engine block configuration features all its cylinders arranged in a single straight row.
• Induction
  The process of drawing air or an air-fuel mixture into an engine's cylinders.
• Intake manifold
  The engine component that distributes incoming air or air-fuel mixture evenly to each cylinder.
• Intake silenceralso intake resonator
  A baffled chamber or resonator in the air intake system designed to muffle engine induction noise.
• Intake system
  The complete path that channels outside air into the engine combustion chambers.
• Intake valve
  A mechanical valve in the cylinder head that opens to allow air into the combustion chamber.
• Intercooleralso charge air cooler
  A heat exchanger used to cool compressed air from a turbocharger or supercharger before it enters the engine.
• ITBalso individual throttle bodies
  Individual throttle bodies provide a dedicated air intake valve for each engine cylinder. Shop talk
• K-swap
  The installation of a Honda K-series engine into a different vehicle chassis. Shop talk
• Knockalso detonation, pinging
  An abnormal and damaging combustion event where the air-fuel mixture self-ignites prematurely.
• LOF
  A routine service ticket for a lube, oil, and filter change. Shop talk
• LOFRalso LOF
  An abbreviation for lube, oil, filter, and rotation, representing a standard maintenance service. Shop talk
• Long block
  A replacement engine assembly that includes the engine block, rotating assembly, cylinder heads, and valvetrain.
• LS-swap
  The act of installing a General Motors LS-series V8 engine into a vehicle that did not originally come with one. Shop talk
• M15
  A blended motor fuel consisting of 15 percent methanol and 85 percent standard gasoline.
• M85
  A highly concentrated alternative fuel blend containing 85 percent methanol and 15 percent gasoline.
• Maniverteralso manifold converter
  An emissions control unit that combines the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter into a single part. Shop talk
• Methyl tert-butyl etheralso MTBE, methyl t-butyl ether
  A chemical compound added to gasoline to boost octane rating and reduce engine knocking.
• Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonylalso MMT
  A manganese-based fuel additive used to boost octane and prevent engine knock.
• MLS
  A type of head gasket constructed from multiple thin layers of steel coated in an elastomer.
• MMT
  A manganese-based fuel additive used to increase the octane rating of unleaded gasoline.
• MON
  A measure of a fuel's resistance to detonation under severe operating conditions.
• Motor octane numberalso MON
  A standardized metric of a fuel's resistance to knocking under severe, high-load engine conditions.
• Muffleralso silencer
  An acoustic chamber in the exhaust system designed to reduce the noise generated by combustion.
• NEDCalso New European Driving Cycle
  The New European Driving Cycle is an older laboratory test used to measure vehicle fuel economy and emissions.
• Nitrousalso nitrous oxide, N2O
  A chemical compound injected into an engine to temporarily provide a massive increase in horsepower. Shop talk
• Oil changealso LOF, lube oil filter
  The routine maintenance process of draining degraded engine lubricant and replacing it with fresh fluid.
• OPOC
  An engine design featuring opposed cylinders where two pistons share a single combustion chamber.
• Opposed cylinderalso flat engine
  An engine configuration where cylinders are positioned flat and point away from the crankshaft.
• Over squarealso short-stroke
  An engine design geometry where the cylinder bore diameter is larger than the piston stroke length.
• Overborealso bore out
  To machine an engine cylinder to a larger diameter than its factory specification. Shop talk
• Overhead camalso OHC
  A valvetrain layout where the camshaft is located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber.
• Overhead valvealso OHV, pushrod engine
  An engine design where the intake and exhaust valves sit in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber.
• Oversizealso overbore
  A piston or piston ring dimensioned larger than the factory specification to fit a rebored cylinder.
• PCValso positive crankcase ventilation
  This emissions control system routes blow-by gases from the crankcase back into the intake manifold.
• PDIalso petrol direct injection, direct injection
  This fuel delivery method sprays gasoline straight into the combustion chamber rather than the intake tract.
• Pent roofalso penta engine
  A combustion chamber design shaped like a shallow pitched roof, allowing for multiple valves and centralized spark plugs.
• Petrol enginealso gasoline engine, gas engine
  An internal combustion engine that generates power by igniting a mixture of gasoline and air with a spark.
• PFIalso port fuel injection, multi-port injection
  This fuel delivery design positions the injectors just upstream of the intake valves.
• PIalso PFI
  Port injection sprays fuel directly into the intake manifold just ahead of the intake valve.
• Piston slap
  A knocking sound caused by a piston rocking sideways against the cylinder wall. Shop talk
• Preignition
  The uncontrolled ignition of the air-fuel mixture in a cylinder before the spark plug fires.
• Premiumalso high-octane
  High-octane gasoline designed for high-performance or high-compression engines.
• PSMalso PMSM
  A permanent-magnet synchronous motor uses magnets embedded in the rotor to generate torque.
• Pushrod
  A metal rod that transfers motion from the camshaft to the rocker arms in overhead valve engines.
• Radiatoralso rad
  A heat exchanger that cools engine coolant by passing it through a network of finned tubes exposed to airflow.
• Radiator hose
  A flexible, reinforced rubber tube that transports coolant between the engine and the radiator.
• Reborealso bore out
  To machine the engine cylinders to a larger diameter.
• Redlinealso max out
  To operate an engine at its maximum safe rotational speed.
• Rev
  To increase the rotational speed of an engine by opening the throttle. Shop talk
• Rocker armalso rocker
  A pivoting lever in a valvetrain that transfers cam or pushrod motion to open a valve.
• RONalso Research Octane Number
  Research Octane Number, a standard rating of a fuel's resistance to engine knocking.
• Runaway dieselalso diesel runaway
  A catastrophic failure where a diesel engine consumes unintended fuel and revs uncontrollably.
• SAEalso Society of Automotive Engineers
  The professional association that sets engineering standards for the automotive industry.
• Sequential valve timing
  A variable valve timing system that uses hydraulic pressure to rotate the camshaft.
• Short block
  A partially assembled engine bottom end lacking the cylinder head and oil pan.
• SI
  An engine design that relies on an electrical arc to ignite the air-fuel mixture.
• Side valvealso flathead, L-head
  An older engine layout where the valves sit in the engine block beside the piston.
• Sidepipe
  An exhaust tube routed along the exterior rocker panel of a vehicle.
• Six-pack
  An induction setup featuring three two-barrel carburetors. Shop talk
• Souped-upalso hopped-up, hot-rodded
  Describes a vehicle or engine that has been modified to increase its power and performance. Shop talk
• Starting handlealso hand crank, crank handle
  A manual metal crank used to physically rotate the crankshaft to start older internal combustion engines.
• Straight-eightalso inline-eight
  An inline internal combustion engine featuring eight cylinders arranged in a single row.
• Straight-pipe
  To remove a vehicle's mufflers and catalytic converters, replacing them with empty tubing. Shop talk
• Straight-piped
  Describing an exhaust system that has been stripped of its mufflers and emissions equipment. Shop talk
• Straight-sixalso inline-six, I6
  An engine configuration with six cylinders arranged in a single row.
• Suck, squeeze, bang, blow
  A common mnemonic used by mechanics to remember the four strokes of an internal combustion engine. Shop talk
• Supercharge
  To force compressed air into an engine's intake to increase power output.
• Superchargeralso blower
  A mechanically driven air compressor that forces extra air into an engine.
• Swirl flap
  A small butterfly valve in an intake manifold that creates turbulence to improve combustion.
• Tailpipealso exhaust tip
  The final section of an exhaust system that vents combustion gases into the atmosphere.
• Tappetalso cam follower, lifter
  A mechanical component that transfers linear motion from a camshaft lobe to a valve stem or pushrod.
• TBIalso throttle body injection, central fuel injection
  Throttle body injection is an early electronic fuel delivery system that sprays fuel centrally before the intake manifold.
• TELalso tetraethyl lead, leaded gas
  Tetraethyllead is a toxic chemical additive historically mixed into gasoline to prevent engine knock.
• Tesla-swap
  Converting a traditional combustion vehicle to electric power using a salvaged Tesla powertrain. Shop talk
• Tesla-swapped
  Describes a vehicle that has been retrofitted with an electric motor and battery from a Tesla. Shop talk
• There is no replacement for displacement
  This classic hot-rodding maxim asserts that increasing an engine's internal volume is the most reliable way to make power. Shop talk
• Throttle body
  A housing containing a pivoting valve that controls the amount of air entering a fuel-injected engine.
• Tickoveralso idle
  The steady, low-RPM speed at which an engine runs when the vehicle is stationary and off the throttle. Shop talk
• Timing beltalso cam belt
  A reinforced rubber belt that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshafts.
• Timing chain
  A heavy-duty metal roller chain that synchronizes the engine crankshaft to the camshafts.
• TJI
  A pre-chamber ignition system that shoots high-energy plasma jets into the main cylinder.
• Top dead centeralso TDC
  The exact point in engine rotation where a piston reaches its highest position in the cylinder.
• Top-end
  The upper components of an engine assembly or the highest RPM range of its powerband. Shop talk
• Torquey
  Delivering strong, immediate rotational force at low engine speeds. Shop talk
• TPIalso Tuned Port Injection
  Tuned Port Injection is an early electronic fuel injection system used by General Motors.
• Turbosuperchargeralso turbo, turbocharger
  An exhaust-driven compressor that forces more air into an engine.
• Twincharger
  A forced induction system that uses both a supercharger and a turbocharger.
• Twingle
  A parallel-twin motorcycle engine timed so both cylinders fire simultaneously. Shop talk
• Under squarealso long-stroke
  An under square engine has a cylinder bore diameter that is smaller than its piston stroke length.
• V enginealso V-block
  A V engine has its cylinders divided into two angled banks that share a single crankshaft.
• V16
  A V16 is a massive internal combustion engine with sixteen cylinders arranged in two banks of eight.
• V4also V4 engine
  An engine block with four cylinders arranged in two banks sharing a single crankshaft provides a compact footprint.
• Vapor lockalso vapour lock
  A fuel delivery failure caused by liquid fuel boiling into a gas before reaching the engine.
• Variable valve timingalso VVT
  An engine technology that alters when intake and exhaust valves open and close.
• VVA
  An engine technology that alters the lift, duration, or timing of the intake and exhaust valves.
• Wastegate
  A pneumatic or electronic valve that limits turbocharger boost pressure by bypassing exhaust gases.
• Water injectionalso water-meth injection, WMI
  A system that sprays a fine mist of water into the intake tract to cool the air and fuel charge.
• Wet sumpalso wet sump oiling
  An engine lubrication design where the entire oil supply pools in a pan directly beneath the crankcase.
• Windage
  The parasitic aerodynamic drag created by a spinning crankshaft churning through oil vapor in the crankcase.

The gearboxes, axles, and fluid couplings that transfer engine power to the wheels.

• 4WDalso four-wheel drive, four-by-four
  A drivetrain configuration that sends engine torque to all four wheels simultaneously.
• AMTalso automated-manual-transmission
  An automated manual transmission uses computers to actuate a conventional mechanical clutch and gearset.
• ATFalso automatic transmission fluid, tranny fluid
  Automatic transmission fluid is the specialized hydraulic oil used to lubricate and operate gearboxes.
• Autoalso slushbox
  A transmission that shifts gears on its own without driver input. Shop talk
• Automated manual transmissionalso AMT, clutchless manual transmission
  A gearbox with manual internals that uses computer-controlled actuators to shift and clutch.
• Automatic transmissionalso slushbox, auto
  A gearbox that changes gear ratios independently without a manual clutch pedal.
• Bite pointalso biting point
  The exact pedal position where a manual clutch begins to transfer engine power.
• Biting pointalso bite point
  The exact position in a clutch pedal's travel where the engine engages the transmission.
• Blipperalso auto-blipper, throttle blipper
  An electronic device or mechanism that briefly opens the throttle during a downshift. Shop talk
• Clutchalso clutch assembly
  The mechanical assembly that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission.
• Clutch pedal
  The floor-mounted control operated by the driver to engage or disengage the clutch.
• Clutchless
  Describing a gear shifting method or transmission system that operates without manual clutch pedal input.
• Clutchless manual transmissionalso semi-automatic transmission, automated manual transmission
  A gearbox that requires manual gear selection but automates the clutch operation.
• Column shifteralso column shift
  A gear selector lever mounted on the steering column rather than the floor console.
• Continuously variable transmissionalso CVT
  An automatic gearbox that uses a belt and variable-width pulleys instead of fixed gears.
• Crunchalso grind
  To grind the transmission gears during a shift due to poor synchronization. Shop talk
• CVTalso continuously variable transmission
  The abbreviation CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, a gearbox using belts and pulleys.
• DCTalso dual-clutch transmission, twin-clutch transmission
  A dual-clutch transmission uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets to enable lightning-fast shifts.
• Diff
  The gear assembly that allows driven wheels to rotate at different speeds during a turn. Shop talk
• Diff lockalso locker
  A mechanism that forces both wheels on an axle to turn at the exact same speed. Shop talk
• Drive wheel
  A wheel that receives torque from the vehicle's drivetrain to propel the vehicle forward or backward.
• Driveline
  The components that transfer power from the transmission to the wheels.
• Drivetrain
  The complete group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface.
• Fluid flywheel
  A hydraulic coupling that transfers engine power to the transmission.
• Four-on-the-floor
  A four-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted shifter. Shop talk
• FWDalso front-wheel drive
  Front-wheel drive, a drivetrain layout where the engine powers only the front wheels.
• GCWRalso Gross Combination Weight Rating
  Gross Combination Weight Rating is the maximum allowable combined mass of a tow vehicle, its passengers, cargo, and a loaded trailer.
• Gear
  A specific ratio of rotational speed to torque selected within a transmission.
• Gear changealso shift
  The mechanical act of shifting a vehicle transmission from one ratio to another.
• Gear shiftalso shifter, gear lever
  The lever and linkage assembly used by a driver to select transmission ratios.
• Half shaftalso CV axle, drive axle
  An axle shaft that transmits rotational power from a central differential to a single drive wheel.
• Hot shiftalso powershift
  A gear change executed while the transmission is under full engine load.
• Kickdown
  A forced downshift in an automatic transmission triggered by fully depressing the accelerator.
• Limited-slip differentialalso LSD, posi
  A differential that transfers torque to the wheel with the most traction to prevent wheelspin.
• Locking differential
  An axle mechanism that mechanically binds the left and right wheels together to spin at identical speeds.
• LSD
  A differential mechanism that allows wheels to turn at different speeds while preventing a total loss of traction.
• Manualalso stick shift
  A vehicle equipped with a transmission that requires the driver to shift gears by hand. Shop talk
• Manual transmissionalso standard transmission
  A gearbox requiring the driver to manually select gear ratios using a shift lever and a clutch.
• MCT
  A multi-clutch transmission that uses multiple clutch packs instead of a traditional torque converter.
• Money shiftalso Money shifting
  A disastrous accidental downshift at high speed that forces the engine past its redline. Shop talk
• Multitronic
  Audi's proprietary continuously variable transmission that utilizes a link-plate chain instead of a belt.
• On the flooralso floor-shifted, floor shift
  A gear selection mechanism mounted directly to the transmission tunnel rather than the steering column.
• Open differentialalso open diff
  A basic gear assembly that allows drive wheels to spin at different speeds while cornering.
• Paddle shifteralso flipper
  A lever mounted on or just behind the steering wheel used to manually actuate gear changes.
• Parkalso P
  The transmission setting that locks the output shaft to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
• Powershift
  A type of automated manual transmission that uses dual clutches to pre-load gears.
• Preselectoralso preselector gearbox
  A historic type of manual transmission where the driver chooses the next gear before engaging it.
• PRNDLalso prindle
  The shift lever or the gear indicator display for an automatic transmission. Shop talk
• Propeller shaftalso prop shaft, driveshaft
  The rotating tube that transmits torque from the transmission to the differential.
• Quickshifteralso QS
  An electronic sensor and module system that allows for clutchless, full-throttle upshifts.
• Reverse gear
  The transmission setting that reverses the rotational direction of the output shaft.
• RWDalso rear-wheel drive
  A drivetrain layout where engine power is delivered exclusively to the rear axle.
• Semi-automaticalso clutchless manual
  A transmission that automates clutch operation but requires the driver to select gears.
• Sequential manual gearboxalso SMG, sequential gearbox
  A transmission where gears must be selected in strict numerical order.
• Synchronizeralso synchro, synchronizer ring
  A friction mechanism in a manual transmission that matches gear speeds before engagement.
• Three-on-the-tree
  A three-speed manual transmission operated by a shift lever mounted on the steering column. Shop talk
• Torque converter
  A fluid coupling that transfers rotating power from the engine to an automatic transmission.
• Tranny
  A common shop slang term for a vehicle's transmission. Shop talk
• Transmissionalso gearbox, tranny
  The mechanical or hydraulic assembly that adapts engine power to drive the wheels.
• Transmission fluidalso ATF, gear oil
  A specialized hydraulic fluid and lubricant used to operate and protect gearboxes.

The structural frames, exterior panels, and dampening systems that support the vehicle.

• 4WSalso four-wheel steering, rear-wheel steering
  A steering system that actively turns both the front and rear wheels to improve maneuverability and stability.
• A-holed
  A shop term describing a vehicle that has suffered severe rear-end collision damage. Shop talk
• Air ridealso air suspension
  A pneumatic suspension system that uses compressed air instead of traditional steel coil or leaf springs. Shop talk
• Automatic leveling systemalso air ride, self-leveling suspension
  A suspension setup that actively adjusts ride height to compensate for heavy cargo.
• B-pillaralso center pillar
  The vertical structural roof support located behind a vehicle's front doors.
• Back dooralso rear door
  A rear passenger door on a sedan or SUV, or the rear cargo access door on a van.
• Ball joint
  A pivoting spherical bearing that connects a vehicle's control arms to its steering knuckles.
• Bedside
  The exterior sheet metal panel forming the flank of a pickup truck's cargo box.
• Beltline
  The horizontal line defining the lower edge of a vehicle's side windows.
• BIW
  The structural shell of a vehicle before painting, trim, or subassemblies are added.
• Blown diffuser
  An aerodynamic component that routes high-velocity exhaust gases over the rear diffuser to increase downforce.
• Body in blackalso BIB
  The bare structural shell of a vehicle constructed entirely from carbon fiber composites.
• Body in white
  The welded sheet metal shell of a vehicle before painting, trim, or powertrain installation.
• Body shopalso collision center, panel beater
  A specialized repair facility focused on fixing exterior panels, paint, and structural damage.
• Bottom out
  To fully compress a vehicle's suspension until it hits its mechanical limits.
• Bracketryalso mounts, brackets
  The collection of metal mounts, braces, and hardware used to secure components to a vehicle. Shop talk
• Bumper
  A structure attached to the front and rear of a vehicle to absorb low-speed impacts.
• Bumper jack
  A mechanical lifting device that hooks onto a vehicle bumper to raise the chassis.
• Butterfly door
  A vehicle door that opens upward and outward on hinges mounted along the A-pillar.
• C-pillar
  The rear vertical roof support structure on a passenger car.
• Car glassalso auto glass
  The collective term for all the transparent panels on a vehicle, including windshields and side windows.
• Car partalso auto part
  A distinct component or assembly used in the construction, repair, or modification of an automobile.
• Cargo lineralso cargo mat, trunk liner
  A protective mat or tray designed to cover the floor of a vehicle's trunk or cargo area.
• Channeledalso body drop
  A modification technique where a vehicle body is lowered over its frame rails to reduce the overall ride height. Shop talk
• Child lockalso child safety lock
  A safety mechanism built into rear vehicle doors that prevents them from being opened from the inside.
• Choppedalso chopped top
  A custom body modification where the roof pillars are cut down to lower the overall roofline of the vehicle. Shop talk
• Coachlinealso pinstripe
  A thin, decorative painted stripe running horizontally along the side of a vehicle body.
• Coiloveralso coil-over
  A suspension unit that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single assembly.
• Consolealso center console
  The interior assembly located between the front seats that houses controls and storage.
• Control armalso A-arm, wishbone
  A hinged suspension link that connects the chassis to the wheel hub.
• Crash boxalso crush can, impact absorber
  A sacrificial structural component designed to absorb impact energy during a collision.
• D-pillar
  This structural roof support is the rearmost vertical post on station wagons, SUVs, and vans.
• Diffuser
  An aerodynamic body panel at the rear of a car that increases downforce.
• Duco
  To paint a vehicle with automotive lacquer or enamel. Shop talk
• Engine bayalso engine compartment
  The engine bay is the structural compartment of a vehicle that houses the motor.
• EPASalso EPS
  Electric power assisted steering replaces traditional hydraulic pumps with an electric motor.
• Fanny padalso pillion pad, fender pad
  A small, unsprung passenger seat mounted directly to the rear fender of a motorcycle. Shop talk
• Finger-light
  Describes a steering system that requires almost no physical effort to turn. Shop talk
• Fit and finish
  The overall build quality of a vehicle's exterior panels and interior trim.
• Fork oil
  A specialized hydraulic fluid used in motorcycle front suspension tubes to provide damping.
• Frame rail
  One of the main longitudinal steel beams that form the foundation of a body-on-frame vehicle.
• Frame tablealso frame machine, jig
  A heavy, perfectly flat metal platform used to build or straighten vehicle chassis.
• Front seat
  The driver or passenger seating located in the forward cabin of a vehicle.
• Front wing
  An aerodynamic device mounted at the nose of a race car to generate downforce and direct airflow.
• Gaiteralso boot, dust boot
  A flexible, corrugated rubber or plastic boot that protects moving joints from dirt and moisture.
• Glove boxalso glove compartment
  A storage compartment built into the passenger side of a vehicle dashboard.
• Glove compartmentalso glove box
  A storage bin integrated into the dashboard on the passenger side of a car.
• Ground clearancealso ride height
  The vertical distance between a flat driving surface and the lowest point of a vehicle chassis.
• Headliner
  The fabric-covered foam backing attached to the interior ceiling of a vehicle.
• Hoodalso bonnet
  The hinged metal or composite panel that covers the engine compartment of a vehicle.
• Inerteralso J-damper
  A suspension component that resists acceleration and helps control tire load fluctuations.
• Jacked upalso lifted
  A vehicle modified with a suspension lift kit to drastically increase ground clearance. Shop talk
• Kingpin
  The main pivot axis or physical pin around which a steered wheel turns.
• KPIalso steering axis inclination, SAI
  Kingpin inclination is the inward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the front of the vehicle.
• Lap beltalso two-point belt
  A safety restraint strap that secures only across the passenger's hips.
• Liftback
  A car body style featuring a rear cargo door that slopes gently from the roof to the bumper.
• Liftgatealso hatch, tailgate
  A rear door on a utility vehicle or hatchback that hinges at the roofline and opens upward.
• Liftglass
  An independently hinged rear window that opens without raising the entire liftgate.
• Luton
  An enclosed cargo area that extends forward over the cab of a commercial van or truck.
• Map pocketalso door pocket, seatback pocket
  A storage pouch or bin built into the interior door panels or the back of the front seats.
• Midenginealso mid-engine
  A vehicle layout where the engine sits between the front and rear axles.
• Moonroof
  A sliding or tilting tinted glass panel built into the roof of a vehicle.
• Multilinkalso multi-link suspension
  An independent suspension design utilizing three or more control arms to manage wheel movement.
• Orange peel
  A paint defect where the clear coat dries with a dimpled, uneven texture resembling fruit skin. Shop talk
• Parcel shelfalso package tray, cargo cover
  A rigid or semi-rigid panel located behind the rear seats that covers the cargo area.
• Passenger compartmentalso cabin, occupant compartment
  The enclosed section of a vehicle designed to house the driver and occupants.
• Passenger seatalso shotgun
  The front seat situated next to the driver in a motor vehicle.
• Petrol capalso gas cap, fuel cap
  The removable seal that covers the vehicle fuel filler neck.
• Power steeringalso power-assisted steering, PAS
  An assist system that reduces the physical effort required to turn a vehicle.
• PS
  Power steering, a system that reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel. Shop talk
• Pushbaralso bull bar, roo bar
  A heavy-duty tubular frame mounted to a vehicle's front end for protection and utility.
• Quarter glassalso vent window, quarter light
  A small side window found on vehicles between the main door glass and the front or rear pillars.
• Racing jackalso aluminum jack, pit jack
  A lightweight, low-profile hydraulic floor jack designed to lift a vehicle with very few pumps.
• Ramp travel index
  A standardized measurement of a vehicle's suspension flexibility and articulation.
• Roadholding
  The ability of a vehicle to maintain grip and stability during cornering and maneuvering.
• Roll cagealso cage
  A tubular steel frame built inside a vehicle cabin to protect occupants during a rollover.
• Roll hoopalso roll bar
  A structural safety bar located directly behind the seats of an open-top vehicle.
• RTI
  Standing for Ramp Travel Index, this metric quantifies a vehicle's suspension articulation and off-road flexibility.
• Running gear
  The functional mechanical components that connect a vehicle to the road and allow it to move.
• Scoopalso hood scoop, air scoop
  A raised opening on a vehicle body panel designed to capture and direct outside air.
• Scrivetalso screw rivet, push pin
  A plastic fastener that combines the push-in action of a rivet with the threaded removal of a screw. Shop talk
• Seat beltalso safety belt, seatbelt
  A safety harness designed to secure an occupant in a vehicle seat during a collision or sudden stop.
• Semi-trailing
  An independent rear suspension design where the control arm pivots on an angled axis.
• Shockalso damper, shock absorber
  A hydraulic or pneumatic device that dampens suspension movement. Shop talk
• Shock absorption
  The process of dissipating kinetic energy to smooth out a vehicle ride.
• Shoulder beltalso shoulder harness, sash
  A safety restraint strap that crosses the upper torso diagonally.
• Sidescreenalso side curtain
  A removable side window panel used on early open-top cars.
• Skateboard
  A flat, modular chassis architecture used for electric vehicles.
• Skidplate
  A heavy-duty shield mounted underneath a vehicle to protect vital components.
• SLAalso short-long arm suspension, unequal length double wishbone
  An independent suspension layout using unequal length upper and lower control arms.
• Spatalso fender skirt, wheel cover
  A removable piece of bodywork that covers the upper portion of a vehicle's rear wheel arch.
• Spoileralso air dam
  An aerodynamic device mounted on a vehicle body to disrupt unfavorable air movement and reduce drag or lift.
• Steering column
  The structural shaft assembly that connects the steering wheel to the steering rack or gearbox.
• Strutalso MacPherson strut
  A structural suspension component that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single assembly.
• Stub axlealso spindle
  A short, non-driven axle shaft that mounts a single wheel and hub assembly to the suspension.
• Sun visoralso visor
  A hinged flap mounted above the windshield to block glare from the eyes of front-seat occupants.
• Sunroof
  A movable panel in the roof of a vehicle that opens to allow light and fresh air into the cabin.
• Suspension
  The system of springs, dampers, and linkages connecting a vehicle to its wheels.
• Swayalso body roll
  The lateral leaning or rolling motion of a vehicle's body during cornering.
• T-topalso T-bar roof
  A vehicle roof style featuring two removable glass or solid panels separated by a central structural bar.
• Tailfin
  A stylized, fin-like aerodynamic or decorative projection on the rear quarter panels of classic cars.
• Targa topalso Targa
  A semi-convertible car body style featuring a removable roof section and a full-width fixed roll bar.
• Tintalso window tint, film
  A darkened polyester film applied to the interior of vehicle windows to reduce glare and heat. Shop talk
• Tonneau cover
  A hard or soft protective cover spanning the cargo bed of a pickup truck.
• Trackalso track width
  The lateral distance between the centerlines of the two wheels on the same axle.
• Truckbedalso bed, cargo box
  The open cargo area at the rear of a pickup truck.
• Trunklidalso decklid, boot lid
  The hinged cover that encloses the rear storage compartment of a sedan or coupe.
• Trunnion
  A cylindrical pivot point used to support and allow rotation in suspension components.
• Unibodyalso monocoque, unitized body
  A unibody is a vehicle construction method where the floor pan and body shell are welded into a single load-bearing structure.
• Valancealso valance panel, lower valance
  Lower body panels attached below the bumper hide structural components and improve aerodynamics.
• Ventipanealso vent window, wing window
  A small, pivoting glass panel at the front of a side window used to direct airflow.
• Waistlinealso beltline
  The horizontal design line separating the lower body of a vehicle from its glasshouse.
• Whale tail
  A massive, flat rear spoiler with raised rubber edges designed to generate aerodynamic downforce. Shop talk
• Windscreen wiper
  A motorized arm fitted with a rubber blade that sweeps across the front glass to clear rain, snow, and road spray.
• Windsplitalso Character line, Crease
  A raised crease or styling line stamped into body panels to enhance a vehicle's visual stance or aerodynamics.
• Wishbonealso A-arm, Control arm
  A structural suspension component with two mounting points at the chassis and one at the wheel hub.
• Wrapalso Vinyl wrap, Color change wrap
  A large vinyl film applied directly over a vehicle's original paint to change its color or add custom graphics.

The friction materials, hydraulic clamps, and rubber compounds that stop the car.

• 60-0
  A metric measuring the distance required for a vehicle traveling at 60 miles per hour to come to a complete stop.
• ABS
  The anti-lock braking system prevents wheels from locking up during emergency stops.
• Active braking time
  The exact duration that brake pads are applying friction to the rotors during a stop.
• All-season tirealso all-seasons
  A tire designed with a tread pattern and rubber compound meant for year-round use in moderate climates.
• All-weather tire
  A tire that meets severe snow service standards while remaining durable enough for year-round driving.
• All-weather tyrealso all-weather tire
  The British and Commonwealth spelling for a tire designed for year-round use that meets severe snow standards.
• Alloy wheelalso alloys, mag wheel
  A vehicle wheel cast or forged from a mixture of aluminum or magnesium.
• Backplatealso backing plate, brake backing plate
  The stationary metal shield that mounts the components of a drum brake assembly.
• BBWalso brake-by-wire
  Brake-by-wire is an electronic system that replaces the direct mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the calipers.
• Bead breaker
  A pneumatic or manual tool used to unseat a tire from the lip of a wheel rim.
• Brake assemblyalso loaded backing plate
  A complete, pre-assembled unit containing the components needed to replace a vehicle's braking mechanism.
• Brake fade
  The loss of stopping power caused by excessive heat buildup in the braking system.
• Brake linealso brake pipe, brake hose
  A rigid tube or flexible hose that carries pressurized hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the wheels.
• Brake shoe
  A curved metal block carrying the friction lining inside a drum brake assembly.
• Brakeforcealso braking force
  The total amount of physical resistance applied by the braking system to stop the wheels from turning.
• BS
  An industry abbreviation for Bridgestone, a major global tire manufacturer.
• Caliper
  The hydraulic clamp in a disc brake system that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor.
• Camber
  The inward or outward tilt of a vehicle's wheels when viewed from the front or rear.
• Camber angle
  The specific measurement in degrees of a wheel's vertical tilt relative to the road surface.
• Casteralso caster angle
  The forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
• CCBalso carbon ceramics
  Carbon ceramic brakes, a high-performance braking system using composite rotors.
• Disc brake
  A braking mechanism that uses calipers to squeeze friction pads against a rotating rotor.
• Disk wheelalso Disc wheel
  A solid wheel design that uses a continuous metal center rather than individual spokes.
• Ditchfinder
  A cheap, low-quality tire known for extremely poor grip in wet or compromised conditions. Shop talk
• Donut sparealso space-saver spare, donut
  A compact, lightweight temporary spare tire designed to save trunk space. Shop talk
• Duckheadalso mount/demount head
  The metal or plastic shoe on a tire machine that guides the tire bead over the rim. Shop talk
• ESCalso VSC, StabiliTrak
  Electronic stability control automatically applies individual brakes to prevent skidding.
• ESP
  The electronic stability program detects loss of steering control and applies individual brakes.
• GAWRalso Gross Axle Weight Rating
  Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum distributed weight that a single vehicle axle can safely support.
• HACalso hill start assist, hill holder
  Hill-start assist control, an electronic system that prevents a vehicle from rolling backward on an incline.
• Hand brakealso parking brake, emergency brake
  A manually operated lever that engages the rear brakes to keep a parked vehicle stationary.
• Line lock
  A solenoid valve that holds hydraulic pressure in the front brakes while releasing the rear.
• Lockup
  A condition where a wheel stops rotating under heavy braking and begins to skid.
• Mag wheelalso mag, mags
  An aftermarket or high-performance vehicle wheel originally cast from a magnesium alloy. Shop talk
• PBalso power brakes
  This shorthand designates a vehicle equipped with a vacuum or hydraulic brake booster. Shop talk
• Regenalso regenerative braking
  The process of recovering kinetic energy during deceleration in electric and hybrid vehicles. Shop talk
• Regenerative braking
  A system that slows a vehicle by converting its kinetic energy into electrical energy.
• Release time
  The duration it takes for the brakes to fully disengage after the driver lets off the pedal.
• Retarderalso driveline retarder
  A supplementary braking device used on heavy vehicles to maintain steady speeds on steep downgrades.
• Run-flatalso run-flat tire, RFT
  A tire designed with reinforced sidewalls to continue operating safely for a limited distance after losing air pressure.
• Snow tire
  A tire engineered with specialized rubber and tread for freezing temperatures.
• Snowflake wheelalso snowflake rim
  A cast alloy rim featuring a distinctive branching spoke pattern that resembles an ice crystal. Shop talk
• Split rimalso multi-piece wheel, split ring wheel
  A multi-piece heavy-duty wheel assembly designed to lock a tire bead in place using a removable outer ring.
• Studded tirealso studded tyre
  A winter tire embedded with small metal pins to maximize traction on hard-packed snow and ice.
• Summer tirealso performance tire
  A performance tire engineered for maximum grip on dry and wet roads in warm weather conditions.
• TPMSalso Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  A Tire Pressure Monitoring System tracks the air pressure inside a vehicle's tires.
• Treadwearalso UTQG treadwear
  A standardized rating indicating how quickly a tire's rubber compound will degrade.
• Wheel bracealso lug wrench, tire iron
  A hand tool with one or more socket heads used to manually tighten or loosen wheel lug nuts.
• Winter tirealso Snow tire
  A specialized tire engineered with a soft rubber compound and deep sipes to maintain traction in freezing conditions.

The wiring harnesses, sensors, and computer modules that monitor vehicle health.

• Accessory batteryalso 12V battery, auxiliary battery
  A secondary 12-volt battery used to power electronics rather than start the engine.
• ADAS
  Advanced driver-assistance systems that use sensors and cameras to improve vehicle safety.
• AEB
  The active safety system that automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.
• Airbag
  An inflatable safety device designed to cushion occupants during a collision.
• Automatic distance controlalso adaptive cruise control, ACC
  A radar or camera system that maintains a set gap behind the vehicle ahead.
• AVASalso acoustic vehicle alerting system, pedestrian warning system
  The acoustic vehicle alerting system emits artificial noise to warn pedestrians of quiet electric cars.
• Backup cameraalso reversing camera, rearview camera
  A rear-facing video camera that displays the area directly behind the vehicle.
• BLISalso BSM
  An electronic safety system that detects and warns the driver of vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Body control modulealso BCM
  A central computer that manages a vehicle's electronic chassis and interior accessories.
• Brake light
  A red warning indicator on the dashboard signaling a malfunction in the braking system.
• BSMalso blind spot monitor, blind spot information system
  The blind spot monitor system uses sensors to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• CANalso CAN bus
  A controller area network bus that allows vehicle microcontrollers and devices to communicate.
• Car battery
  A rechargeable 12-volt energy storage unit used to start the engine and power electronics.
• CCS1
  The Combined Charging System type 1 is a standard plug design used for DC fast charging on electric vehicles in North America.
• CCS2
  The Combined Charging System type 2 is the standard DC fast charging connector for electric vehicles in Europe and other global markets.
• CDIalso capacitor discharge ignition
  Capacitor discharge ignition is an electronic ignition system that stores electrical energy in a capacitor before releasing it to the spark plug.
• Charging pointalso charging station, EVSE
  A dedicated infrastructure installation that supplies electric energy for recharging plug-in electric vehicles.
• Computer-controlled timingalso electronic spark control
  An ignition system where an electronic control unit determines exactly when to fire the spark plugs.
• Country beamalso high beam, main beam
  An older term for a vehicle's high-beam headlights.
• Courtesy lightalso dome light, puddle light
  An interior cabin light that illuminates automatically when a vehicle door is opened.
• Dashcamalso dashboard camera
  An onboard camera system designed to continuously record the view through a vehicle's windshield.
• DCFCalso DC fast charging, Level 3 charging
  DC Fast Charging bypasses the onboard charger to feed high-voltage direct current directly to an electric vehicle battery.
• Dial gaugealso analog gauge, sweep gauge
  A dial gauge is an analog instrument that uses a sweeping needle over a printed face to display a measurement.
• DIC
  The driver information center is the digital display on the dashboard that shows vehicle status and trip data.
• Distributorless
  Describes an ignition system that routes voltage directly to spark plugs without a mechanical rotor.
• Dizzyalso dizzie
  A common mechanic nickname for an engine's ignition distributor. Shop talk
• DMS
  An electronic safety system that uses cameras and sensors to track a driver's attention.
• Drive-by-wirealso x-by-wire
  The replacement of traditional mechanical control linkages with electronic sensors and actuators.
• DRLalso daytime running lights, daytime running lamps
  Daytime running lights are forward-facing lamps that automatically illuminate when the engine is running.
• DTCalso trouble code, fault code
  A diagnostic trouble code generated by a vehicle computer to indicate a fault.
• ECM
  The electronic control module that manages a vehicle's engine and sometimes transmission.
• Econometer
  A dashboard gauge that indicates real-time fuel efficiency.
• ECTSalso coolant temp sensor, CTS
  The engine coolant temperature sensor used by the engine computer.
• ECUalso engine control unit, engine control module
  The primary computer that manages engine performance, fuel delivery and emissions.
• EDRalso black box
  An Event Data Recorder is a module that logs vehicle parameters during a crash.
• Electronic stability controlalso ESC, ESP
  A computerized safety system that detects and reduces loss of traction to prevent skidding.
• EMUalso engine management unit
  An Engine Management Unit is the primary computer controlling engine performance.
• EVAP
  The evaporative emission control system traps fuel vapors before they escape into the atmosphere. Shop talk
• Flasheralso flasher relay, blinker module
  The electrical relay or module that makes a vehicle's turn signals blink.
• Fog lampalso rear fog light
  A high-intensity red light mounted on the rear of a vehicle for visibility in poor weather.
• Fog light
  A forward-facing auxiliary light mounted low on the bumper to illuminate the road in poor visibility.
• GB/T
  The Chinese national standard for electric vehicle charging connectors and communication protocols.
• Halo headlightalso angel eyes, corona rings
  A headlight assembly featuring a luminous ring around the main projector bulb.
• Head unitalso stereo, radio
  The central control module for a vehicle infotainment and audio system.
• HPC
  High power charging infrastructure used to rapidly replenish electric vehicle batteries.
• Idiot light
  A basic dashboard warning indicator replaces proper analog gauges to alert drivers of critical faults. Shop talk
• Indicatoralso turn signal, blinker
  The flashing amber light on a vehicle used to signal a turn or lane change.
• Instrumentationalso instrument cluster, dash cluster
  The collection of gauges, dials, and warning lights that display a vehicle's operating status to the driver.
• IVISalso infotainment
  An in-vehicle information system manages the digital displays and media interfaces inside the cabin.
• Jump boxalso jump pack, booster pack
  A portable battery pack used to start a vehicle with a dead battery. Shop talk
• KERS
  A kinetic energy recovery system captures braking energy to provide temporary electric power boosts.
• Manettino
  A steering-wheel-mounted rotary dial used on Ferrari vehicles to select driving modes.
• Microhybridalso start-stop vehicle
  A vehicle with an automatic start-stop system that shuts off the engine when stationary.
• MILalso check engine light, CEL
  The dashboard warning light that indicates a fault detected by the engine control module.
• OBDalso on-board diagnostics, OBD-II
  On-board diagnostics is the standardized computer system that monitors vehicle emissions and engine performance.
• PEMSalso portable emissions measurement system
  This mobile testing rig records vehicle exhaust output during real-world driving conditions on public roads.
• Range extenderalso REx
  A small internal combustion engine installed in an electric vehicle solely to generate electricity for the battery.
• Reluctoralso reluctor ring, tone ring
  A toothed metal wheel or ring used with a magnetic sensor to measure rotational speed or position.
• Remote keyless entryalso RKE
  A wireless system that allows a driver to open or secure a vehicle without inserting a physical key.
• Roadworthy
  The legal and mechanical condition of a vehicle that makes it safe to drive on public roads.
• SDValso software-defined vehicle, software-driven vehicle
  A vehicle whose features and functions are primarily enabled and managed through software rather than mechanical hardware.
• Self-drive
  A vehicle's ability to navigate and operate without human input.
• Self-parking
  An automated system that steers a vehicle into a parking space.
• Shorted out
  A catch-all excuse for an electrical failure that a technician cannot diagnose. Shop talk
• Squibalso igniter, initiator
  A small pyrotechnic heating element that triggers the deployment of an airbag or seatbelt pretensioner.
• SRSalso supplemental restraint system
  The supplemental restraint system manages airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to protect occupants during a crash.
• Starter motoralso starter
  A high-torque electric motor that engages the engine flywheel to crank the engine until it runs under its own power.
• TCSalso traction control
  Traction Control System is an active safety feature that detects and prevents driven wheels from losing grip.
• Traffic beamalso low beam, dipped beam
  An older term for a vehicle's low-beam headlights.
• Trafficatoralso semaphore
  A historic mechanical turn signal that flips out from the side of a vehicle.
• Trip computeralso driver information center, DIC
  An electronic dashboard module that calculates and displays journey statistics.
• Trip log
  A recorded history of a vehicle's journeys, distances, and efficiency metrics.
• Trip meteralso trip odometer
  A resettable counter on the dashboard that tracks distance over a specific journey.
• Trip odometeralso trip meter
  A dashboard gauge that records mileage for a specific journey and can be reset by the user.
• Turn-by-turn navigation
  A routing system that provides sequential audio and visual directions to a driver.
• Turn signalalso blinker, indicator
  The flashing exterior lights used to indicate a lane change or directional turn.
• UDSalso Unified Diagnostic Services
  Unified Diagnostic Services is a communication protocol used in automotive electronic control units.
• V2Galso vehicle-to-grid
  Vehicle-to-grid technology allows electric vehicles to discharge battery power back into the electrical grid.
• V2Halso vehicle-to-home
  Bidirectional charging technology allows an electric vehicle's battery to supply power to a residential home.
• V2Ialso vehicle-to-infrastructure
  Wireless data exchange between vehicles and road infrastructure improves traffic flow and safety.
• V2Lalso vehicle-to-load
  Onboard charging capabilities allow an electric vehicle to power standard external appliances or tools.
• V2Valso vehicle-to-vehicle
  Real-time wireless communication between nearby cars enables advanced collision avoidance systems.
• V2Xalso vehicle-to-everything
  Broadband vehicular communication integrates cars with other vehicles, infrastructure, and the grid.
• VCUalso vehicle control unit
  The primary module controlling torque delivery and battery management in an electric vehicle acts as its central brain.
• VNC
  A conference and standard focusing on vehicular networking and communication technologies.
• VSTB
  A physical or virtual rig used to test vehicle systems before full assembly.
• Window lockalso child window lock
  A driver-controlled electrical switch that disables the power window controls on the passenger doors.
• Winkeralso Blinker, Indicator
  A regional or older slang term for a vehicle's turn signal indicator. Shop talk
• Wiring harnessalso wiring loom
  An organized bundle of insulated electrical cables and connectors that routes power and data throughout a vehicle.
• Wiring loomalso Wiring harness
  A bound collection of electrical wires routed together to distribute power and signals across a vehicle.
• X-by-wire
  A catch-all term for vehicle control systems that use electronic signals rather than mechanical linkages.

The informal nicknames, jokes, and subculture labels used by automotive enthusiasts.

• AA
  The Automobile Association, a prominent British motoring and breakdown recovery club.
• Accelerated depreciationalso diminished value, inherent diminished value
  A sudden drop in a vehicle's resale value caused by a recorded accident history.
• Andrettialso Mario Andretti, Mario
  A sarcastic nickname for a driver who speeds or weaves aggressively through traffic. Shop talk
• Auto showalso motor show, car show
  A public exhibition where manufacturers display new vehicles and concept cars.
• Automobile graveyardalso junkyard, salvage yard
  A commercial lot where wrecked or obsolete vehicles are stored and dismantled for parts.
• Barn find
  A vehicle discovered in long-term storage that is often covered in dust and sold in as-is condition. Shop talk
• Basher
  A vehicle built or bought specifically for reckless recreational driving rather than organized racing. Shop talk
• Beartrap
  A hidden speed radar setup used by law enforcement to catch speeding drivers. Shop talk
• Brandmobilealso promo car
  A heavily modified vehicle designed to look like a specific product for marketing purposes. Shop talk
• Burnoutalso Burn out, peel out
  A maneuver where the driver spins the drive tires to heat them up and create smoke.
• CAA
  The Canadian Automobile Association, a federation providing roadside assistance and towing.
• Car showalso auto show, car meet
  A public exhibition where enthusiasts display, judge, and celebrate custom, classic, or heavily modified vehicles.
• CAWalso Canadian Auto Workers
  The Canadian Auto Workers, a historic trade union representing automotive manufacturing workers in Canada.
• Coal roller
  A modified diesel truck designed to emit thick clouds of black exhaust smoke on command. Shop talk
• Cop magnet
  A vehicle whose appearance or sound frequently attracts police attention and traffic stops. Shop talk
• Curb appeal
  The immediate visual attractiveness of a vehicle when parked on the street. Shop talk
• Curbstoner
  An unlicensed car dealer who flips vehicles for profit by pretending to be a private seller. Shop talk
• Custom caralso custom
  A vehicle that has been extensively modified for unique styling or enhanced performance.
• Dailyalso daily driver, DD
  An enthusiast's primary, reliable vehicle used for everyday commuting is called a daily. Shop talk
• Daily-able
  This adjective describes a modified or high-performance car that is still practical for everyday use. Shop talk
• Daily driveralso daily
  A dependable primary vehicle used for regular commuting rather than racing or shows. Shop talk
• Dino juicealso dinosaur juice
  A slang term for conventional petroleum-based fuels or motor oils. Shop talk
• Edsel
  An Edsel is a highly anticipated vehicle model that fails spectacularly in the market. Shop talk
• Fix it again Tony
  A derogatory backronym for Fiat, mocking the brand's historical reliability issues. Shop talk
• GAP insurancealso Guaranteed Asset Protection
  A supplemental auto insurance policy that covers the difference between a vehicle's actual cash value and the outstanding loan balance.
• Gasser
  A vintage drag racing car modified with a raised front suspension for better weight transfer. Shop talk
• Gearheadalso petrolhead, motorhead
  An automotive enthusiast deeply interested in the mechanical workings of cars. Shop talk
• Headlight fluidalso blinker fluid
  A fictional automotive liquid used exclusively to prank gullible apprentices or customers. Shop talk
• Helicopter earalso wind buffeting, window thrum
  The painful, rhythmic wind buffeting noise created when a single car window is rolled down at speed. Shop talk
• ICEalso ICEing
  Blocking an electric vehicle charging station with a gas-powered car is a common parking offense. Shop talk
• JDM
  Japanese domestic market refers to vehicles and parts originally built for sale in Japan. Shop talk
• Junkyard specialalso Frankenstein build
  A vehicle pieced together using mismatched, salvaged parts from a scrap yard. Shop talk
• Mobile speed bump
  A slow-moving vehicle that forces all traffic behind it to travel at or below the speed limit. Shop talk
• Odometer fraudalso clocking, busting miles
  The illegal alteration of a vehicle's mileage reading to artificially inflate its resale value.
• Pavement princessalso mall crawler, brodozer
  A heavily modified pickup truck or SUV built for off-road aesthetics but only driven on paved roads. Shop talk
• Pony car
  An affordable, compact, highly styled performance vehicle with a long hood and short rear deck. Shop talk
• RAC
  The historic British motoring organization, the Royal Automobile Club.
• Range anxiety
  The psychological stress experienced by drivers fearing their electric vehicle will run out of battery before reaching a charger. Shop talk
• Rat rod
  A custom car built to look intentionally unfinished, rusted, or cobbled together. Shop talk
• Rebirthingalso cloning, ringing
  The illegal practice of giving a stolen vehicle a new identity using parts from a wrecked car. Shop talk
• Ricealso ricer
  A derogatory term for cheap, flashy cosmetic car modifications that add no actual performance. Shop talk
• Service bookalso maintenance log
  A physical logbook used to record a vehicle's maintenance and repair history.
• Shade-tree mechanicalso backyard mechanic, driveway mechanic
  An amateur who repairs vehicles at home, often outside and with limited tools. Shop talk
• Sit-up-and-beg
  A driving or riding posture where the operator sits completely upright. Shop talk
• SMMTalso Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
  The primary trade association representing the automotive industry in the United Kingdom.
• SORN
  The Statutory Off Road Notification used in the UK to declare a vehicle is not being driven.
• Stockalso factory, OEM
  A vehicle or component that remains exactly as it was manufactured, with no aftermarket modifications.
• Stripperalso base model, poverty spec
  A base-model vehicle sold with absolutely no optional equipment or luxury features. Shop talk
• Tax horsepoweralso taxable horsepower, RAC rating
  A calculated power rating used by governments to determine vehicle registration fees.
• Tribaralso tri-bar
  The iconic three-bar taillight or headlight design signature to the Ford Mustang. Shop talk
• Warrantalso WOF, warrant of fitness
  A regional term for a mandatory safety inspection certificate required for legal road use. Shop talk
• Wheelman
  A highly skilled driver recruited specifically to pilot a vehicle during high-stakes or illegal operations. Shop talk
• Windshield phenomenon
  The anecdotal observation that fewer insects get crushed on vehicle front glass compared to the past. Shop talk
• Zombie caralso beater
  A heavily neglected or damaged vehicle that continues to be driven despite needing major repairs. Shop talk

The physical maneuvers and electronic systems used to control a vehicle at the limit.

• Angel gearalso Georgia overdrive, Mexican overdrive
  The act of coasting a manual vehicle in neutral to save fuel. Shop talk
• Aquaplanealso hydroplane
  To lose steering and braking control when tires ride on a layer of standing water.
• Aquaplaningalso hydroplaning
  The condition where a vehicle loses road contact by floating on a wedge of water.
• Back-seat driving
  Unsolicited advice and criticism given to a vehicle's driver by a passenger. Shop talk
• Blind spot
  An area around a vehicle that the driver cannot observe directly or through their mirrors.
• Blindside
  The side of a vehicle where the driver has the most restricted visibility.
• Bootlegger reversealso J-turn, handbrake turn
  A rapid driving maneuver used to reverse direction by locking the rear wheels and spinning the vehicle. Shop talk
• Brake check
  A sudden, deliberate application of the brakes to force a trailing driver to slow down or take evasive action. Shop talk
• Braking time
  The chronological duration required to bring a moving vehicle to a complete stop once the pedal is pressed.
• BTTalso Basic Theory Test
  The Basic Theory Test evaluates a learner's knowledge of road rules and traffic signs.
• Burn rubberalso lay rubber, lay an eleven
  To accelerate hard enough to break traction and leave black tire marks on the road. Shop talk
• California rollalso rolling stop
  The illegal driving maneuver of slowing down at a stop sign without coming to a complete halt. Shop talk
• Car chase
  A high-speed pursuit involving vehicles, typically between law enforcement and a fleeing suspect.
• CMVSS
  The Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which dictate design and performance rules for vehicles in Canada.
• Corner
  To navigate a vehicle through a curve or turn in the road.
• Crawl control
  An automated off-road driving system that maintains a steady, low speed over rough terrain.
• Divebomb
  To execute an aggressive, late-braking passing maneuver on the inside of a corner. Shop talk
• Double-declutchalso double-clutch
  A manual shifting technique where the clutch is engaged in neutral between gears to match transmission speeds.
• Downshiftalso drop a gear
  The act of selecting a lower gear in a transmission to increase engine speed and torque.
• Draftingalso slipstreaming
  Driving closely behind another vehicle to utilize its slipstream and reduce aerodynamic drag.
• Driftalso drifting
  A driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers to break rear traction while maintaining control.
• Drive stickalso drive a manual, drive a standard
  Operating a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission and a clutch pedal. Shop talk
• Driving under the influencealso DUI
  The legal offense of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Drugged driving
  The act of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by narcotics or medications.
• Drunk drivingalso drink driving
  The act of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
• Engine braking
  A deceleration technique that slows a vehicle by letting the drivetrain drag against the engine's internal resistance.
• Flash for cash
  An insurance scam where a driver flashes their headlights to yield, then intentionally causes a crash. Shop talk
• Flip a U-eyalso flip a U
  A sudden, often illegal 180-degree turn made in the middle of a road to quickly reverse direction. Shop talk
• Floor italso step on it
  To press the accelerator pedal fully to the floorboard for maximum acceleration. Shop talk
• Gangsta lean
  A driving posture where the driver heavily reclines their seat and leans toward the center console. Shop talk
• Gas pedalalso accelerator, throttle pedal
  The foot-operated control that regulates the engine's power output and vehicle speed.
• Handbrake turnalso bootlegger turn
  A driving maneuver that uses the parking brake to lock the rear wheels and rapidly rotate the vehicle.
• Head-on
  A collision where the front ends of two vehicles strike each other directly.
• Heel-and-toealso heel-and-toe downshifting
  A performance driving technique used to match engine speed while braking and downshifting.
• Hill start
  The maneuver of accelerating a vehicle from a dead stop on an upward incline.
• Hydroplaningalso aquaplaning
  A dangerous driving condition where a layer of water builds up between a vehicle tire and the road.
• Impaired driving
  Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs degrades reaction times.
• ISA
  Intelligent speed assistance is an electronic system that helps drivers maintain legal speed limits.
• Lap sash seatbeltalso three-point seatbelt, shoulder belt
  A three-point safety restraint that secures both the pelvis and the upper torso.
• LATCHalso ISOFIX, UAS
  Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children is a standardized hardware system for securing child safety seats.
• LDPalso hardship license, work permit
  A limited driving privilege is a restricted legal authorization allowing someone with a suspended license to drive for specific necessities.
• Learner's permitalso provisional license, instruction permit
  A restricted authorization allowing an unlicensed individual to practice driving on public roads under supervision.
• Left-hander
  A curve or corner on a track or road that turns to the left. Shop talk
• Lighting-up time
  The legally defined period from dusk to dawn when a vehicle's headlights must be turned on.
• Linealso racing line
  The optimal path a driver takes through a corner to maintain maximum speed and stability. Shop talk
• Lug
  To force an engine to pull a load at an excessively low RPM in a high gear. Shop talk
• Moose test
  A severe evasive maneuver test used to evaluate a vehicle's stability and rollover risk.
• Outbrake
  To brake later and harder than a competitor entering a corner to gain a track position. Shop talk
• Passive restraintalso SRS
  A vehicle safety device that operates automatically without any action required by the occupant.
• Peel outalso burn rubber, light 'em up
  To accelerate heavily from a standstill, causing the drive tires to lose traction and spin. Shop talk
• PIT maneuver
  A pursuit tactic where a trailing vehicle nudges a fleeing vehicle to force it into a spin.
• Rear-end
  To crash the front of your vehicle into the back of the vehicle ahead of you.
• Red light camera
  An automated traffic enforcement device that photographs vehicles entering an intersection after the signal turns red.
• Right-hander
  A curve or corner on a track or road that turns to the right. Shop talk
• Road rage
  Aggressive, angry, or violent behavior by a driver toward other road users.
• Roadkill
  An animal that has been struck and killed by a motor vehicle.
• Rolling stopalso California roll, St. Louis stop
  A driving maneuver where a vehicle slows down but fails to completely halt at a stop sign. Shop talk
• Run a red light
  To drive a vehicle through an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
• Run on fumes
  Driving a vehicle when the fuel gauge reads empty and the tank is nearly dry. Shop talk
• Skid car
  A training vehicle equipped with hydraulic casters to simulate loss of traction.
• Slingshot
  A passing maneuver that uses aerodynamic drafting to gain a speed advantage. Shop talk
• Spinner knobalso necker knob, suicide knob
  A freely rotating handle attached to a steering wheel to allow one-handed steering.
• Spinoutalso Spin out
  A loss of vehicle control resulting in a rapid rotation around the vertical axis.
• Step on italso floor it, step on the gas
  A command or action to rapidly accelerate a vehicle by pressing the gas pedal to the floor. Shop talk
• Student driveralso learner driver
  An unlicensed motorist operating a vehicle under the direct supervision of an instructor.
• Submarine
  To slide forward and underneath the lap portion of a seatbelt during a severe frontal collision.
• Supplemental restraint system
  The network of vehicle safety devices designed to operate alongside seatbelts during a crash.
• Test trackalso proving ground
  A private, controlled road facility designed for evaluating vehicle performance and safety.
• Torque steer
  The tendency of a front-wheel-drive vehicle to pull to one side under hard acceleration.
• Tossable
  Describing a vehicle that handles nimbly and responds eagerly to aggressive steering inputs. Shop talk
• Traffic codealso vehicle code, highway code
  The statutory rules and regulations governing vehicle operation on public roads.
• Traffic stopalso pull over
  A temporary detention of a vehicle by law enforcement for a suspected violation.
• Turning circlealso turning radius
  The minimum diameter required for a vehicle to complete a full 360-degree U-turn.
• Two-second rule
  A defensive driving guideline for maintaining a safe following distance.
• ULEZalso Ultra Low Emission Zone
  An Ultra Low Emission Zone is a designated urban area that restricts or taxes highly polluting vehicles.
• Underridealso underride crash
  An underride is a collision where a smaller vehicle slides underneath the chassis of a larger truck or trailer.
• Unroadworthyalso unsafe
  An unroadworthy vehicle has mechanical or structural defects that make it unsafe or illegal to drive on public roads.
• Warning triangle
  A collapsible, reflective red sign placed on the road to alert traffic to a disabled vehicle.
• Wheelspinalso tire spin
  The loss of traction that occurs when a drive wheel rotates faster than the vehicle travels over the ground.

The classification of body styles, commercial trucks, and specific iconic car brands.

• 4x2also two-wheel drive
  A vehicle configuration featuring four wheels where only two are driven by the engine.
• 4x4also four-by-four, Four-wheel-drive
  A vehicle with four wheels where all four wheels receive power from the engine.
• 4x4x4
  A specialized vehicle configuration featuring four wheels, four-wheel drive, and four-wheel steering.
• 6x6also six-by-six
  A vehicle configuration featuring six wheels where all six receive power from the drivetrain.
• 8x8
  A heavy-duty vehicle configuration featuring eight wheels that all receive power from the drivetrain.
• 8x8x8
  A specialized heavy vehicle configuration with eight wheels that all drive and all steer.
• 911
  A flagship rear-engine sports car model manufactured by Porsche.
• Alfa
  A shorthand nickname for a vehicle manufactured by Alfa Romeo. Shop talk
• All-terrain vehiclealso ATV, quad
  A small, open motorized vehicle with low-pressure tires designed for off-road use.
• Antique caralso historic vehicle, vintage car
  A surviving older vehicle that qualifies for special historical registration.
• Apperson
  A historic American automobile brand known for early innovations.
• Asian utility vehiclealso AUV
  A rugged, high-capacity passenger vehicle designed for Asian markets.
• AVGPalso Armoured Vehicle General Purpose
  This acronym designates a fleet of wheeled light armored vehicles used primarily by the Canadian military.
• Bakkie
  South African slang for a light pickup truck or utility vehicle. Shop talk
• Bangeralso jalopy, clunker
  An old, worn-out car that is barely running and often used for demolition derbies. Shop talk
• BBC
  A dimensional measurement from the front bumper to the rear of a commercial truck cab.
• Beateralso winter beater
  A cheap, cosmetically flawed daily driver used to spare a primary vehicle from wear and tear. Shop talk
• Benz
  A common shorthand name for a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Shop talk
• Berline
  A traditional automotive body style equivalent to a sedan or saloon.
• BEVx
  A battery electric vehicle equipped with a small range-extending generator.
• Bodystylealso body style
  The specific shape, configuration, and structural layout of a vehicle's exterior.
• Bus
  A large commercial vehicle designed to carry many passengers, or a slang term for a sluggish car. Shop talk
• Classic car
  An older vehicle maintained for its historical interest or aesthetic appeal rather than daily transportation.
• Clioalso Renault Clio
  A popular compact hatchback produced by the French manufacturer Renault. Shop talk
• COEalso cab-over, forward control
  Cab over engine, a truck design where the driver sits directly above the front axle and powerplant.
• Compliance car
  A low-volume electric vehicle built solely to meet strict regional emissions regulations.
• Concept caralso show car
  A custom-built prototype vehicle designed to showcase new styling or technology.
• Coupealso coupé
  A passenger car with a fixed roof, two doors, and a sloping rear profile.
• CPOalso certified pre-owned
  Certified pre-owned, a classification for used vehicles inspected and backed by the manufacturer.
• CSXalso Carroll Shelby eXperimental
  A limited-production performance compact car built by Carroll Shelby based on a Dodge platform.
• CUValso crossover utility vehicle, crossover
  The abbreviation CUV stands for crossover utility vehicle, a passenger car built with SUV styling.
• CValso commercial vehicle
  The abbreviation CV stands for commercial vehicle, denoting trucks and vans used for business.
• CVPIalso Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, Crown Vic
  The abbreviation CVPI stands for Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, a heavy-duty law enforcement vehicle. Shop talk
• Development mulealso mule, test mule
  A development mule is a test vehicle used by automakers to evaluate prototype powertrains or chassis components.
• DRE
  The Design Release Engineer responsible for bringing a specific automotive part from concept to production.
• Duallyalso DRW
  A heavy-duty pickup truck equipped with dual rear wheels on each side. Shop talk
• Dune buggyalso sand rail, beach buggy
  A lightweight recreational vehicle designed for driving on sand or beaches.
• Estatealso estate car, station wagon
  A passenger car with an extended roofline and a rear cargo area accessed by a tailgate.
• EValso BEV
  An electric vehicle uses one or more electric motors for propulsion instead of an internal combustion engine.
• FCA
  Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a former multinational automotive manufacturing corporation.
• FF
  A four-seat grand tourer built by Ferrari, notable for being the brand's first production model with four-wheel drive.
• Four-seater
  A vehicle configured with seating for exactly four occupants.
• Frootalso frunk
  A portmanteau of front and boot, referring to the forward storage compartment of a vehicle. Shop talk
• Frunkalso froot
  A portmanteau of front and trunk, designating a forward cargo compartment. Shop talk
• GRalso Gazoo Racing
  Gazoo Racing, Toyota's in-house motorsport and performance division.
• Grand toureralso GT, gran turismo
  A luxury performance car built for high-speed, long-distance driving.
• GTialso GTI
  Grand Tourer Injection, a designation used for sporty, fuel-injected compact cars.
• GVWR
  Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, the absolute maximum safe operating weight of a vehicle.
• HCV
  Heavy commercial vehicle, a classification for large trucks and buses.
• Heavy vehicle
  A large commercial truck or bus designed to carry extreme loads or numerous passengers.
• Hot hatch
  A high-performance derivative of a standard compact hatchback car. Shop talk
• Hybridization
  The process of adding electric propulsion to traditional internal combustion vehicle platforms.
• ICV
  The abbreviation ICV stands for intermediate commercial vehicle, a medium-duty truck classification.
• Indyalso IndyCar
  A purpose-built open-wheel race car designed for the Indianapolis 500 and similar oval tracks. Shop talk
• LaSalle
  A historic companion marque produced by General Motors to sit just below the Cadillac brand.
• LEV
  Low-Emission Vehicle, a regulatory standard for cars that produce minimal tailpipe pollutants.
• LHD
  Left-Hand Drive, indicating a vehicle with the steering wheel on the left side of the cabin.
• Light vehicle
  A passenger car or small commercial truck falling below a specific gross vehicle weight rating.
• LSV
  A street-legal, four-wheeled vehicle restricted to a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour.
• Luxury
  The highest tier of mass-market vehicles characterized by premium materials, advanced technology, and superior ride quality.
• McLaren
  A British manufacturer of high-performance sports cars and supercars.
• MCV
  A medium commercial vehicle designed for freight transport and local delivery.
• Monkey bike
  A miniature motorcycle with small wheels and a low seat, originally popularized by Honda. Shop talk
• Neighborhood electric vehiclealso NEV
  A battery-powered vehicle legally restricted to low speeds and local roads.
• New energy vehiclealso NEV
  A regulatory category in China encompassing plug-in electric and fuel cell vehicles.
• Oil burner
  A slang term for a vehicle powered by a diesel engine. Shop talk
• Parts caralso donor car
  A non-running or damaged vehicle purchased solely to harvest components for another build. Shop talk
• Paykan
  This iconic Iranian passenger car became a national symbol of domestic manufacturing and working-class transport.
• Phaeton
  An open-roof touring car with no fixed weather protection.
• PHEV
  A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle combines a combustion engine with a grid-chargeable battery pack.
• PHEVLER
  A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle engineered with an extended electric-only driving range.
• Platformalso car platform, chassis
  The shared underlying architecture and mechanical components used across multiple vehicle models.
• Porsche
  A German manufacturer famous for rear-engine sports cars and luxury vehicles.
• R/Talso Road/Track
  The performance trim designation standing for Road/Track, historically used by Dodge.
• RHDalso right-hand drive
  A vehicle configuration where the steering wheel is on the right side of the cabin.
• Roadsteralso spider, spyder
  A two-seat open-top car focused on sporty appearance and driving dynamics.
• RValso recreational vehicle, motorhome
  A motor vehicle or trailer equipped with living space and amenities found in a home.
• Semiconvertiblealso cabrio coach
  A vehicle with rigid side frames and a retractable fabric roof section.
• Shooting brake
  A sleek, two-door luxury car with a station wagon rear roofline.
• Short busalso minibus
  A compact, cutaway-van chassis modified for passenger transport. Shop talk
• Singer
  A historic British car brand or a highly coveted custom Porsche builder.
• Snowmachinealso sled
  A motorized vehicle designed specifically for travel over snow and ice. Shop talk
• Snowmobilealso sled
  A motorized recreational and utility vehicle equipped with front skis and a rear continuous track.
• Softroaderalso mall crawler
  A crossover SUV built primarily for paved roads rather than severe off-road trails. Shop talk
• Stakebedalso stake body
  A flatbed truck body equipped with removable vertical posts and slatted sides to enclose cargo.
• Station wagonalso estate, wagon
  A passenger car body style featuring a roofline extended to the rear of the vehicle to maximize cargo space.
• Stepsidealso flareside
  A pickup truck bed design featuring exterior fenders and a narrow cargo box.
• Stock vehicle
  A car or truck that has not been altered from its original factory build.
• Straddling busalso transit elevated bus
  A proposed mass transit vehicle designed to drive over multiple lanes of traffic.
• SUSalso sport utility sedan
  A sport utility sedan featuring all-wheel drive and raised ground clearance. Shop talk
• SX
  A common trim level designation indicating a special or sport-oriented edition of a vehicle.
• Taurus
  A mid-size to full-size passenger car produced by Ford.
• Tesla
  A brand of dedicated battery electric vehicles known for high-performance electric powertrains and software integration.
• Top-down
  Operating a convertible vehicle with its retractable roof fully folded away. Shop talk
• Topless
  A convertible or open-air vehicle that lacks a fixed roof structure. Shop talk
• Town caralso black car
  A hired luxury sedan used for professional chauffeured transport. Shop talk
• Toyota
  A major Japanese automotive manufacturer known for reliability and mass production.
• Truck camperalso slide-in camper
  A recreational living unit designed to slide into and sit within the bed of a pickup truck.
• Utealso utility vehicle
  A passenger car chassis modified with an open cargo bed in the rear. Shop talk
• VDA
  The German automotive industry standard method for measuring cargo volume using standardized blocks.
• Vicalso Crown Vic, Panther
  A common shop nickname for the Ford Crown Victoria sedan. Shop talk
• VIN
  The unique 17-character serial number assigned to every vehicle for identification.
• Volga
  A historic brand of executive cars manufactured by the Soviet and Russian automaker GAZ.
• Winnebagoalso RV, Motorhome
  A generic trademark used to describe any large motorized recreational vehicle or motorhome. Shop talk
• XUValso CUV, crossover
  A crossover utility vehicle that blends passenger car comfort with light off-road capability.