Experts decode car jargon, parts and acronyms

“It has ABS, ACC, AWW and DRL.” 

I’m sorry what?!

When it comes to car terminology, my vocabulary is what could be described as limited. While day-to-day this isn’t an issue, it does make visiting the mechanic or even looking for a new car feel like listening to someone who is speaking another language.

New research from mycar shows that although it might feel isolating, I am definitely not alone, with 39% of respondents saying the only thing they know is how to drive and put fuel in.

Interestingly, 88% also agree that knowing more about their car would make them feel more confident when taking their vehicle in for servicing or repairs, one of these is comedian (and fellow D-car vocabulary average student), Luke Heggie.

“Revving up our car vocabulary and knowledge can help empower us at times when we need it, such as taking it to the auto technician or when broken down and needing assistance. Knowing a bit more about what’s under your bonnet, can help give you some more confidence in those situations,” he tells carsales.

“We have Google Translate when we go overseas, and now we have mycar’s Auto-Translate for when we might be a bit stumped at the terminology.”

The new technology from mycar Tyre & Auto, Auto-Translate, is a first-of-its-kind initiative that explains car language in a way that’s easier to understand. It does this by using simple and relatable analogies to explain different car terms and for free.

Alternator: An alternator provides power to the car’s electrical system and keeps the battery charged. Just like a hamster running on a wheel can power a lightbulb. The engine spins it via a belt to generate electricity.

Timing Belt: A timing belt (aka timing chain) is like a conductor in an orchestra, coordinating the precise movements of different engine components, ensuring they work together harmoniously.

Fuel Injector: The fuel injector sprays the right amount of fuel into the engine at the right time. Just like a coffee machine pours the right amount of coffee into a cup at the precise time you need it.

Radiator: The radiator regulates the temperature of the engine. Fluid flows through the engine and then into the radiator, which is cooled by air flowing over it, like a breath of cool air over a hot soup.

Spark Plug: A spark plug ignites the fuel in the engine by creating an electrical spark. Just like the spark that fires up your gas stove.

Aside from car parts, other jargon used to describe the functions of cars can also be confusing. mycar Tyre & Auto Operations Team has decoded some of the most commonly used terms so any future mechanic visits won't be so difficult to navigate.

4WD and 4x4 are both abbreviations for ‘Four Wheel Drive’. 4WD vehicles work to constantly power the wheels equally, giving the traction needed for off-road conditions.

This system is ideal for driving on rough, steep or slippery terrains or on sand, but not suitable for normal paved roads, so these cars have the ability to deactivate 4WD mode to suit normal conditions, either automatically or by the driver.

AWD is short for ‘All Wheel Drive’. Although AWD vehicles also provide power to all four wheels, this is different to 4WD, as the system constantly varies the appropriate amount of power going to each wheel and is suitable for everyday driving.

2WD or ‘Two Wheel Drive’ cars are either powered by the front wheels or the rear wheels.

RWD or 'Rear Wheel Drive' is where the rear wheels are powered and the front wheels do the steering. Because the components that power the wheels are at the rear of the car, the weight is distributed more evenly across the car, which makes for better handling. RWD cars also offer better performance and are favoured in sports and performance cars.

FWD or 'Front Wheel Drive' transmits the power to the front wheels, so they are responsible for both moving and steering the vehicle. The advantage of front-wheel drives is that the main components are up front, allowing for a more compact car. The system is also less complex to manufacture, making them more affordable.

Carbon fibre: You may have heard of ‘carbon fibre’ being used in cars and car parts in place of metal or other materials. What makes carbon fibre special is that it is much more lightweight while maintaining its strength, however, it is more expensive.

CVT: ‘Continuously Variable Transmission’ is a type of automatic transmission, which works mechanically in a different way to a conventional automatic transmission, and is used in a growing number of cars and SUVs. When compared to a traditional automatic transmission, they are more fuel efficient, smoother and more affordable.

Electric Vehicles or ‘EVs’ are becoming increasingly popular in the Australian market. There are different types of EV, but the term generally refers to electric cars that are powered by a battery instead of a combustion engine.

SUV stands for ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ and refers to the larger style of car body favoured by families for their comfort, practicality and space. They offer a higher ground clearance, larger interior and exterior, as well as versatility for different driving conditions.

Torque refers to the measurement of twisting force and basically refers to the strength of the engine. For example, if you were to turn a doorknob or twist open a jar, torque is the measurement of the strength you are putting in to make it rotate.

A ‘Vehicle Identification Number’ or VIN is a unique 17-character code assigned to a vehicle during manufacturing to identify it. It has an international standard and no two VINs are the same, it is as unique as your DNA as an identifier.

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