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car maintenance glossary

Table of Contents

oil change

Oil change

The process of draining the old oil from a car's engine and replacing it with new, clean oil.

brake pad

Brake Pads

The braking system component that applies pressure to the rotor to decelerate or stop a vehicle

brake disc

Brake Discs

also known as a rotor, is a rotating metal disc attached to a vehicle's wheel hub. It is a critical component of the disc brake system, the most common brake system used in modern vehicles.

wiper blades

wiper blades

Wiper blades are essential components of a car's windshield wiper system, responsible for removing rain, snow, and other debris from the windshield, ensuring clear visibility for the driver.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission Fluid

The fluid that lubricates the gears in a car's transmission and helps it shift smoothly.

Tire Rotation

Tire Rotation

Rotating car tires to ensure even wear and prolong lifespan.

Wheel Alignment

Wheel Alignment

Adjusting a car's suspension ensures correct wheel alignment, preventing uneven wear and improving balance.

Wheel balancing

Wheel balancing

crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that ensures the even distribution of weight around the wheels and tires. This process involves attaching small weights to specific points on the wheel rim to counteract any imbalances, resulting in a smoother and safer driving experience.

Car Battery

Car Battery

The component of a car's electrical system that stores and supplies power to start the engine and operate the vehicle's electronics.

Spark Plug

Spark Plug

The spark plug is the part of a car's engine that ignites the fuel mixture to start the combustion process.

car ignition coil

Car Ignition Coil

An essential component of the ignition system that transforms the low-voltage battery power into the high-voltage spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.

Fuel Injectors

Fuel Injectors

Vital components in both gasoline and diesel engines, responsible for precisely delivering atomized fuel into the engine's cylinders at the correct time and in the right amount.

Fuel Pump

Fuel Pump

An essential component of an internal combustion engine. It is responsible for transferring fuel from the fuel tank to the engine's fuel system. The fuel pump is typically located in the fuel tank or near the engine.

Fuel Filter

Fuel Filter

Removes contaminants from fuel before it enters the engine. It's usually located in the fuel line between the fuel tank and the fuel pump, and can be made of paper, cellulose, or synthetics..

Air filters

Air filters

Essential for combustion engines. They prevent harmful contaminants from entering and damaging the engine.

clutch assembly

Clutch Assembly

A mechanical device that facilitates the connection and disconnection between the engine and transmission in a vehicle. It comprises various components, such as the clutch housing, pressure plate, clutch disc, release bearing, and throwout bearing.

torque converter

Torque Converter

A fluid coupling device transfers rotating power from a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine, to a driven load. It is commonly found in automatic transmissions to connect the engine to the transmission.

coolant

Coolant

also known as antifreeze, is a fluid used in the cooling system of an internal combustion engine to prevent overheating. It is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol, and is designed to lower the freezing point of water and raise its boiling point. This helps to protect the engine from damage in both cold and hot weather.

Serpentine Belt

Serpentine Belt

The long, winding belt that powers many of the car's systems, including the alternator, power steering, and air conditioning.

Suspension

Suspension

The suspension system comprises springs, shocks, and other components that work together to absorb bumps and vibrations in the road. This results in a smoother ride and better handling.

Timing Belt/Chain

Timing Belt/Chain

The belt/chain connects the engine's crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring the valves open and close correctly.

Catalytic Converter

CatalyticConverter

The part of the exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions by converting them into less toxic gases.

DPF

DPF

DPF stands for Diesel Particulate Filter. It is a device that is used to capture and remove soot particles from the exhaust gases of diesel engines. Soot particles are a type of air pollution that can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.

Ignition System

Ignition System

The electrical system that starts the engine and keeps it running, including the battery, starter, and spark plugs.

OBD-II

OBD-II

The onboard diagnostics system monitors a car's performance and emissions, alerting the driver to any issues.

Powertrain

Powertrain

The power transmission system, including the transmission, driveshaft, and differential, transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

Anti-lock Braking System

ABS

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. It is a safety feature that helps prevent wheels from locking up and skidding when you brake hard. This can help you maintain control of your vehicle and avoid accidents.

Engine Block

Engine Block

The main body of the engine that contains the cylinders, pistons, and crankshaft.

PCV Valve

PCV Valve

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve regulates the flow of gases between the engine crankcase and intake manifold, reducing emissions and increasing efficiency.