Does the terminology used in the motor industry confuse you? You’re not alone!
While you don’t need to know all the ins and outs of what’s under the bonnet, it does help to have some insight into common car jargon - especially if you’re buying or leasing a new car.
Below, we explore common terms used in garages, dealerships and showrooms. But, if you ever need any other information, our team members are on-hand to answer your questions.
Let’s get started:
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – Also known as intelligent cruise control, this system allows you to set driving speeds conveniently. But also adapts the speed to the traffic flow by identifying vehicles ahead.
Antilock braking system (ABS) – The system on your car that prevents the wheels from locking when you need to brake in an emergency.
Automatic transmission – An automatic gearbox shifts through the gears without needing a clutch peddle or gearstick.
All-wheel drive (AWD) – Cars with all-wheel drive have power transferred to each wheel. Some models are permanently in AWD, and others can switch between two and four-wheel drives with controls inside the car. Some car makers refer to AWD as a four-wheel drive (4WD) or 4x4.
B
Brake horsepower (BHP) – A unit of measurement for the output of the car’s engine.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) – A car or van powered primarily by an electric motor and battery pack.
C
Crossover – A type of SUV that is based on the platform of a standard car.
Cruise Control (CC) – A system that enables you to set the speed of your car. However, unlike ACC, you need to slow the vehicle manually.
D
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) – This filter is only found in diesel cars. It collects particulates from the exhaust and burns them off at high temperatures.
Depreciation – This term refers to the rate at which a vehicle’s value falls over a specific time period. Unfortunately, it happens to many cars within the first three years from production. Some vehicles, such as classic models, appreciate, which means they go up in value over time.
E
Electronic stability control – Also known as dynamic stability control, this system helps to reduce oversteer and understeer for a safer drive.
Electric vehicle (EV) – A general term covering cars mainly using electric power. This often covers hybrids and extended-range EVs.
F
Full-service history (FSH) – Typically, a booklet with logs of the maintenance and repairs carried out on a car. You can also check MOT history online. Having a full-service history means you have a record of all work and maintenance since it left the original showroom.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) – Cars that have power applied to the front wheels only.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) – Also referred to as all-wheel drive or 4x4. These models have power transferred to all four wheels.
G
Grand Tourer (GT) – This model is designed for long journeys. It also often refers to luxury or high-performance models.
H
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) – Hybrids are self-charging vehicles with an electric motor and combustion engine. They are also referred to as mild hybrids and full hybrids.
Horsepower (HP) – A unit of measurement that indicates the work rate of the engine.
I
Internal combustion engine (ICE) – A traditional engine that powers petrol and diesel cars.
ISOFIX – An international standard attachment or anchor point to safely fit seats for children. Models will state how many ISOFIX points they have. However, not all seats, particularly a middle seat, have these fittings.
K
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) – A unit of measurement showing the capacity of the battery in an electric vehicle.
L
Long wheelbase (LWB) – This term refers to a vehicle with a longer wheelbase and is often found on vans or luxury saloons.
M
Mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) – A car primarily powered by a combustion engine but has an electric motor to assist. These models are self-charging.
Miles per gallon (MPG) – A unit of measurement for fuel consumption.
Multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) – A car or van that usually seats six or more passengers.
O
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) – Parts and components for cars and vans produced by the original manufacturer. In comparison, parts developed by third parties are referred to as aftermarket products.
P
Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) – A vehicle primarily powered by an engine but has an electric motor and battery packs providing a short range. These models can be recharged for typically up to 35 miles of all-electric range.
PSI – A unit of measurement for tyre pressure, which means pounds per square inch. You can usually find the PSI required for your tyres in your handbook or inside your driver’s door.
R
Range – This refers to the distance you can travel in an electric vehicle between charges, but can also be used to describe the range of an electric or diesel vehicle from a full tank of fuel.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) – A vehicle that has power supplied to the rear wheels only.
S
Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) – These models are often larger and taller vehicles with all-wheel drive capability. They are different from a crossover SUV as the pure SUV is based on a truck platform.
T
Torque – Often written in Newton Metres (MN), this unit of measurement highlights how much power is sent to the wheels and determines the acceleration.
Trim – Most car brands have different options to choose from when buying a vehicle. This is often known as trim levels and gives you a choice of interior, exterior and performance elements.
Two-wheel drive (2WD) – Models that have power supplied to two wheels only. Some models, such as trucks and SUVs, can switch between 2WD and 4WD.
V
Vehicle identification number (VIN) – Every vehicle has a unique number designated to it during manufacturing. This ensures all the details are attributed to your car correctly and can be checked if needed.
Spotted any other terminology on our website that needs clarification? Check out our collection of guides for more information.
