Automotive Terms Glossary

Alignment: The angles your wheels meet the road at — affects whether the car tracks straight and how evenly tyres wear.

Alternator: Recharges the battery and powers electrical systems while the engine runs.

Bushes: Rubber isolators at suspension pivot points that allow controlled movement while damping vibration.

Caliper: Clamps the brake pad against the rotor using hydraulic pressure.

Catalytic converter: Reduces harmful emissions in the exhaust; expensive to replace and vulnerable to damage from engine misfires.

Clutch: Connects and disconnects engine power from a manual transmission; wears with use.

Diagnostic scan (OBD scan): Reading fault codes from a car's onboard computer to identify a specific issue.

Interference engine: An engine design where pistons and valves occupy the same space at different points in rotation — a snapped timing belt can cause serious damage.

Logbook service: Servicing carried out to the manufacturer's exact specification for a car's age and distance.

Odometer: Records total distance travelled.

Rotor (disc): The metal disc a brake pad clamps onto to slow the wheel.

Sway bar link: Connects the anti-roll bar to the suspension; a common source of clunking noises when worn.

Timing belt: Keeps the crankshaft and camshaft rotating in sync; requires scheduled replacement regardless of visible wear.

Transmission fluid: Lubricates the gearbox and, in automatics, also provides the hydraulic pressure that shifts gears.

For terms specifically related to warning lights and dashboard symbols, see our Dashboard Symbols Glossary.