Buy Online, Install In Store

Shop Now!
CARFAX TOP-RATED SERVICE SHOP!
[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Current Location
[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] | Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Go

United Tire and Service News

Auto Repair Jargon You Should Know

Unless you consider yourself a car enthusiast, you may find yourself feeling a bit lost when having conversations with your mechanic. At times, it can feel like you are speaking to someone using a different language with words like “grease monkey,” “kickdown,” and “oversquare” whizzing past your head like dodgeballs. Hopefully, this list of common auto repair terms will help your next conversation with your mechanic go a bit more seamlessly:Auto Mechanic Terms
 
  • Aftermarket – This term applies to parts which are not made by the original manufacturer. The best aftermarket parts will meet or exceed the quality of the original parts in your vehicle.
  • Hesitation – “Hesitation” refers to the lack of response which occurs when you first accelerate. 
  • Pull – Pulling is a sign you need a wheel alignment. Pulling occurs when your steering wheel is turning to the left or right on its own while you attempt to steer straight ahead.
  • OEM – OEM parts are those created by the original manufacturer. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
  • Oversquare – “Oversquare” describes an engine with its cylinders having a greater bore diameter than its stroke length.
  • Kickdown – “Kickdown” describes the downshift in an automatic transmission which occurs when the throttle is depressed.
  • Grease Monkey – This term is just slang for a mechanic. 
  • ASE – “ASE” is the common abbreviation for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which issues certifications to professionals in the automotive service industry.
  • LOF – “LOF” is an abbreviation of “lube, oil, filter.” Similarly, LOFR is an abbreviation of “lube, oil, filter, rotation.”
  • TPMS – “TPMS” stands for tire pressure monitoring system. This is the system which tells you when your tire pressure is low.
  • Play – If you have excessive “play” in a part (typically suspension and steering parts), there is movement when there should be none. You may notice play in your steering wheel when there is a movement of the steering wheel before the wheels actually start to turn.
Hopefully, these explanations will help you the next time you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance or repairs!

Related

Tags

auto repair, Auto Service, mechanic

Categories

Auto Repair 101

Share

Visit Our Shop

United Tire & Service

Find a Location Near You

Powered by Net Driven
Login

Visit United Tire & Service for Quality Tires and Auto Repair Near You

At United Tire & Service, our staff is here to serve customers throughout Pennsylvania. We offer top-quality auto repair services done by expert technicians. From an oil change or brake repair to auto air conditioning repair, muffler repair, engine diagnostics, wheel alignment, car batteries, fleet repair, tire repair, suspension repair and Pennsylvania state vehicle inspections, we do it all. We also stock a wide selection of tires from all the top brands in the industry including Goodyear Tires, Dunlop Tires, Kelly Tires, and many more. Schedule an appointment with us today at one of our locations in Concordville, Downingtown, Emmaus, Feasterville, Phoenixville, Southampton, Paoli, West Chester or Willow Grove, PA. We are your number one source for top quality, affordable auto repair and tires!