In the world of automotive, there is an extensive glossary of car lingo that has developed over the years. If you are not fluent in this dialect, understanding conversations about cars can feel like driving down a winding road without a map, but we are here to help!
Whether you are discussing your next purchase with a fellow petrolhead or booking your vehicle in for its all-important service, knowing the real meaning behind these terms can be crucial. Read ahead to find out the meaning behind the most common car slang.
Common Car Jargon by Alphabet
Whether you're a seasoned petrolhead or a curious newcomer, this exploration of car jargon promises to be an exhilarating ride from start to finish, so let's begin!
A
Aux
Aux is the abbreviated word for the auxiliary input within a vehicle. This feature allows you to connect audio devices such as mobile phones to your vehicle audio system, providing you with endless entertainment possibilities for your journey!
Alignment
When your car’s alignment is off, you may notice your vehicle pulling to one side or uneven tyre wear. It essentially refers to the adjustment of the suspension components to make sure that all four of your wheels are pointing in the correct direction.
B
Banger
This is often used to describe an old car which is in bad condition. Not to be mistaken for classic cars, a banger is typically unreliable and not capable of much more than a simple A to B.
Burnout
You’ll most likely see a burnout if you head to the final instalment of the Formula 1 season or to a car show! A burnout is smoke billowing from the tyres as they spin against the tarmac, this can be done while the vehicle is stationary or moving in a circular direction. Either way, it’s a dramatic display of smoke and noise!
C
Camber
Camber refers to the angle at which the wheels of a vehicle tilt when viewed from the back end. Positive camber means the top of the wheels tilt outwards, while negative camber suggests the opposite. Proper camber adjustment can affect the overall handling, tyre wear, and performance of a vehicle.
Coupe
Known for its two-door design, the coupe is a style of car that is bound to turn heads. Traditionally defined by having a fixed roof and flopping rear roofline, modern coupes can vary in configuration and size.
D
Downforce
If you were driving at high speeds, that feeling of the car being firmly planted to the road is downforce. It is created by aerodynamic elements such as spoilers, wings, and diffusers. While the downforce pushes the car downwards, there is an increase in traction and stability, especially at high speeds!
Drag
In automotive slang, drag refers to the aerodynamic resistance of a vehicle as it moves through the air. Minimising drag is crucial for improving fuel efficiency at top speeds - which is why you’ll often hear this term used on the racetrack. Manufacturers invest heavily in aerodynamic design and wind tunnel testing to reduce drag as much as possible.
Dry Weight
When talking about the weight of a vehicle, dry weight refers to the mass without any fluids or people. This is often measured to provide a baseline for comparison, especially in performance-related fields where weight plays a huge role in the agility and acceleration of a motor.
E
EV
EV is short for electric vehicle. Over the past few years, we have heard a lot about EVs as the automotive industry shifts towards more sustainable transport solutions. They are powered solely by electricity and produce zero tailpipe emissions, offering a greener alternative to your standard petrol or diesel vehicle.
F
FSH
When looking for a used car, you may come across descriptions boasting about a vehicle that has a full-service history (FSH). This means that the vehicle has been regularly maintained, with records documenting the maintenance throughout its lifespan. A full-service history not only provides peace of mind for a buyer but also serves as evidence of the upkeep of the vehicle.
Fastback
The fastback is a car body style characterised by a sloping roofline that extends to the rear of a vehicle. They were extremely popular in the 60s and 70s and were favoured due to their combination of performance and practicality.
G
Grip
Grip refers to the level of traction between the road surface and the tyres. Whether you are accelerating, braking, or turning a tight corner, maximising grip is essential for maintaining control and stability of a vehicle, especially if you are going around that corner a little too fast!
H
Hot Hatch
The hot hatch is a performance-oriented hatchback known for combining a powerful engine with a more practical vehicle. They usually offer an exhilarating driving experience without having to compromise on the everyday usability.
Horsepower
Dating back to the era of steam engines, horsepower is a unit of measurement used to measure the power output of an engine over time. One horsepower is equivalent to the power needed to lift 249kg one foot off the ground in one second.
Hybrid
Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. If you aren’t ready to make the switch over to a fully electric vehicle, a hybrid can be an alternative choice to improve your fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
I
Immobiliser
Commonly used in today’s day and age, an immobiliser is designed to prevent unauthorised access and theft of a vehicle by immobilising the engine. Many car enthusiasts rely on these to add an extra layer of protection to safeguard their prized possessions.
J
Jalopy
Often characterised by rust, mismatched body panels and a lack of modern amenities, a jalopy is a term for an old fashioned or dilapidated car. They often hold a special place in the hearts of many enthusiasts.
Jacked-Up
When someone refers to a car as being ‘jacked-up’ they are describing a vehicle that has been raised or lifted further off the ground than usual. This is typically to accommodate larger tyres or improve ground clearance for off-road adventures!
K
Kickdown
In automatic transmission vehicles, kickdown is the process of downshifting to a lower gear in preparation for acceleration. Kickdown can be particularly useful when overtaking, merging onto the motorway, or just providing an extra burst of speed when necessary.
Kerb Weight
Earlier we spoke about dry weight and the two are often confused for one another! Kerb weight refers to the mass of a vehicle with all fluids on board, even including a full tank of petrol. This measurement provides an accurate representation of the vehicle’s weight in real-world driving conditions.
L
Launch
Launch refers to the act of accelerating rapidly from a standstill. High-performance vehicles are often equipped with launch control or launch assist systems to give them the best start, with successful launches propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of seconds.
Lockup
A lockup refers to the mechanical connection between the engine and transmission created when a torque converter’s clutch engages. This mechanism reduces the ability to slip and improves efficiency of a vehicle.
M
Mods
Short for modifications, mods are a wide range of aftermarket upgrades and customisations made to a vehicle to enhance its performance, appearance, or functionality. From engine tuning to body kits, modifications allow owners, typically younger generations, to personalise their vehicle the way they want to!
Manual
In the context of cars, manual refers to a transmission system operated by the driver through a gear stick and clutch, allowing for manual selection of gears. This transmission offers more control to those who prefer a more hands-on experience behind the wheel.
N
Nitrous (NOS)
Made famous by some of your favourite movies such as Fast and Furious, NOS or nitrous oxide system is a performance-enhancing modification that injects a mixture of nitrous oxide and fuel into the engine. This extra oxygen allows more fuel to be burned resulting in a sudden boost in acceleration.
O
Oldie
An affectionate term for a classic or vintage car. Whether it is a restored icon from the golden age of motoring or a well-loved model from decades ago, the oldies evoke nostalgia for many enthusiasts.
Oversteer
Have you ever felt the rear end of your car sliding out as you take a corner? That is oversteer! Oversteer occurs when the back tyres lose traction and the back end of a vehicle swings outwards.
P
PSI
PSI is a unit of measurement used to quantify air pressure, mainly in tyres. Making sure a vehicle has the correct tyre pressure is important to ensure the best handling, fuel efficiency and tyre longevity.
PHEV
Short for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, PHEVs can be changed by an external power source allowing for extended electric-only driving range and reduced reliance on petrol or diesel.
Q
Quattro
Developed by Audi, Quattro is their signature all-wheel-drive system. Originally introduced in rally racing, the technology has since been adapted for our roads, offering excellent grip and performance in a range of driving conditions.
R
Range
Range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge of its battery. Over recent years, the range of an EV has significantly improved due to advances in battery technology and charging infrastructures, making EVs a solid option for those longer commutes.
Rev
Revving is the action of increasing the engine speed by pressing the accelerator. Not only does revving produce a sound from the exhaust, but it also allows drivers to unleash the full potential of their engine, on the track or the open road.
S
Sleeper
Don’t let the name or appearance fool you. A sleeper refers to a normal looking vehicle that expertly conceals high-performance modifications. It may catch you off guard with its surprising speed!
Slammed
A slammed car is lowered extremely close to the ground, with barely a gap between the tyres and wheel arches. They are a staple in the automotive scene, often featuring aggressive body kits and lowered suspension for a show-stopping presence.
T
Turbo Lag
The delay between pressing the accelerator and feeling the full boost of a turbocharged engine is known as turbo lag. Skilled drivers learn to anticipate turbo lag and adjust their driving where needed to ensure optimal performance!
Targa
Popularised by iconic sports cars such as the Porsche 911, the Targa top is a removable roof panel that provides the joy of open-air driving. Fun fact: it was named after the Targa Florio race in Sicily!
Trim
Trim refers to various equipment packages and features available for a particular model. Base models usually come with essential amenities with top-tier trims being loaded with luxury and the newest technology.
U
Uey
If you need to make a swift 180-degree turn, you may perform a Uey! Short for “U-turn”, a uey is often done somewhere a three-point turn isn’t possible.
Understeer
Understeer occurs when the front tyres lose traction and a vehicle fails to turn as sharp as once intended. It is often associated with front-wheel-drive vehicles or excessive speed through a turn.
V
VIN
VIN is the abbreviation for vehicle identification number. The VIN is a unique code assigned to each vehicle for identification purposes. Made up of a series of letters and numbers, it contains vital information about the car's manufacturer, model, year of production, and country of origin. Checking a VIN allows buyers to verify a vehicle’s history and authenticity.
V8
Named for its configuration of eight cylinders arranged in a V-shaped formation, the V8 engine is known for its smoothness, torque, and distinctive exhaust sound. Whether powering muscle cars, sports cars or pickup trucks, the V8 engine will always remain an icon!
W
Whip
In car culture, a whip is a term that is used to refer to someone’s vehicle. Whether it is a classic or rugged off-roader, your whip is often a reflection of your personality and love for all things automotive!
Wagon
The wagon is a family-friendly alternative to traditional SUVs. With a longer roofline and extended cargo area, wagons offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo without sacrificing comfort.
X
X-Pipe
When it comes to exhaust systems, an X-pipe enhances performance and sound. Installed within the exhaust system, an X-pipe balances exhaust flow between two banks of cylinders in a V8 engine, reducing back pressure.
Xenon
Xenon is a type of headlight that is brighter and more energy-efficient than traditional halogen headlights. They are known for their superior visibility and longevity and are a popular upgrade for drivers who require improved nighttime visibility.
Y
Yaw
Yaw refers to the rotation of a car around its vertical axis, usually induced by steering outputs or changes in road conditions. Yaw control systems help to lessen excessive yaw by applying brakes and adjusting engine torque, enhancing stability and control, especially in slippery or high-speed driving situations.
Z
Zero to Sixty
Often seen as 0-60, zero to sixty refers to the time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a standstill to the speed of 60 miles per hour. The lower 0-60 time indicates a better performance and whether you're crazy about those high speeds or just curious about your car’s capabilities, these times provide a great insight into a vehicle’s potential.
Finding Your Next Car At JCT600
Whether you are an enthusiast looking to learn more about your favourite ride or starting the search for a new car, understanding the intricacies of engine performance and knowing the real meaning behind automotive slang terms is essential.
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