Car Vocabulary

  • Acceleration
    • Meaning: The rate at which a vehicle’s speed increases over time.
      • Sentence: “To overtake the car in front, you need to accelerate quickly on the highway.”
  • Airbag
    • Meaning: A safety device in a car that inflates rapidly in a collision to cushion and protect passengers.
      • Sentence: “The airbag deployed immediately after the crash, preventing any serious injuries.”
  • Alignment
    • Meaning: The adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension components to ensure that the wheels are in the correct position relative to each other and the road for optimal handling and tire wear.
      • Sentence: “After hitting the pothole, I noticed the steering wheel wasn’t centered, so I took the car in for a wheel alignment.”
  • Alternator
    • Meaning: A device in a car’s electrical system that generates electricity to recharge the battery and power electrical components when the engine is running.
      • Sentence: “When the battery warning light came on, the mechanic found that the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced.”
  • Antifreeze
    • Meaning: A liquid added to a car’s cooling system to lower the freezing point of the coolant and raise its boiling point, preventing engine damage from extreme temperatures.
      • Sentence: “To prevent the engine from overheating during the summer, make sure the radiator is filled with the right amount of antifreeze.”
  • Axle
    • Meaning: A shaft that connects and rotates the wheels of a vehicle.
      • Sentence: “The mechanic had to replace the broken axle to ensure the wheels could rotate smoothly and the car would drive safely.”
  • Battery
    • Meaning: A device that stores electrical energy to start the engine and power electrical systems in a car.
      • Sentence: “The car wouldn’t start this morning because the battery was dead and needed to be replaced.”
  • Brakes
    • Meaning: The system in a vehicle that uses friction to slow down or stop the wheels from rotating.
      • Sentence: “After hearing a squealing noise, I realized it was time to have the brakes inspected and replaced to ensure my safety on the road.”
  • Camshaft
    • Meaning: A rotating shaft within the engine that controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves.
      • Sentence: “The mechanic adjusted the camshaft to improve the engine’s timing and overall performance.”
  • Carburetor:
    • Meaning: A device that mixes air and fuel in the correct proportion for combustion in older gasoline engines.
      • Sentence: “After cleaning the carburetor, the car’s engine ran much more smoothly and efficiently.”
  • Chassis
    • Meaning: The frame or structural framework of a vehicle that supports the body and mechanical components.
      • Sentence: “The chassis of the race car was designed to be lightweight and rigid, providing optimal handling and stability on the track.”
  • Clutch:
    • Meaning: A device that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission to allow for gear changes.
      • Sentence: “Learning to control the clutch was the hardest part of driving a manual car.”
  • Cylinder
    • Meaning: A round, hollow chamber within the engine block where the combustion of air and fuel occurs.
      • Sentence: “The mechanic checked the engine’s cylinders to ensure they were properly sealed and functioning for optimal performance.”
  • Drive shaft
    • Meaning: A rotating shaft that transmits power from the transmission to the wheels of a vehicle.
      • Sentence: “The drive shaft was replaced to eliminate the vibrations coming from underneath the car and restore smooth driving.”
  • Engine
    • Meaning: The power-producing component of a vehicle that converts fuel into mechanical energy.
      • Sentence: “The engine started making a strange noise, so I took it to the repair shop for a thorough inspection.”
  • Exhaust
    • Meaning: The system that carries waste gasses from the engine to the rear of the vehicle and releases them into the atmosphere.
      • Sentence: “The mechanic noticed a leak in the exhaust system, which was causing a loud noise and reduced fuel efficiency.”
  • Fuel injection
    • Meaning: A method of delivering fuel into the engine’s combustion chambers in modern vehicles, replacing carburetors.
      • Sentence: “To improve fuel efficiency and engine performance, the technician cleaned the fuel injectors and checked their alignment.”
  • Gearbox
    • Meaning: A system of gears that transfers power from the engine to the wheels and changes the speed and torque of the car.
      • Sentence: “The gearbox on my car needs to be serviced because it’s making a grinding sound when I shift gears.”
  • Horsepower
    • Meaning: A unit of measurement for the engine’s power output.
      • Sentence: “With its impressive 350 horsepower, the sports car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just under five seconds.”
  • Ignition
    • Meaning: The process of starting a vehicle’s engine, typically involving a spark from the spark plug.
      • Sentence: “After inserting the key into the ignition, the car roared to life.”
  • Keyless entry
    • Meaning: A system that allows a vehicle to be unlocked and started without using a physical key.
      • Sentence: “Thanks to the keyless entry system, I was able to unlock the car and start the engine without ever taking the key fob out of my pocket.”
  • Lubrication
    • Meaning: The process of applying oil or grease to reduce friction and wear in moving parts within the engine and other mechanical components.
      • Sentence: “Regular lubrication of the engine’s moving parts helps reduce friction and prevent premature wear and tear.”
  • Manual transmission
    • Meaning: A type of transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear shifter.
      • Sentence: “Driving a car with a manual transmission requires more skill, as you need to manually shift gears using the clutch and gear stick.”
  • Muffler
    • Meaning: A component in the exhaust system that reduces noise produced by the engine.
      • Sentence: “The muffler on his car was damaged, making the engine sound extremely loud.”
  • Navigation system
    • Meaning: An electronic device or software that provides directions and maps for drivers.
      • Sentence: “With the new navigation system, I was able to easily find the fastest route to my destination without getting lost.”
  • Odometer
    • Meaning: A device that measures and displays the total distance a vehicle has traveled.
      • Sentence: “The car’s odometer showed that it had driven over 100,000 miles.”
  • Power steering
    • Meaning: A system that assists the driver in turning the steering wheel by using hydraulic or electric power.
      • Sentence: “Power steering made it much easier to maneuver the car in tight parking spaces and handle sharp turns with minimal effort.”
  • Radiator
    • Meaning: A heat exchanger that cools the engine by dissipating heat from the coolant.
      • Sentence: “The radiator needs to be checked because the engine is overheating.”
  • Rearview mirror
    • Meaning: A mirror inside the vehicle that allows the driver to see what is happening behind the car.
      • Sentence: “I adjusted the rearview mirror to get a clear view of the traffic behind me before merging onto the highway.”
  • Seatbelt
    • Meaning: A safety device designed to restrain occupants during sudden stops or accidents.
      • Sentence: “Before starting the car, I reminded everyone to fasten their seatbelts for safety during the drive.”
  • Spark plug
    • Meaning: A device that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders.
      • Sentence: “The mechanic replaced the worn spark plugs to ensure the engine was firing properly and running smoothly.”
  • Suspension
    • Meaning: The system of springs, shocks, and linkages that connects a vehicle’s wheels to its frame, providing a comfortable ride and stable handling.
      • Sentence: “The suspension system absorbed the bumps on the rough road, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.”
  • Tachometer
    • Meaning: An instrument that measures and displays the engine’s RPM (revolutions per minute).
      • Sentence: “The tachometer on the dashboard displayed the engine’s RPM, helping the driver manage gear shifts more effectively.”
  • Throttle
    • Meaning: A device that controls the amount of air and fuel entering the engine, regulating engine power.
      • Sentence: “Pressing the throttle gently allowed the car to accelerate smoothly without jerking or sudden movements.”
  • Tire
    • Meaning: A rubber covering on a wheel that provides traction and cushioning.
      • Sentence: “I had to replace a flat tire before continuing my journey.”
  • Transmission
    • Meaning: The system that transmits power from the engine to the wheels and allows for speed and direction control.
      • Sentence: “My car’s transmission needs repair, as it struggles to shift gears smoothly.”
  • Turbocharger
    • Meaning: A device that compresses air before it enters the engine to increase power and efficiency.
      • Sentence: “Adding a turbocharger to the engine boosted its power and performance, giving the car a significant increase in speed and acceleration.”
  • Valve
    • Meaning: A device in the engine that controls the flow of air and fuel into the cylinders and the exhaust gasses out of the cylinders.
      • Sentence: “The mechanic adjusted the engine’s valves to ensure proper timing and optimal performance.”
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
    • Meaning: A unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles.
      • Sentence: “The vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard helped the dealership verify the car’s history and confirm its authenticity.”
  • Wiper blades
    • Meaning: Rubber blades on the windshield wipers that clear rain, snow, or debris from the windshield.
      • Sentence: “A rock hit the windshield and caused a small crack that needs fixing.”