Jargon Explainer for the Average Driver
“Horsepower.’’ “V8 Cylinder.’’ “AWD.’’ You hear these words on car commercials or in conversations with your mechanic, but do you know what they actually mean? Here’s a quick explainer of some of the car jargon you know but can’t define.
Torque: Remember high school physics? (No? Me neither.) By definition, torque refers to the force required to turn something. With respect to cars, this is a measure of a vehicle’s turning power.
Cylinders: The number of cylinders affects engine performance. Different automakers prefer different numbers (and corresponding configurations of the cylinders). V6 engines harness enough power while remaining light and compact. Four-cylinder engines are lauded for low carbon emissions but don’t contribute to impressive acceleration, and V8 engines are used in gas-guzzling, high-powered cars.
Suspension: The system of springs and other parts that sits between the car’s body and the wheels. Powerful suspension means that the car has good shock absorption, minimizing the impact of bumps or potholes to your vehicle.
Horsepower: This generally refers to work done over time. By pure definition, one unit is the force needed to lift 550 pounds off the ground in one second. The higher the horsepower, the more powerful the engine.
Many of these terms relate to the physical operation and basic mechanics of cars. But as features have gotten more advanced, more jargon has been invented with nuanced differences between phrases.
“As cars have gotten more technologically advanced, the language around them has too,’’ said John Paul, the “Car Doctor,’’ public relations director for AAA Southern New England.
He said terms like electronic lane departure,’’ “electronic lane correction,’’ and “intelligent cruise control’’ often confuse consumers. Though more features enhance the driving experience, the abundance of acronyms is overwhelming to the average car owner.
“I saw a sign in front of a body shop the other day, advertising ‘LOF discount for students,’ and I just thought, ‘What is the point of that?’ It’s a waste of a sign, because most people don’t know that LOF stands for lube oil filter,’’ said Paul.
Some other alphabet soup, decoded:
ABS: Antilock break system; this is the feature that keeps your breaks from locking up and prevents skidding when you hit a patch of ice.
4WD: Four wheel drive. This is a feature that car-owners can activate in rough driving conditions. Torque from the engine is split between front and rear axles, ensuring that all wheels turn at the same velocity. This is problematic for driving at high speeds or around curves, but when navigating off-road conditions, 4WD is very helpful.
AWD: All Wheel Drive. Similar to 4WD, this feature distributes power between the front and rear axes. Unlike with 4WD, wheels can spin at different velocities. It is also a permanent condition of the car, not a condition-dependent feature like 4WD.
CPO: Certified pre-owned; these used cars are inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer. These vehicles often include special financing and extended warrantee.
TPMS: Tire pressure maintenance system, installed in most vehicles made post-2006. This light turns on in your car when air pressure in your tires is low.
SRS: Supplemental restraint system; This is the system that deploys driver, passenger, and side airbags and also tightens seatbelts in the event of a collision. It should blink when the car first turns on, but then go dark. If it remains illuminated, there may be a problem with your system.
APR: Annual percentage rate; The cost of credit for a year (interest).
Paul advises salesmen and mechanics to steer away from jargon. He said they should speak as though they’re talking to a grandmother, with simple and clear language. Don’t throw out acronyms. Explain what something does rather than what it is called.
For the consumer, don’t be shy about asking for further explanation, or distinction between similar-sounding features. Trips to the mechanic or dealership become frustrating and time-consuming when both parties are speaking a different language. By arming yourself with as much knowledge as you can, and by asking smart questions, you can understand how to get the most out of your car.
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