Auto Repair Jargon You Should Know


 December 2, 2024

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:


  • 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!

Schedule An Appointment

Online Appointment Scheduling in Florence, Killen, and Muscle Shoals, AL 

Schedule your Visit with Stephenson Tire & Alignment.


ABOUT / CONTACT
Stephenson Tire and Auto
Search A Location Near You:
Stephenson Tire and Auto
Zip/Postal Code or City, State/Province*
Required Field(*)
My A Location

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

Close-up of a car tire with prominent tread against a black background.
December 2, 2024
Whether it’s the price of gas, the people you spend time with, or the level of satisfaction you have with your job, one thing in life is certain, things change. It may not be a surprise your vehicle, the way it works, and how much it costs has changed significantly over the years.
Car brake disc and caliper, under a vehicle, showing wear and tear.
December 2, 2024
Keeping your car’s brakes in good condition is one of the most crucial preventative maintenance items for keeping yourself, your passengers, and your car safe on the road. Your vehicle’s brake components are not going to last forever, but you can keep them properly maintained to preserve their usefulness.
Hand adjusting car climate control knob in a car interior.
December 2, 2024
The heating and cooling system are connected within your car, but they function as separate systems. Maintaining you’re A/C and heating systems involves having regular maintenance performed to avoid any larger issues down the line. Proper maintenance of these components can make the difference between a comfortable and relaxed drive and a torturous journey.
Rows of tires stacked in a storage room with metal shelving and grated flooring.
December 2, 2024
Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. They also support the weight of the vehicle. Tires play a vital role in ensuring your car is safe to be driven. Selecting the right tires for your vehicle is an important task.
Man resting head on a car's hood in a car dealership, smiling.
December 2, 2024
You are stepping into the new year with a shiny, brand-new car. You can’t wait to take it out on the road and break it in. But how exactly do you do that? Breaking in a new car is a practice that has been recommended by manufacturers for decades.