As vehicle assemblers /manufacturers endure to advance their cars with more and more technology, gadgets and gizmos, the spec sheets and options lists are becoming loaded with an endless stream of seemingly hollow letters and numbers. What do they all mean? From time to time, the confusion of motoring abbreviations and acronyms can confuse even experienced car experts. With that in mind, we’ve gathered this handy guide to the car jargon you’re likely to come across when shopping, servicing or driving a new car.
- ABS - Anti-lock Braking System: a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking.
- AWD - All-Wheel Drive: a system that sends power to all four wheels of a vehicle.
- CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission: a type of automatic transmission that allows for smooth and efficient shifting.
- ECU - Engine Control Unit: a computer that controls various functions of the engine.
- ESP - Electronic Stability Program: a safety feature that helps keep a vehicle stable during cornering and emergency maneuvers.
- FWD - Front-Wheel Drive: a system where the engine sends power to the front wheels only.
- GPS - Global Positioning System: a navigation system that uses satellites to determine a vehicle's location.
- HP - Horsepower: a measurement of the power of an engine.
- HVAC - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: the system that regulates the temperature and airflow in a vehicle.
- ICE - Internal Combustion Engine: an engine that burns fuel to produce power.
- LED - Light-Emitting Diode: a type of lighting technology that is more efficient and longer-lasting than traditional bulbs.
- MPG - Miles per Gallon: a measurement of a vehicle's fuel efficiency.
- NHTSA - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: a government agency responsible for regulating and promoting safety in vehicles.
- OBD - On-Board Diagnostics: a system that monitors a vehicle's performance and emissions.
- OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer: the company that manufactures a vehicle or its components.
- RWD - Rear-Wheel Drive: a system where the engine sends power to the rear wheels only.
- SRS - Supplemental Restraint System: a safety feature that includes airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners.
- SUV - Sport Utility Vehicle: a type of vehicle that combines the features of a truck and a passenger car.
- TCS - Traction Control System: a safety feature that helps prevent wheel slip during acceleration.
- TPMS - Tire Pressure Monitoring System: a system that alerts the driver when the tire pressure is low.
- USB - Universal Serial Bus: a type of connector used for electronic devices.
- VVT - Variable Valve Timing: a system that allows the engine to adjust the timing of the intake and exhaust valves for better performance.
- A/C - Air Conditioning: the system that cools the air in a vehicle.
- ATF - Automatic Transmission Fluid: the fluid used in automatic transmissions.
- BOV - Blow-Off Valve: a valve that releases excess pressure from a turbocharged engine.
- CC - Cubic Centimeter: a measurement of engine displacement.
- DOHC - Dual Overhead Cam: an engine design with two camshafts per cylinder bank.
- EGR - Exhaust Gas Recirculation: a system that reduces emissions by recirculating exhaust gases back into the engine.
- EPA - Environmental Protection Agency: a government agency responsible for regulating emissions and fuel economy.
- EV - Electric Vehicle: a vehicle powered by an electric motor and batteries.
- FPR - Fuel Pressure Regulator: a component that regulates the fuel pressure in an engine.
- HCCI - Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition: a combustion process that combines the benefits of gasoline and diesel engines.
- HID - High-Intensity Discharge: a type of lighting technology that produces bright, white light.
- I4 - Inline Four-Cylinder: an engine design with four cylinders arranged in a line.
- I6 - Inline Six-Cylinder: an engine design with six cylinders arranged in a line.
- I4 - Inline Four: A four-cylinder engine with all cylinders arranged in a straight line.
- I6 - Inline Six: A six-cylinder engine with all cylinders arranged in a straight line.
- GDI - Gasoline Direct Injection: A fuel injection system that injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber.