Ever found yourself puzzled by the jargon in the world of automobiles? The automotive industry, like many others, is riddled with its own set of shorthand, acronyms, and peculiar lingo that can be a tad overwhelming, particularly for those new to the scene.
Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast wanting to brush up on your knowledge or a newcomer seeking to understand the basics, it’s essential to grasp these acronyms. They represent the diverse, intricate, and innovative features and systems that make up your vehicle, from safety enhancements to mechanical components, fuel types to emission standards, and everything in between.
In this post, we’re lifting the hood on the most commonly used automotive acronyms, demystifying the jargon, and helping you navigate your way through this fascinating industry. Let’s shift into gear and start this journey of understanding automotive acronyms together!
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): A safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to maintain tractive contact with the road surface according to driver inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and avoiding uncontrolled skidding.
ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control). An available cruise control advanced driver-assistance system that modifies the speed of the vehicle to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
AWD (All-Wheel Drive). A drivetrain that employs a front, rear and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle.
FWD: (Front-Wheel Drive). A type of drivetrain that channels power to the front wheels of a vehicle.
RWD: (Rear-Wheel Drive). This drivetrain channels power to the back wheels of a vehicle.
BA (Brake Assist): A system that recognizes when a driver attempts an emergency stop and increases braking power to maximize the effectiveness of the stopping performance.
BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration). A measurement of alcohol intoxication for legal or medical purposes.
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): A type of alternative fuel that is a clear, odorless, and non-corrosive gas and can be used in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power vehicles.
CV Joint (Constant Velocity Joint): A type of mechanical joint, part of the driveshaft, that helps to transmit power through a variable angle, at a constant rotational speed, without a significant increase in friction.
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission): A type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios, providing better fuel efficiency.
DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission): A type of automated manual transmission with two clutches, which allows for quicker gear changes.
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). A state-level government agency that administers vehicle registration and driver licensing in the United States.
DOT (Department of Transportation). The U.S. government agency responsible for helping maintain and develop the nation’s transportation systems and infrastructure.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence). The crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution): A technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle’s brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc.
ECM (Electronic Control Module): Also known as an engine control unit (ECU), it is a type of electronic control unit that controls a series of actuators on an internal combustion engine to ensure optimal engine performance.
ECS (Emissions Control System): A system in a motor vehicle that controls and reduces the amounts of pollutants that a vehicle produces.
ECU (Engine Control Unit): A type of electronic control unit that controls a series of actuators on an internal combustion engine to ensure optimal engine performance.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control): A computerized technology that improves a vehicle’s stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction.
EV (Electric Vehicle): A vehicle that is propelled by one or more electric motors, using energy typically stored in rechargeable batteries.
GPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite-based system used in cars for navigation.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The maximum operating weight of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer.
HID (High-Intensity Discharge Lamps): A type of electrical gas-discharge lamp which produces light by means of an electric arc between tungsten electrodes housed inside a translucent or transparent fused quartz or fused alumina arc tube.
HP (Horsepower). A unit of measurement of power, or the rate at which work is done.
ICE (Internal Combustion Engine): A type of heat engine where the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber that is an integral part of the working fluid flow circuit.
ICM (Ignition Control Module): An electronic component in a vehicle’s engine that signals the ignition coil to spark the spark plugs, which then ignite the fuel and air mixture in the engine’s cylinders.
LED (Light Emitting Diode). A type of durable, energy-efficient light often used in vehicle lights and indicators.
MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lights): Also known as the “check engine” light, this dashboard warning light illuminates when the vehicle’s computer detects a problem that could affect emissions or the operation of the vehicle.
MPG (Miles Per Gallon). A measure of a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The higher the MPG, the more efficient the vehicle.
MPH (Miles per Hour): A unit of speed, indicating the number of international miles covered per hour.
(Natural Gas Vehicles): Vehicles that are powered by compressed or liquefied natural gas instead of gasoline or diesel.
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): An agency of the U.S. federal government, part of the Department of Transportation, responsible for maintaining and enforcing vehicle performance standards and regulations to ensure the safety of the vehicle’s driver and passengers.
NOS (New Old Stock): Parts that were made by the OEM but never sold or used. They are often sought after for vehicle restorations.
OBD (On-Board Diagnostics). A vehicle’s self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD systems provide the vehicle owner or repair technician access to the status of the various vehicle subsystems.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): The original producer of a vehicle’s components; refers to parts that are made directly by the car manufacturer, not by a third-party or aftermarket company.
OHC (Overhead Cam): Refers to an engine design where the camshaft is placed above the cylinder head. This design allows for more direct control of the valves than older, pushrod systems.
PCM (Powertrain Control Module): The control unit used in vehicles for the purpose of engine management, which includes functions related to the engine’s ignition, fuel injection, emission controls, transmission shift points, and more.
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation): A system that removes harmful vapors from the engine and prevents them from being expelled into the atmosphere.
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). A hybrid vehicle that uses batteries to power an electric motor, plugs into the electric grid to charge, and uses a petroleum-based or alternative fuel to power the internal combustion engine.
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): A unit of pressure used to measure various systems within a vehicle, such as tire pressure or the pressure within certain engine parts.
PZEV (Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle): Vehicles that have zero evaporative emissions, meet SULEV tailpipe-emission standards, and have a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty.
R&R (Removal and Replacement): Common terminology used in auto repair that involves removing a part to repair or replace it and then reinstalling it.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System). Another term for the airbag system in a vehicle.
SUV: Sport Utility Vehicle. A category of vehicles that combine elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles.
TBI (Throttle Body Injection). A type of fuel injection where fuel is input into the throttle body injector and mixed with air before being sent to the cylinders.
TCS (Traction Control System): A vehicle safety feature designed to prevent loss of traction (or “skidding”) of driven road wheels.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). An automated system that monitors the air pressure in the vehicle’s tires.
U-joints (Universal Joints): Flexible pivot points that transmit power allowing for varying angles of the drive shaft.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): A unique code, including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles.
VVT (Variable Valve Timing). An engine technology that allows the timing of the intake or/and exhaust valves to be changed while the engine is in operation, enhancing performance and efficiency.
ZEV (Zero-Emission Vehicle): A vehicle that emits no exhaust gas from the onboard source of power, typically referring to electric vehicles.
4×4 (Four-wheel drive). A drivetrain system where all four wheels of a vehicle are powered to provide maximum traction.
2WD (Two-Wheel Drive). A vehicle with a drivetrain that allows two wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously.
HD (Heavy Duty). Refers to vehicles that are designed to handle more challenging tasks and heavier loads.
LD (Light Duty). Refers to trucks designed for lighter tasks and smaller loads.
SRW (Single Rear Wheel). A truck with one wheel on each side in the back.
DRW (Dual Rear Wheel). A truck with two wheels on each side in the back, providing increased stability and the ability to carry heavier loads.