A Beginner’s Guide to Auto Repair “Shop Talk”

When speaking with your car’s mechanic, does it seem sometimes like they’re using a foreign language? Have you ever been at the collision repair shop and wondered what in the world the technicians were saying about your vehicle? In addition to being frustrating, you may miss out on some important information that could cost you later. Cutting through all the repair shop “lingo” isn’t difficult once you understand the jargon the technicians use. To help you along, here are some common “shop talk” terms you might overhear at a repair shop.   

Terms Mechanics Use

Mechanics go to school to learn the following terms, so as a driver getting “schooled” in them will help you communicate more effectively the next time your vehicle’s in the shop:

• Engine knock. This describes the metallic pinging noise made by your engine when there’s leftover fuel and air in the combustion chamber while the spark plug is firing. If you’re hearing this sound it could reduce your engine’s life, so take it promptly to a mechanic.
• Fast idle. This higher revving of your engine typically happens when its cold first thing in the morning, or after your car sits all day. The idle speed will automatically increase to maximize engine performance until it warms up.

• Fuel injectors. Decades ago, cars had carburetors to control the fuel and air mixture. Today’s vehicles use fuel “injectors” to deliver that mixture more efficiently into the intake manifold of your engine.

• Hesitation. This is the temporary loss of power you feel when you initially accelerate. If there’s too much hesitation it could mean a problem with the fuel and air mixture as it’s being delivered into the manifold.

• N/A. In “auto speak” terms, N/A refers to a “non-aspirated” engine, or, in other words, one that isn’t turbo or supercharged.

• Play. Used to describe the amount of slack you feel in the steering wheel before your wheels start to turn. Play is usually mentioned when referencing your car’s suspension or steering, notably when their components are getting worn.

• Pull. When applying the brakes or just driving down the road, if your vehicle tracks to one side or the other it is called “pulling”, and usually means that your car needs an alignment.
• Torque steer. Many cars today are front-wheel drive (FWD). During fast acceleration, if your steering wheel begins to turn in one direction this is called “torque steer”. Accelerating too quickly in a FWD vehicle can cause you to lose control when torque steering goes awry.

Body Shop Jargon

When you’re looking over your car’s collision repair estimate, or speaking to an insurance adjuster or shop manager, it would be wise to know these body shop terms:

Aftermarket parts. These are parts made and sold by companies other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of your vehicle. Most aftermarket parts meet the same quality standards that OEM parts do if the supplier is reliable. Be advised that the use of non-approved parts could jeopardize your vehicle’s factory warranty, so ask the shop manager or your insurance adjuster for details.  

Beltline. Also known as the “waistline”, the beltline describes the body area that separates the top of your car from the bottom, and is formed where the lower edges of your vehicle’s windows end.   

Betterment. This term is used by insurance adjusters to describe the fact replacement parts on your car are new, and therefore improve its overall condition. In rare instances, the insurance company may ask you to pay a portion of the repair costs because your vehicle’s market value increased.

OEM. As was mentioned earlier, the term “original equipment manufacturer”, or simply “OEM”, means that the repair parts for your car were made by the company that built it in the first place. If your Toyota Camry got a new OEM grill, the shop ordered it directly from Toyota, or from an authorized Toyota OEM parts supplier.

Collision Repair Shops That Speak Your Language      

If your car’s in the body shop for some accident repairs, the terms used there can be confusing. Simplify your life by taking your vehicle to one of the certified auto body and glass repair shops found in the Carwise nationwide network. The knowledgeable technicians there will clearly explain the work that’s required, and patiently answer your questions to put your mind at-ease. They’ll honestly “speak your language” while restoring your vehicle like-new again promptly and reliably.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.