Automotive Service

Terminology

Automotive Service

Technicians

2

Acknowledgements

Winnipeg Technical College and the Department of Labour and Immigration

of Manitoba wish to express sincere appreciation to all contributors.

Special acknowledgments are extended to the following individuals:

Manola Barlow, Independent Contractor

Sarah McDowell, Independent Contractor

Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, Winnipeg Technical College

Don Chadney, Motor Vehicle/Mechanical Repair Instructor, Winnipeg Technical

College

Funding for this project has been provided by The Citizenship and

Multicultural Division, Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration.

Disclaimer

Statements and opinions in this document do not reflect those of Winnipeg Technical

College or the project funder, Citizenship and Multicultural Division, Manitoba

Department of Labour and Immigration. The information is gathered from a variety of

sources and is current and accurate as of the revision date noted. This information is

subject to change and will not be further updated. It is the responsibility of the reader to

seek current statistics and information.

Please contact the Winnipeg Technical College at 989-6500 or www.wtc.mb.ca if you

have questions about the contents of this document

3

Table of Contents

Introduction --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

Basic Service Tools: Matching--------------------------------------------------------------- 5

Measuring Tools: Matching------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

Essential Terms/ Definitions------------------------------------------------------------------ 9

Essential Systems: Crossword ------------------------------------------------------------ 10

Lubrication and Cooling Systems --------------------------------------------------------- 11

Comprehension Questions ----------------------------------------------------------------- 13

Seals, Bearings, Fittings, Belts and Pulleys-------------------------------------------- 14

Comprehension Questions ----------------------------------------------------------------- 15

Suspension System -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

Suspension System: Matching ------------------------------------------------------------ 19

Steering Systems and Wheel Alignment ------------------------------------------------ 20

Brake System ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

Categorizing Terms--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

Answer Key------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24

Recommended Resources ----------------------------------------------------------------- 26

References ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

4

Introduction

As a student, studying to be an automotive service technician, you will hear

“automotive” trade terminology everyday. As a result, it is highly recommended that you

become familiar with the automotive terminology, before the start date of your program.

This will ease some of the workload required of you during the course.

This guide mainly focuses on the essential terms for the first three blocks of the course,

and does not include all the key words. Self-tests and answer keys have been included

in this guide. If you are scoring below 80% on the self-tests, it would be recommended

that you go back and review those areas. If you would like to study more in depth, there

is a list of recommended books and websites at the back of this package.

5

Basic Service Tools: Matching

Directions: Write the picture number next to the name of the tool.

• Ball-Peen Hammers • Screwdrivers • Chisels/Punches • Socket-Set • Drill • Soldering-Iron • Drill-Bits • Torque-Wrench • Hand-Sledge • Rubber-Mallet • Impact-Wrench • Reamers • Hacksaw • Ratchet-Hand-Puller Strap • Threader-Kit • Soldering-Gun • Pliers • Vise • Wrenches • Extension Bar-Set

1.

2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7.

8.

9. 10. 11. 12.

13.

14. 15. 16.

17. 18. 19. 20.

6

Measuring Tools: Matching

Directions: Write the name of the tool next to the picture. Use the words below.

• Micrometers • Oscilloscope • Calipers • Feeler-Gauge • Dividers • Gauge • Dial Indicator • Test Light • Dial Calipers • Voltmeter • Exhaust-Gas-Analyzer • Multimeter • Scan-Tool • Tachometer

1. ________________: Used to make linear

measurements. (exact measurements)

2. ________________: Used to measure the

size of a hole. (rough measurements)

3. _______________: Good for marking circles

and making surface measurements.

4. ________________: Used to read

movement in thousandths of an inch.

(Common uses: checking end play in shafts,

backlash in gear teeth, valve lift…etc.)

5. _______________: Taking

outside/inside/depth measurements. (very

accurate)

7

6. _______________: Used to measure the

amount of various chemicals in the vehicle’s

exhaust.

7. _______________: Hand held electronic

device that can communicate with a vehicle’s

computer.

8. ____________________: Shows the

electrical activity in the vehicles ignition

system and other electrical systems.

9. _________________: Measures how much

room there is between parts.

10. _________________: An instrument used for

measuring. (Ex., compression, oil pressure,

air pressure, etc.)

11. ______________: Indicates if electricity is

present/not present.

12. ________________: Used to check voltage

between two points in an energized circuit.

8

13. _________________: Essentially a

voltmeter, ammeter and an ohmmeter in one

tool.

14. ___________________: Used to measure

engine speed.

9

Essential Terms/Definitions

Brake System - The system in a vehicle that is used to slow or stop the vehicle.

Electrical System - Any of the systems and subsystems that make up the automobile

wiring harness, such as the lighting system or starting or charging system.1

Engine - A device that burns fuel to produce mechanical power; to convert heat energy

into mechanical energy.

Fuel System - The system that delivers fuel to the cylinders, consisting of a fuel tank

and lines, gauge, fuel pump, carburetor or injectors, and intake manifold or fuel rail.

Suspension System - The system that supports the weight of the vehicle and provides

for a comfortable and safe ride for the driver and passengers.

Transmission System - A gearing device of a vehicle that provides variable ratios

between the engine output and the differential input.

***This is not a list of all the systems in the car.***

On the next page there is a test for these words. Try not to look at the definitions while

you do the puzzle.

1 Definitions from “Delmar’s Automotive Dictionary.”

10

Essential Systems: Crossword

Directions: Look at the clues below and write in the word that best matches the clue.

Across

1. supports weight of the vehicle

5. burns fuel, produces power

6. gearing device

Down

2. wiring harness

3. used to stop

4. delivers ________ to the cylinders

11

Lubrication and Cooling Systems

The oil pump, filter, hoses, lines and passages in an engine facilitate the oiling of

all moving parts. The job of engine oil is to lubricate, cool, seal and clean the engine.

Coolant - The fluid that is pumped through the engine to reduce heat.

Coolant pump - Circulates coolant through the engine.

Cooling Systems - Definition(s)1. A system of parts that circulates coolant through the

engine to remove heat. 2. A system to remove heat from a heat generating mechanism.

There are two ways to cool an engine - By air or by water.

Fan - Draws air through the radiator to lower the temperature of the coolant.

Friction - The force that opposes movement between any two objects in contact with

each other. There are two kinds of friction - dry and wet.

Hoses - Move the coolant to the radiator to the engine.

Lubricate - To use a substance such as oil to make a machine operate more easily, or

to prevent something from sticking or rubbing.2

Multi-Viscosity Oil (multi-grade, multi-weight, all season, and all-weather oil) Contains

polymers. Polymers make the oil thinner when cold and thicker when hot. (E.g.,5W-30,

10W-30, 10W-40, and 20W-50)

Oil Filter - Takes most of the impurities out of the oil.

Oil Seals - Keep oil in the engine. (gaskets, sealants)

Oil Viscosity - Refers to the thickness or fluidity of the oil. Oils that meet low

temperature requirements have the letter W following the number. (10W) 2 www.dictionary.cambridge.org

12

Radiator - Brings the temperature of the coolant down after it has been circulated

through the engine.

Thermostat - Regulates the flow of coolant as the engine temperature changes.

Three Types of Lubrication Systems - Full pressure system, Splash system and Combination pressure-splash system.

13

Comprehension Questions

Directions: Without looking at the previous pages, try to answer these questions.

1.) What facilitates the oiling of all moving parts?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

2.) What takes impurities out of the oil?

______________________________________________________________________

3.) What are the two ways an engine is cooled?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

4.) What is the job of the radiator?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

5.) What is a thermostat?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

6.) What does viscosity refer to?

______________________________________________________________________

7.) What type of oil contains polymers?

______________________________________________________________________

8.) What are the three types of lubrication systems?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

9.) What are the jobs of engine oil?

______________________________________________________________________

10.) Which part circulates coolant through the engine?

______________________________________________________________________

14

Seals, Bearings, Fittings, Belts & Pulleys

Seals - 1.A device used around a rotating shaft to prevent fluid or vapor

leaks. 2. A gasket like material used between two or more

parts to prevent fluid or vapor leaks.

Bearings - A term used for ball bearing or

bushing.

Fittings & Fasteners -

Bolt & Cap

Machine Screws

Washers

Screws Rods & Studs

Machine Screws

Anchors

Nuts Plugs

Belts - A device used to drive the water pump and/or other auxiliary devices, such as

the alternator, off the engine.

Pulley - A wheel shaped, belt driven device used to drive engine accessories.

15

Comprehension Questions

1.) What is the main purpose of a seal?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

2.) What is a type of fitting?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

3.) Why are belts and pulleys important?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Suspension System

Suspension Systems: The system that supports the weight of the vehicle and provides

for a comfortable and safe ride for the driver and passengers.

Sprung weight - weight of all vehicle parts that are supported by the suspension

system. The frame, engine drive train, and all parts mounted on the body make

up sprung weight. (Weight over the springs)

Unsprung weight - refers to all parts of the vehicle that are not supported by the

suspension system, such as the wheels tires, steering knuckle and rear axle.

(Weight under the springs)

Suspension System Components

Ball joints - Carries the vehicle load to the wheels while allowing

relative movement between the wheel assembly and the frame.

(Load-carrying ball joint, follower joint, tension loading and compression loading.)

17

Body-over-frame construction: Uses a separate steel frame to which the body is

bolted at various points. Unibody construction: In which the body sections serve as

structural members. (Most common)

Control arms and struts - Keeps the wheel assembly in proper

position. (Allows the wheel to move up and down, but not in any other

direction.)

Conventional front suspension - One or two control arms are used at each wheel.

Independent Rear Suspensions (IRS) - Rear wheels are independently sprung.

MacPherson Strut front

suspension - Most modern

vehicles, use this system.

More compact than the

conventional front

suspension system.

(Commonly referred to as a

“strut”)

18

Shock absorber - A hydraulic device used at each wheel of the suspension system to

help control the up, down, and rolling motion of a car body by

dampening the oscillation or jounce of the

Solid Rear Axle Suspensions

Springs - Found between the frame and axles. (Three types)

Coil Leaf Torsion bar

(See picture on

previous page.)

springs when the car goes over bumps. Contributes to vehicle safety and

passenger comfort. Also referred to as shock.

Stabilizer bars - Prevents the car from leaning on corners and helps the car stay level.

Simple straight brace (highlighted) Complex brace (highlighted)

19

Suspension System: Matching

Match the correct definition with the term. Write the letter next to the number.

__ 1.) Found between the frame and the axle.

__ 2.) Most vehicles use this system.

__ 3.) Weight over the springs

__ 4.) Carries the vehicle load to the wheels while

allowing relative movement.

__ 5.) The system that supports the weight of the

vehicle.

__ 6.) One or two control arms are used at each

wheel.

__ 7.) Prevents the car from leaning on corners.

__ 8.) Keeps the wheel assembly in proper

position.

__ 9.) A hydraulic device used at each wheel.

__ 10.) Weight under the springs.

__ 11.) Uses a separate steel frame to which the

body is bolted at various points.

A. Stabilizer bars

B. Control arms/struts

C. Springs

D. Unsprung weight

E. Shock

F. McPherson Strut front

suspension

G. Conventional front

suspension

H. Ball joints

I. Body over frame construction

J. Sprung weight

K. Suspension

20

Steering Systems and Wheel Alignment

Alignment Adjustments - Various means are provided for adjusting the different front

and rear alignment angles.

Caster - The angle between the steering-spindle axis and the wheel vertical as viewed

from the side.

Front Wheel Adjustments - Most commonly done by loosening the nuts holding the

top of the strut tower and sliding the tower in or out.

Positive and Negative Camber - Positive camber is provided by angling the top of the

wheel away from the vehicle. If the tops of the wheel are closer together than the

bottoms, the camber is negative.

Power Steering - Designed to reduce effort needed to turn the steering wheel by

utilizing hydraulic pressure to strengthen the normal torque in the steering gear.

Power Steering Pumps - Provides the hydraulic pressure needed to operate the power

steering system.

Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear - A steering assembly that has a gear or pinion at one

end of the steering shaft engaging a horizontal-toothed bar or rack having tie rods at

either end that are attached to the steering arms.

Rear Wheel Adjustments - Using eccentric cams or washers, and using threaded rods.

Some designs provide for loosening the rear strut bolts.

Steering Axis Inclination (SAI) - The angle of a line through the center of the upper

strut mount and lower ball joint in relation to the true vertical centerline of the tire,

viewed from the front of the vehicle.

Steering System - The mechanism that permits the driver to change vehicle direction

by turning a wheel inside the vehicle.

21

Steering Wheel - Allows the driver to control steering motion.

Thrust Angle - The imaginary line at a right angle (90o) to the rear of the

axle.

Tie Rod - The linkage between the idler arm or pitman arm and the steering arm.

Toe - Is the relative positions of the front and rear of a tire in relation to the other tire on

the axle.

Toe-Out on Turns - Accomplished by bending both steering arms so that they angle

slightly toward the center of the vehicle.

Wheel Alignment - The process of measuring and correcting the various angles formed

by the front and rear wheels, spindles, and steering arms. Types of wheel alignment:

two-wheel and four wheel

Worm and Roller Steering Gear - Imparts a rotary motion to a straight line motion.

22

Brake System

Standard Brake Systems: Operates with the hydraulic

system to stop the vehicle.

Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS)

Use electronic and hydraulic

components to help prevent

wheel lockup during hard

braking. Anti-lock brakes

allow the driver to maintain

directional control while

providing maximum braking efficiency. The ABS system does this by pulsing (applying

and releasing) quickly.3 There are four main components to an ABS system: Speed

sensors, Pump, Valves and Controller.

Traction Control Systems

Some vehicles are equipped with Traction

Control Systems to reduce wheel spin on

slippery surfaces. These systems are

enhancements of an existing ABS system.

These systems reduce engine power and

operate the brake system to increase vehicle

acceleration and stability on wet, icy, or uneven surfaces.4

3 Auto Fundamentals, pg. 445. 4 ibid.

23

Steering Systems, Wheel Alignment and Brake Systems: Categorizing Terms

Directions: Write the word under the correct system. Try not to look at the previous

pages. After you are done, check your answers.

Steering Wheel Alignment Brakes

Word List

• Steering axis inclination • Speed sensors • Worm and roller • Disc • ABS • Directional control • Traction control systems • Caster • Front/rear adjustments • Toe • Positive/negative camber • Tie rod • Rack and pinion

24

Answer Key

Basic Service Tools: Matching (page 5)

1.) Ball Peen 2.) Hand Sledge 3.) Rubber Mallet 4.) Chisels/Punches

5.) Drill 6.) Drill-Bits 7.) Reamers 8.) Impact Wrench

9.) Hacksaw 10.) Vise 11.) Threader Kit 12.) Pliers

13.) Wrenches 14.) Screwdrivers 15.) Socket Set 16.) Torque Wrench

17.) Extension Bar-Set 18.) Ratchet-Hand-Puller Strap

19.) Soldering Iron 20.) Soldering Gun

Measuring Tools: Matching (page 6)

1.) Micrometers 2.) Calipers 3.) Dividers 4.) Dial Indicator

5.) Dial Calipers 6.) Exhaust-Gas-Analyzer 7.) Scan-Tool

8.) Feeler-Gauge 9.) Gauge 10.) Test Light 11.) Voltmeter

12.) Multimeter 13.) Tachometer 14. ) Screw drivers

Essential Systems: Crossword (page 10)

1.) Suspension 2.) Electrical 3.) Brakes

4.) Fuel 5.) Engine 6.) Transmission

Lubrication and Cooling Systems: Comprehension Questions (page 13)

1. The oil pump, filter, hoses, lines and passages.

2. The oil filter.

3. By air and water.

4. To bring the temperature of the coolant down.

5. To regulate the flow of coolant as the engine temperature changes.

6. The thickness/fluidity of the oil.

7. Multi-viscosity or multi-purpose.

8. Full pressure system, Splash system, Combination-pressure-splash.

25

9. To lubricate, cool, seal and clean the engine.

10. The coolant pump.

Seals, Bearings, Fittings, Belts & Pulleys: Comprehension Questions (page 15)

1. To prevent fluid and vapor leaks.

2. Any names listed under fittings.

3. Without them, an engine will not work.

Suspension System: Matching (page 19)

1.) C 6.) G

2.) F 7.) A

3.) J 8.) B

4.) H 9.) E

5.) K 10.) D

11.) I

Steering Systems, Wheel Alignment and Brake Systems: Categorizing Terms (page 22 )

Steering Wheel Alignment Brakes

Worm and roller

Tie rod

Directional control

Steering axis inclination

Front/rear adjustments

Positive/negative

Camber

Caster

Toe

ABS

Traction control system

Disc

Speed sensors

26

Recommended Resources

Peterson, J., & deKryger, W. (2005). Math for the Automotive Trade 3rd Edition. Albany,

New York: Delmar Publishers Inc.

Sformo, T., & Sformo, G.M. (2005). Practical Problems in Mathematics for Automotive

Technicians 6th Edition. Albany, New York: Delmar Publishers Inc.

Stockel, M.W., Stockel M.T., & Johnson, C. (2000). Auto Fundamentals: How and why

of design, construction, and operation of automobiles. Applicable to all makes

and models. Tinley Park, Illinois: The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.

South, D.W., & Dwiggins, B.H. (1997). Delmar’s Automotive Dictionary. Albany, New

York: Delmar Publishers Inc .

References

Cambridge University Press. (2006). Dictionaries Online. Retrieved February 23, 2006,

from http://dictionary.cambridge.org/

Harris, W. (2006). How car suspensions work. Retrieved February 21, 2006, from

http://auto.howstuffworks.com

South, D.W., & Dwiggins, B.H. (1997). Delmar’s Automotive Dictionary. Albany, New

York: Thompson Delmar.

Stockel, M.W., Stockel M.T., & Johnson, C. (2000). Auto Fundamentals: How and why

of design, construction, and operation of automobiles. Applicable to all makes

and models. Tinley Park, Illinois: The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.

Updated: April 2008