7 Auto Body Terms and Definitions to Know Before Bringing Your Car to the Shop
Owning a car comes with encountering frustration when the time comes to wheel it into an auto body shop for repairs. Given its complex nature, knowing some basic auto body terms and definitions doesn’t hurt before handing over your keys to a mechanic. You can memorize the differences between a bumper and a fender or learn about the various types of finishes. Here are some more auto body terms you should familiarize yourself with.
1. Totaled
Bringing your car to the auto body is a stressful experience for most people – usually revolving around the terminologies used in such a setting. Understanding auto body terms and definitions commonly used in the industry prepares you for such a visit. Totaled is one of the words to read up on – it’s a situation where the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle’s value.
Several factors come into play concerning this issue. These include repairs costs, the car’s value before any auto accidents, and any salvage value obtained from selling the car’s parts. Insurance companies also consider the vehicle’s condition and whether it can be safely repaired.
Suppose your car is deemed totaled. Your insurance company – after lengthy vetting, of course – usually pays you the actual cash value of your car (minus any deductibles incurred). This amount can help you greatly – you can purchase a new car or cover expenses related to the damage. Some instances may see you negotiating with your insurance company to keep your totaled car and receive a reduced payout.
Always remember that just because your vehicle is deemed totaled, it doesn’t mean it’s completely worthless. Depending on the damage extent, you can salvage some car parts and sell them for a profit. Moreover, some people go for buying a totaled can and rebuild it themselves.
Understanding the term “totaled” is helpful when bringing your car to the auto body shop. If your car is deemed totaled, you’ll have a better understanding of what that means and your options moving forward. As always, working with a reputable car accident lawyer can let you have a smooth ride with this experience.
2. Brakes
Taking your car to an auto shop may be stressful. Fortunately, taking an interest in learning some auto body terms and definitions can alleviate some of this stress. A term you may hear being thrown around is “brakes” – something that most vehicles have an issue with. Brakes are essentially responsible for slowing down or stopping your car when needed.
It may seem like all brakes are similar – after all, they serve two purposes – but there are different types, like drum brakes and disc brakes. Disc brakes are more commonly present in modern cars, working by using calipers to squeeze brake pads against a rotor. Drum brakes, on the other hand, use shoes that press against a rotating drum to slow down the vehicle.
During your visit, a mechanic will inspect your brakes to ensure they function properly. They can check the brake pads, calipers, rotors, and other components to see if everything is in perfect shape. If they find issues with your brakes, they’ll recommend repairs or replacements to keep your vehicle safe on the road.
Given that brake systems are complex, it isn’t always easy to diagnose problems without inspecting them first. Some common signs to look out for if your car breaks and requires attention is hearing squeaking or grinding noises. Noticing these symptoms calls for alarm and immediate action – like reviewing your auto insurance policy on damaged brakes – to prevent further damage and ensure your safety on the road.
Understanding the basics of brakes and how they operate is essential to learn. Knowing these auto body terms and definitions can help you make informed decisions about your vehicle’s health when you take it to an auto shop. Next time you hear the term “brakes” in a conversation with your mechanic, you’ll have an inkling of what they’re talking about.
3. Suspension
Suspension is a crucial part of a vehicle’s body – it’s responsible for providing a smooth and comfortable ride on the road. Essentially, the suspension system is a buffer between the wheels and the car’s body. Understanding the components of suspension systems isn’t a walk in the park, especially if you aren’t well-versed in auto body terms and definitions.
The suspension system entails several components, like the springs, sway bars, struts, and shock absorbers. Each component has a role – it makes sense since it’s a system – in ensuring your vehicle rides smoothly and handles well on the road. The springs support the car’s weight while shock absorbers and struts neutralize any bumps or shocks the car encounters. Sway bars, on the other hand, keep the car stable during sudden movements or when turning.
When you bring a car to auto body garages, you can express your knowledge of these components and how they contribute to its performance. For instance, if your car has a bumpy ride or pulls to one side when turning, alarm bells should be ringing in your head. It’s a sign that the system is in dire need of inspection and potential repair.
You must also note that suspension systems vary depending on a vehicle’s make and model. Some cars will have a more complicated suspension system with multiple levels of shocks and springs. Understanding this system’s needs can help you make the right decisions regarding your car’s maintenance and repairs.
Suspension is something you should research when learning auto body terms and definitions. A basic understanding of how it works to provide a smooth ride can make you one step ahead before bringing your car to the shop. It’s recommended to consult an automobile accident attorney or a trusted body shop to ensure you don’t get short-changed regarding your vehicle’s suspension issues.
4. Tires
Tire pressure is one thing you may encounter when you broach this subject. It’s the amount of air that should be in your car tires – usually indicated on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. Proper tire pressure elevates safety and fuel efficiency, so keeping your tires inflated at the recommended level is essential.
Tread depth is another topic to look into concerning tires. The tread is what makes contact with the road, so you know it wears down over time. Tread depth – measured in sixteenths of an inch – requires regular attention to ensure it gives your tires enough traction. If the tread is too low, it leads to poor handling, reduced braking performance, and a high chance of hydroplaning in wet conditions.
Tire alignment is something you’ll come across when researching tires. It may look like a hard concept, but it’s an angle where your wheels are positioned relative to each other and to the road. Proper alignment can favor your tires by preventing wear and tear – not to forget enhanced steering and handling. Signs to look out for if your car has wheel alignment issues is noticing uneven tire wear, steering that’s off-center, or pulling to one side while driving.
Knowing terms can make you communicate more effectively with your mechanic. You’ll get the best service for your vehicle and not get lost in the sea of confusing words. Whether it’s getting new tires or getting a routine tire rotation, these auto body terms and definitions can give you greater peace of mind on the road.
5. Oil Change
Car ownership requires diligence and paying attention to auto body terms and definitions that may prove useful in the course of your journey. It’s confusing to learn about the inner workings of your vehicle, but one of the common terms you might bump into is ‘oil change.’ It sounds like a straightforward task, but it’s actually quite complicated.
Oil has several functions in your vehicle’s engine. It lubricates the moving parts – one of the things that reduce friction and tear. It also cools the engine by drawing heat away from the components. Despite all these benefits, oil can break down and become contaminated with dirt, debris, and other particles.
How often should you change your oil? The answer depends on certain factors like your car’s age and model, the type of oil you use, and your driving habits. A general rule of thumb most mechanics recommend for changing your oil is every three to six months. However, some newer cars can go longer between oil changes; some high-performance vehicles may require more frequent changes.
When seeking an oil change as part of your auto maintenance, the mechanic usually drains the oils from your engine before replacing it with fresh oil. They may also replace the oil filter – a feature that removes contaminants from the oil as it circulates through the engine. After completing the oil change, your mechanic will check other fluid levels – like coolant and brake fluid – and perform a visual inspection of your car’s components to gauge their performance.
An oil change is something you should know about when taking your car for a check at an auto body shop. It’s an essential task that will elevate the health and longevity of your car’s engine. By understanding this term, you can know what your mechanic intends to do with your car and rest easy knowing it’s being taken care of by a pro.
6. Transmission
Transmission is another thing to add to your list of auto body terms and definitions. The transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels – the thing that makes your car move forward and backward. A malfunctioned transmission, therefore, will make your car unable to move at all.
Transmissions are available in two main types; manual and automatic. For an automatic transmission, the process shakes up a bit, as shift gears engage automatically based on the vehicle’s speed and engine load. Both types are okay to use, provided you do your part in scheduling them regular maintenance to get optimum performance.
Common issues that faulty transmissions display include difficulty shifting gears, grinding, and slipping. Various factors can contribute to this, like low transmission fluid levels, damaged seals, or worn-out gears – a headache no one wants to run into. Noticing these symptoms is an alarm you shouldn’t ignore, and take your car to a qualified mechanic to prevent further damage.
The basics of transmission aren’t hard to grasp. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs will ensure your car continues to run smoothly and reliably. When bringing your car to the auto repair shop for a transmission checkup, choose a qualified mechanic and ask for information on how to care for your transmission to prevent future issues.
7. Hull
Hull is one of the things you should definitely know as a car owner. You may have heard it as one of the things that stabilizes water vessels but it has a slightly different – if not the same – meaning in the automotive industry. It’s one of the auto body terms and definitions that you should add to your vocabulary. After all, it’s one of the things that makes up your vehicle’s structural integrity.
The hull is quite literally your vehicle’s backbone. It supports all the other components like the engine, suspension, and transmission. In a collision, the hull can sustain damage and compromise your car’s overall stability and safety. If your car suffers damage to the hull, bring it to a qualified auto body shop for auto parts repair. Sometimes you may find that it’s twisted and bent, so you know you have to let a professional check it unless you want to incur further expenses.
Bringing your car to this shop will see technicians begin assessing the damage to the frame. They’ll use specialized equipment to measure the hull’s alignment and determine where there are any distortions or bends. From three, they carefully straighten and reshape the frame to restore its original shape and strength.
Knowing the hull’s importance can make a difference if you own a car. Whether it’s a collision or wear and tear, bringing your car to an auto shop for hull repairs is safe and roadworthy. If you notice any signs of damage to your car’s hull, ensure to repair it as soon as possible.
Understanding auto body terms and definitions go a long way in ensuring you know basic vehicle terminology. Doing so keeps you one step ahead when you bring your car to an auto body shop for repairs. Don’t stay in the dark regarding auto body terms, research or enroll in a class to learn more about your car!