Under the Hood (Engine Systems)
This fluid, often multicolored, regulates engine temperature and prevents freezing in winter.
What is Coolant (Antifreeze)?
These are the friction materials that press against the rotor to stop a vehicle with disc brakes.
What are Brake Pads?
On a tire sidewall (e.g., P225/65R17), the number "17" represents this measurement in inches.
What is the Rim/Wheel Diameter?
You should always wear these before performing any work in the automotive shop.
What are Safety Glasses (PPE)?
This "sacrificial" electrical component protects a circuit by melting if the current gets too high.
What is a Fuse?
This component uses a belt to turn mechanical energy into electrical energy to charge the battery.
What is the Alternator? Also can be called a generator.
This process involves removing air bubbles from the hydraulic brake lines.
What is Bleeding the brakes?
This maintenance task should be done every 5,000–7,500 miles to ensure even tire wear.
What is Tire Rotation?
This type of wrench is used to tighten a bolt to a specific, measured amount of "squeeze."
What is a Torque Wrench?
standard automotive battery produces this many volts when fully charged (approximate).
What is 12.6 Volts?
On a 4-stroke engine, this specific stroke is when the spark plug fires and pushes the piston down.
What is the Power Stroke?
This instrument is used to measure the thickness of a brake rotor or the diameter of a drum.
What is a Micrometer (or Dial Caliper)?
This steering component connects the steering rack to the steering knuckle.
What is a Tie Rod End?
These orange-colored cables indicate a high-voltage system in this type of vehicle.
What is a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle (EV)?
This light on the dashboard indicates that the On-Board Diagnostics system has detected a fault.
What is the Check Engine Light (or MIL)?
This engine component opens and closes to allow air/fuel in and exhaust gases out of the cylinder.
What is a Valve?
Most modern cars use this type of brake fluid, which is glycol-based and common in non-racing applications.
What is DOT 3 or DOT 4?
The "wear bars" on a tire become visible when the tread depth reaches this minimum legal limit.
What is 2/32 of an inch?
This is the document that provides detailed safety and chemical information for every fluid in the shop.
What is an SDS (Safety Data Sheet)?
This is the most common tool used to check for voltage, resistance, and continuity in a circuit.
What is a Digital Multimeter (or DVOM/DMM)?
This tool is used to measure the specific gravity of battery electrolyte or the freeze point of coolant.
What is a Hydrometer (or Refractometer)?
This safety system prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking by rapidly pulsing the brakes.
What is ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)?
This alignment angle refers to the inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front.
What is Camber?
When lifting a vehicle on a two-post lift, these four reinforced areas on the chassis must be used.
What are the Jack Points (or Lift Points)?
These are the three parts of the "Fire Triangle" required for combustion to occur
What are Fuel, Heat, and Oxygen?