[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] Directions

Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]

Change Location

Current Location

[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] | Directions

Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]

Change Location

News

Auto Repair Jargon You Should Know

posted on 1/17/2020 10:02:29 AM

Unless you consider yourself a car enthusiast, you may find yourself feeling a bit lost when having conversations with your mechanic. At times, it can feel like you are speaking to someone using a different language with words like “grease monkey,” “kickdown,” and “oversquare” whizzing past your head like dodgeballs. Hopefully, Gulf Freeway's list of common auto repair terms will help your next conversation with your mechanic go a bit more seamlessly.

Gulf Freeway's Auto Repair Dictionary

Aftermarket

This term applies to parts which are not made by the original manufacturer. The best aftermarket parts will meet or exceed the quality of the original parts in your vehicle.

Hesitation

“Hesitation” refers to the lack of response which occurs when you first accelerate.

Pull

Pulling is a sign you need a wheel alignment. Pulling occurs when your steering wheel is turning to the left or right on its own while you attempt to steer straight ahead.

OEM

OEM parts are those created by the original manufacturer. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Oversquare

“Oversquare” describes an engine with its cylinders having a greater bore diameter than its stroke length.

Kickdown

“Kickdown” describes the downshift in an automatic transmission which occurs when the throttle is depressed.

Grease Monkey

This term is just slang for a mechanic.

ASE

ASE is the common abbreviation for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which issues certifications to professionals in the automotive service industry.

LOF

LOF is an abbreviation of “lube, oil, filter.” Similarly, LOFR is an abbreviation of “lube, oil, filter, rotation.”

TPMS

TPMS stands for tire pressure monitoring system. This is the system which tells you when your tire pressure is low.

Play

If you have excessive “play” in a part (typically suspension and steering parts), there is movement when there should be none. You may notice play in your steering wheel when there is a movement of the steering wheel before the wheels actually start to turn.

Hopefully, these explanations will help you the next time you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance or repairs!

Gulf Freeway Offers Quality Auto Repair Services

If you're in the market for automotive repair and want to find the places with the best deals, then visit Gulf Freeway Tire & Auto. We have two convenient locations in Houston, TX and La Porte, TX. Schedule a service appointment online today, or visit our car repair store near you. Let us earn your business and show you why we're the best!

Schedule An Appointment

Shop Services

Browse Savings

Categories: Auto Repair 101 | View Count: (122) | Return

What to Do if You Have a Flat Tire 11/19/2020
How to Protect Your Tires Against Common Road Debris 2/14/2020
5 New Year's Resolutions for Every Car Owner 1/13/2022
What Happens When Tires Sit Too Long in One Place? 7/17/2020
Halloween Driving Safety Tips 10/17/2019
Should You Plug or Replace a Tire? 5/13/2021

Contact Gulf Freeway Tire & Auto

About

Visit Our Shop

Gulf Freeway Tire & Auto

. Powered by Net Driven
Login

Quality Tires and Auto Repair in Houston and La Porte, TX

Gulf Freeway Tire & Auto proudly serves the local Houston and La Porte, TX area. We understand that getting your car fixed or buying new tires can be overwhelming. Let us help you choose from our large selection of tires. We feature tires that fit your needs and budget from top quality brands, such as Bridgestone, Firestone, and more. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for any auto repair, from brake repairs, A/C repair, and oil changes to tire repair and wheel alignments. We also provide Texas state inspections. Schedule an appointment today!