Understanding Service Lingo
Here are some examples of automobile lingo you may or may not be familiar with:
Slip – The engine revs, but the vehicle doesn’t move.
Hesitation or delay – A time lapse between putting the vehicle in gear or stepping on the gas pedal, and getting a reaction.
Hot – Temperature after the engine is warmed up and running. Normal engine temperature is 100 degrees.
Cold – Temperature after the vehicle is turned off and has been sitting.
Acceleration – Stepping on the gas pedal.
Deceleration – Still moving, with foot off the gas pedal.
Brake pull – Vehicle pulls to one side when the brake is applied.
Steering pull – Vehicle pulls to one side as you attempt to drive in a straight line.
Chatter – A condition that feels like the vehicle is on a rumble strip.
Locking up – When a vehicle won’t move and it feels like it’s against a brick wall not in neutral.
Cranking – When the starter is turning but the engine won’t start.
Smoking – Excess smoke from the tailpipe or smoke that escapes from under the hood.
Out of round – When a tire’s condition is too far out of specification to be balanced properly.
Flash the computer – To reprogram or restart the computer.
Torque steer – Vehicle pulls in left or right direction upon acceleration.
Morning sickness – In cold weather when a vehicle looses power steering until the engine is warmed up.
Top off – When the technician adds enough fluid to return the level to full capacity.
Cold start – Cranking the vehicle after it has been sitting for more than five hours. This helps to diagnose certain kinds of problems.