A-Z of Car Parts

Cars are complex machines and the average person isn’t likely to know what every car term means, much less how it helps operate their vehicle. That’s why we’ve compiled this jargon-busting guide to parts of a car to help you stay in the know. 

Alternator

An alternator is responsible for powering the electronic components of your car, such as the windscreen wipers and headlamps. It also keeps the car battery charged. 

Battery

There are now two instances of a car battery – the ‘traditional’ which provides the electrical energy source to start the vehicle, power the radio, lights etc. Usually located under the bonnet, these batteries are different to the batteries powering EV cars. EV batteries are significantly more powerful and longer lasting to power the vehicle’s motion and are found underneath the car. Read more on batteries

Cambelt

A cambelt, also known as the vehicle timing belt, ensures that parts of the motor are working in tandem with one another. It does this by carefully controlling the timing of the internal engines, for example, when fuel and air are allowed in and out. Read more on cambelts.

Distributor

A key component of the ignition system for older cars, the distributor directs voltage from the ignition coils to the spark plugs. This process creates a spark to ignite the car engine.

Exhaust

The exhaust system guides gases and particles from the car engine to the outside of the vehicle. This is important for directing harmful fumes away from the interior of the car. Read more on exhausts.

Flywheel

A flywheel is a large and heavy disc attached to the crankshaft that stores kinetic energy. This helps the engine to conserve power by providing this rotational energy. 

Gasket

A gasket acts as a sealant between car components to prevent leaks and distribute heat. 

Headlights

Headlights are the lights located at the front of a car to provide illumination of the road ahead. They are an essential safety feature for night-time driving. Read more on headlights.

Ignition coil

An ignition coil directs the voltage to the spark plugs to ignite the engine. In older cars with distributor systems, this coil will lie between the battery and the distributor. In newer cars, the coil is more likely to be located directly on the spark plug itself. 

Jounce bumper

Jounce bumpers are part of a vehicle’s suspension system and are made of rubber or foam to absorb impact. Read more on suspension.

Knock sensor

The knock sensor is located within the combustion engine, designed to detect any engine ‘knocks’, in other words, irregular vibrations. If a knock is detected, an electrical signal is sent to the engine control unit which then intervenes. Read more on engine knocking.

Lock cylinder

A lock cylinder is the part of the lock system on a car where the key is inserted and turned. The cylinder contains pins and springs to enable the locking mechanism. 

Muffler

A muffler, also known as a silencer, is part of an exhaust system that is tasked with reducing engine noise. Mufflers are made of steel and are located towards the rear of a car, working to manipulate sound waves to reduce noise levels. Read more on exhausts.

NOx sensor

A NOx sensor is a nitrogen oxide sensor that detects high levels of the gas in modern diesel and petrol engines, adjusting the output so it does not exceed emissions regulations by feeding the information back to the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system. 

Oil filter

The purpose of a car oil filter is to remove any accumulated contaminants from your engine oil to keep it clean. This is an important process to protect the lifespan and performance of your engine. Read more on oil changes.

Power steering pump

Since its introduction, power steering has vastly improved the ease of turning and steering for motorists worldwide. The power steering pump is a hydraulic device that uses a pressurised fluid in order to provide the force needed to make turning easier for the driver. 

Quarter panel

A car quarter panel refers to a section of exterior panelling located between the rear door and the car boot. 

Radiator

A vehicle radiator is part of an engine’s cooling system. It works by transferring heat generated by the engine to the surrounding air and prevents the engine from overheating. 

Spark plug

A spark plug is a component of a car engine, responsible for providing the spark that ignites fuel for the engine. This spark comes from electrical energy transported by other parts of the ignition system. 

Tyre

Available in numerous tread patterns and diameters, a tyre features an inflated rubber ring component fitted around a car wheel. This provides cushioning, traction and load bearing, amongst many other things. Read more on tyres.

Universal joint

A universal joint, also known as a u-joint, is a cross-shaped component that links the vehicle’s rigid shafts together. Rear wheel drives have two universal joints, one at each end of the drive shaft. 

Valves

Valves in a car open and close to control airflow and fuel flow, both to and from the engine. They are essential inlets and outlets to the engine. 

Water pump

A water pump is a component in your car’s cooling system which regulates engine temperature to prevent overheating. The pump works to circulate coolant around the engine and radiator, resulting in heat exchange to achieve this goal. 

Xenon headlights

Xenon headlights use xenon gas within the bulb to intensify the light output of a headlight. This generates a very bright white or blue light that can provide increased coverage. Read more on headlights.

Yoke

A yoke is an alternative steering wheel shaped like a squat ‘U’. It is sometimes used to save space in racing cars and its design also encourages drivers to hold their hands in the correct position at all times. 

Zerk fitting

A zerk fitting, also known as a grease fitting, is a lubrication point for components that require a lubricant to operate. These zerk fittings enable a user to inject a very precise amount of grease or lubricant into these points. 

Mr Tyre is the leading chain of autocentres for Central England, helping customers to keep their cars in roadworthy shape. Our technicians always offer a friendly and easy-to-understand service that covers everything from tyre fitting to MOTs. Simply visit your local branch or get in touch today.