A Few Auto Repair Terms You Need to Know

September 9, 2019 Published by Leave your thoughts

When you go into an auto repair shop, you’re almost guaranteed to hear some unfamiliar jargon coming from the mechanic. Though a mechanic using technical terms isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can leave you feeling a bit out of the loop when it comes to auto repair in Lubbock, TX.

To put your mind at ease, we’ve put together this handy post to teach you some of the lingo you might hear the next time you’re at the auto shop. Continue reading to brush up on your mechanical language:

  • Aftermarket: Many replacement parts used during repair jobs aren’t made by the same company that produced your vehicle. This isn’t a bad thing—aftermarket parts should meet or even exceed the quality of the original part.
  • OEM: If your mechanic doesn’t use aftermarket parts, he uses original equipment manufacturer (OEM parts). As the name suggests, these are made by the original manufacturer of your vehicle.
  • Hesitation: Does your car immediately respond when you press your foot on the accelerator? If not, you’re experiencing some hesitation. There are several causes for this issue, all of which need to be addressed by a mechanic.
  • Pull: Over time, your vehicle’s alignment may become off, and your vehicle will pull to one side of the road or the other. Luckily, this problem is easily corrected with a wheel realignment by your mechanic.
  • ASE: The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) issues certifications to qualified and reputable mechanics across the country. Auto repair shops that are ASE certified will proudly display their certification in the shop, so always look for this certification when you’re in need of a new mechanic.
  • LOF: Lube, oil, and filter (LOF) is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. When you bring your car to a mechanic for LOF, he’ll change your motor oil, replace your filter and perform any other basic tune-ups as needed.
  • TPMS: Your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) does exactly what it sounds like. This system will alert you when your tire pressure is low and you need to refill your tires with air. Tire pressure gradually decreases over time, but if your TPMS is constantly going off, you should bring your car to a mechanic.
  • Play: Any movement in your suspension or steering where there shouldn’t be any is known as “play.” An example of this is when your steering wheel starts to move before the wheels actually turn. Just like in many repair jobs, some types of play are worse than others. Regardless, be sure to have it checked out by a pro as soon as you notice it.
  • Grease monkey: You’ve probably heard this one before, but a grease monkey is simply another name for a mechanic. We got the name because, well, our jobs tend to make us a bit greasy!

When you choose M & M Tire & Service Center, you can rest easy that you won’t be unnecessarily confused by any auto repair jargon. Come by our shop today to see why our customers always choose us for auto repair in Lubbock, TX.

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