Like any specialized field, auto repair has its own unique set of abbreviations. Used by professionals, the abbreviations can seem to create a completely different language. This can be frustrating for car owners who may not understand what's being said and who find themselves too embarrassed to ask questions on their meaning.
While you should always ask any question that pops in your head especially when dealing with something as important as auto repair, you can ease the embarrassment by studying up on some of the more common auto repair abbreviations.
Now many car owners will encounter only specific abbreviations, usually ones dealing with parts. These abbreviations will probably be used when considering the replacement of damaged items of your car and may even show up on your bill.
OEM- Original Equipment Manufacturer. This simply means that the part is certified new by the manufacturer of the car. This is important for those owners wanting only new parts and that need an assurance of that fact.
QRP- Quality Replacement Part. When mechanisms use "QRP" it is used as a euphemism. What this really means is that the part is an aftermarket part.
A / M- Aftermarket. An A / M is a part not made by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Now other abbreviations will be used when dealing with the actual maintenance of the vehicle. These abbreviations are second nature to many mechanisms who may use them absent mindedly even to customers.
A / F Ratio-Air / Fuel Ratio or Air to Fuel Ratio. A proper A / F Ratio is needed to properly start the car.
CAT-Catalytic Converter. Back in the 1970s the United States started strengthening EPA standards relating internal combustion engines. The CAT is used to turn toxic by products into something a little less toxic.
DFI- Digital Fuel Injector. Fuel Injectors replaced carburetors back in the 1980s. The DFI relations on high pressure to mix the fuel and air where carburetors used low pressure.
DTC- Diagnostic Trouble Code. As the name suggests, the DTC helps to identify any problems. The mechanic reads the DTC with the help of a scanner tool. The DTC consists of 5 digits.
FIPL- Fuel Injector Pump Lever. This piece of equipment insures the continued operation and performance of the fuel injector pump. The fuel injector pump is responsible for getting the fuel from the tank to the injectors. This is critical for the vehicles continued performance.
GPS- Global Positioning System. These systems are becoming more and more popular and are even featured in many of the newer model cars. There should be something wrong with the GPS then you need to make sure that the mechanic understands how to work on it.
hp- Horsepower. Horsepower is a measurement of power and is usually used to refer to trucks and some SUVs.
Now, there are certainly numerous other abbreviations beyond what is listed here which you will no doubt hear while having your car service It is always a good idea to learn at least a handful of abbreviations before heading to a mechanic. A little knowledge goes a long way, after all, and by displaying some know how you will be able to understand the lingo and jargon of the auto repair shop.
