If you’re trying to find a vehicle but are confused or stressed by all the auto industry verbiage, our Music City Honda team is here to help. With our comprehensive guide of common vehicle terms, you’ll be able to find the perfect vehicle that matches your needs and budget. Don’t miss out on a great vehicle; use our guide or contact our team, and we’ll help you take home your ideal vehicle.
Common Car Terms You Should Know
Horsepower (HP): A vehicle’s horsepower refers to the engine’s power, which impacts how fast the vehicle can travel.
Torque (lb-ft): Torque refers to the vehicle’s ability to accelerate from a stopped position. If your vehicle has more torque, it will produce a greater amount of power.
Transmission: The transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels; the type of transmission your vehicle has determines how the power is transferred.
Automatic Transmission: This transmission automatically and smoothly shifts between gears without the driver’s assistance.
Manual Transmission: The driver manually changes gears using a stick shift and clutch.
Curb Weight: The curb weight refers to the vehicle’s weight when it is empty.
Towing Capacity: The maximum amount that your vehicle can safely tow objects from behind.
Suspension: A vehicle’s suspension absorbs road imperfections and helps keep the vehicle stable on the road.
MPG (Miles Per Gallon): Your vehicle’s MPG is measured in miles per gallon (MPG), which ultimately determines how many miles it can travel on a single gallon of gas.
Drivetrain: Depending on which drivetrain your vehicle has determines which wheels receive power. The three common types of drivetrains include:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD): The two rear wheels are the only wheels that receive power. This type of drivetrain is popular in high-performance vehicles.
Front-wheel drive (FWD): The two front wheels are the only wheels to receive power.
All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD): Off-road vehicles are typically equipped with AWD/4WD because all four wheels receive power.
Wheelbase: The vehicle’s performance and stability are determined by the wheelbase, which is the distance between the rear and front wheels.
Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated: Turbocharged engines are equipped with a turbine that helps move compressed air through the engine, while a naturally aspirated engine does not use a turbine and relies on atmospheric pressure to move the air.
Reading Engine Descriptions: The type of engine your vehicle has determines its power; for example, the 2024 Honda Accord is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Let’s break down what that means:
Turbocharged: A turbine helps the engine move compressed air and gives the vehicle more power.
1.5-liter: Your engine’s displacement is measured in liters, which means the Accord has a displacement of 1.5 liters and helps determine the efficiency and power of the engine.
4-Cylinder: The number of cylinders your engine has determines the power and size of the engine, which means the Accord has four cylinders in its engine.
Find Your Next Vehicle at Music City Honda
When you’re ready to purchase your next vehicle, swing by the Music City Honda dealership in Mt. Juliet, TN, and ask about test-driving one of the Honda vehicles on our lot. You won’t be disappointed when you get behind the wheel of the Honda, so don’t hesitate– visit our dealership today. We look forward to your visit.
