this glossary contains the vocabulary people use when talking the parts of a car
air filter
noun
a device for filtering particles of dust, soot, etc., from the air passing through it, especially one protecting the air inlet of an internal combustion engine.
Example: The mechanic opened the hood of the car and checked the air filter container to make sure it wasn't clogged with debris.
fr: filtre a air
alternator
noun
a generator that produces an alternating current.
Example: When the vehicle's headlights began to dim, the mechanic quickly identified a problem with the alternator, which was no longer supplying enough power to charge the battery properly.
fr: alternateur
brake
noun
a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, typically by applying pressure to the wheels.
Example: “He slammed on the brake to slow down before turning the corner.”
fr: frein
catalyst
noun
an exhaust emission control device which converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.
Example: During the technical inspection, the technician pointed out a problem with the catalytic converter, which could lead to an increase in pollutant emissions and potentially affect the engine's performance.
fr: catalyseur
clutch
noun
Mechanism used to establish communication between a motor and a machine or to interrupt it (clutch and declutch) without stopping the motor.
Example: When the driver wanted to change gear, he depressed the clutch pedal, disengaging the engine from the gearbox and making a smooth transition to the next gear.
fr: embrayage
crankshaft
noun
a shaft driven by a crank.
Example: “During the engine overhaul, the technician noticed excessive wear on the crankshaft, which could lead to vibrations and power losses. He therefore recommended its replacement to ensure optimal operation.”
fr: vilbrequin
cylinder
noun
a crucial part of the engine where fuel is combusted and power is generated
Example: “The mechanic checked the cylinder to make sure there were no leaks.”
fr: cylindre
cylinder head
noun
forms the upper ceiling of the combustion chamber above each of the pistons, together with the spark plug sockets, and injector holders
Example: During a routine inspection, the mechanic detected a coolant leak in the cylinder head, which could indicate a faulty gasket and required rapid repair to avoid engine damage.
fr: culasse
engine
noun
a machine with moving parts that converts power into motion.
Example: “She heard the engine roar as he accelerated on the highway.”
fr: moteur
fuel pump
noun
A fuel pump is a component used in many liquid-fuelled engines to transfer the fuel from the fuel tank to the device where it is mixed with the intake air
Example: After noticing difficulties in starting his vehicle, the owner had the fuel pump examined, suspecting that it was unable to supply sufficient fuel to the engine.
fr: pompe a carburant
gearbox
noun
a mechanical component that helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels by using different gear ratios
Example: Driving on a mountainous road, the driver had to switch to a lower gearbox to increase torque and ease the climb, thus preventing the engine from choking.
fr: boite de vitesses
ignition plugs
noun
a part that fits into the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and carries two electrodes separated by an air gap across which the current from the ignition system discharges to form the spark for combustion
Example: After having difficulty starting his vehicle, the owner decided to have the spark plugs checked, suspecting that they were clogged or worn and in need of replacement.
fr: bougies d allumage
injectors
noun
egulates the injection of fuel into an engine's internal combustion chamber where it is mixed with air and ignited.
Example: During an overhaul, the mechanic noticed traces of soot around the injectors, indicating that they might be clogged and need cleaning to improve engine performance.
fr: injecteurs
piston
noun
the engine pistons compress the fuel and external gas to create an explosion.
Example: “The mechanic had to replace the engine piston to improve the car's performance.”
fr: piston
radiator
noun
the key component of the engine's cooling system
Example: Après avoir remarqué une surchauffe du moteur, le conducteur a décidé de faire inspecter le radiateur, soupçonnant une fuite ou une obstruction qui empêchait le bon refroidissement du liquide
fr: radiateur
shock absorber
noun
a device for absorbing jolts and vibrations, especially on a vehicle.
Example: Après avoir remarqué que la voiture rebondissait excessivement sur les routes inégales, le propriétaire a décidé de faire vérifier les amortisseurs, suspectant qu'ils étaient usés et nécessitaient un remplacement
fr: amortisseurs
steering wheel
noun
a wheel that a driver rotates in order to steer a vehicle.
Example: “By adjusting his seat, he found the ideal position to better control the steering wheel.”
fr: volant de voiture
turbine
noun
a machine for producing continuous power in which a wheel or rotor, typically fitted with vanes, is made to revolve by a fast-moving flow of water, steam, gas, air, or other fluid.
Example: the electric car's turbine helps regulate airflow to cool the engine during long periods of driving.
fr: turbine
water pump
noun
helps coolant move through the engine block, radiator, and hoses.
Example: Lors d'un contrôle de routine, le mécanicien a détecté une fuite au niveau de la pompe à eau, ce qui pouvait entraîner une surchauffe du moteur si elle n'était pas remplacée rapidement.
fr: pompe a eau
wheels
noun
a circular object that revolves on an axle and is fixed below a vehicle or other object to enable it to move easily over the ground.
