When you take your car into the garage, have you ever felt lost in a sea of automotive terminology? For many, it feels like an entirely different language. At Sunset VW, we believe in effective communication – ensuring you understand your car’s condition so you can drive away safely and securely.
You aren’t alone, so fear not. In this jargon-busting guide, we’ll break down the most common VW-related terms that may have left you scratching your head.
VW engine terms
- Cylinders – an engine contains cylinders. In the UK, most engines have four cylinders arranged in a straight line (or ‘inline’).
- Pistons – each cylinder contains a piston. The piston moves up and down in the cylinder.
- Con rods – ‘connecting’ rods hinge and connect the piston to the crankshaft.
- Crankshaft – the pistons’ up-and-down (‘reciprocal’) movement converts to ‘round-and-round’ (‘torque’) force in the crankshaft.
- Flywheel – a heavy, rotating disc attached to the crankshaft. It helps smooth out fluctuations in engine power and provides a surface for the clutch to engage in manual transmissions.
- Four-stroke – all modern cars use a four-stroke cycle. The four strokes are ‘intake, compression, power, exhaust’ – or, in layman’s terms, ‘suck, squeeze, bang, blow’.
- Block – the block is the big bulk of metal into which the cylinders are bored.
- Head – the engine head sits atop the block and contains the valves.
- Valves – the valves allow air/fuel into the cylinder and exhaust gases out.
- Camshaft – the camshaft sits in the head and opens the valves at the right moments.
- Head gasket – the head gasket seals the gaps between the head and the block.
- Timing belt/chain – the a timing belt (or chain) connects the crankshaft (and piston movements) to the camshaft (and valve movements). It ensures the two stay in sync.
- TDI – ‘Turbocharged Direct Engine’ is the name for a diesel engine technology found in many VW Group vehicles for improved fuel efficiency and power.
- TSI – ‘Turbocharged Stratified Injection’ petrol engine technology offering a combination of turbocharging and direct injection.
- V8 – an engine setup in which ‘8’ cylinders connect in a ‘V’ shape. The crankshaft is at the point at the base of the ‘V’.
- Turbocharger – often shortened to ‘turbo’, this uses exhaust gases to force more air into the engine, creating more power.
- Intercooler – the turbocharger works by compressing air, which heats it up. The intercooler cools this compressed air down.
VW exhaust system terms
- AdBlue – AdBlue is a urea solution that your diesel VW might inject into its cylinders. It means your exhaust gases contain harmless nitrogen and water instead of harmful nitrogen oxides.
- DPF – the ‘Diesel Particulate Filter’ captures and removes soot and other particulates from diesel engine exhaust gases.
- EGR – the Exhaust Gas Recirculation system recirculates some exhaust gases back into the engine to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
- Lambda sensor – the common term for an oxygen sensor. This measures the oxygen content in the exhaust gases, helping the car’s computers adjust fuel injection for efficiency.
VW gearbox terms
- Clutch – the clutch connects the engine to the gearbox in a manual car. Pressing the clutch pedal disengages the clutch from the flywheel, cutting off power from the engine to the gearbox. When you release the pedal, the clutch re-engages, allowing the engine’s power to flow to the gearbox and, ultimately, to the wheels.
- DSG – a ‘Direct-Shift Gearbox’ is an automatic gearbox beloved by VW. It has two clutches, one for even gears and one for odd gears. It predicts the next gear change to shift gears much quicker.
- Torque converter – in traditional automatic gearboxes, the torque converter smooths the connection between the engine and the wheels, particularly at low speeds. It also prevents stalling when the vehicle is stationary, so the engine can continue running even when you’re stopped.
- CVT – a ‘Continuously Variable Transmission’ is an entirely different kind of gearbox. It uses conical pulleys to deliver a smooth driving experience with no traditional gears.
VW drivetrain terms
- FWD – front-wheel-drive is a drivetrain configuration where the front wheels receive power from the engine.
- RWD – rear-wheel-drive is a drivetrain configuration where the rear wheels are powered by the engine, commonly found in performance and luxury cars as well as those from America.
- AWD – all-wheel-drive is a drivetrain system that can send power to both front and rear wheels for better traction. However, almost all the time, it uses just one axle (usually the front, except in some pickup trucks).
- 4WD – four-wheel-drive is similar to AWD but often used in off-road vehicles. It can be manually or automatically engaged.
- Haldex – an AWD system used in VW Group vehicles, which can send power to the rear wheels when needed.
- Axle – a pair of wheels, either at the front or rear of a vehicle, is connected by an axle. In a front-wheel-drive car, the front axle typically consists of two half-shafts with constant velocity (CV) joints that transfer power to the front wheels. Similarly, in rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the rear axle has its own set of half-shafts that deliver power to the rear wheels. In all-wheel-drive vehicles, both the front and rear axles have their own half-shafts, allowing power to be distributed to all four wheels efficiently.
- Live axle – an axle to which the gearbox sends engine power.
- Dead axle – an axle with no power (like the rear wheels of a front-wheel-drive car).
VW wheel and brake terms
- Brake pads and discs – the brake pads squeeze onto the disc to create friction and slow the wheels down.
- ABS – the ‘Anti-lock Braking System’ prevents your wheels from locking up under heavy braking. This means faster stopping and limited steering (instead of no control at all). Before ABS, drivers had to pump the brake pedal to get the same effect.
- Callipers – brake callipers house the brake pads. With in-built pistons, hydraulic fluid (brake fluid) from the brake pedal and master cylinder squeezes the pads onto the discs.
- Brake master cylinder – converts the force from the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure, which then compresses the brake fluid in the system onto the brake callipers’ pistons.
- Suspension – The suspension system consists of springs, which absorb road impacts; shock absorbers (commonly known as ‘shocks’), which prevent excessive bouncing after hitting bumps; and struts, which combine the functions of springs and shocks while providing additional structural support, especially at the front axle.
At Sunset VW, we love hearing about your car
A car is a vital component of modern life. Many of us would struggle to function without one. However, while having a basic understanding of how your car works is beneficial, there’s no need to worry too much. It’s more important to find a mechanic that you trust.
Here at Sunset VW, we’ve spent forty years (and counting) servicing Derby and the East Midlands area. We have a reputation as the region’s family-friendly VW specialists, and that’s because we take you seriously. Don’t worry if you don’t know the difference between the clutch plate and the flywheel; your observations and concerns are always valid.
Next time you get a service reminder, take a moment to recall these terms. If anything sounds unfamiliar, just ask. We’re here to make sure your VW runs like it should – whether it’s a smooth drive through Derby, up the motorway, or into the Peak District.
If you’re ready to book a service or need a diagnostic check to keep your vehicle in top shape, get in touch with us at Sunset VW today. We’ve got the expertise, the tools, and the know-how to look after your fleet or your personal ride – all you need to do is give us a call.