Great group. Always honest and fair. Excellent work. If something is not right, they will make it right. Customer service is always top notch. These guys are the friendliest bunch I have ever encountered. The go above and beyond the call of duty and you always feel they are taking care of you and your car. I highly recommend them. Always on time, at or under estimate and always, always fun yet professional; the work is OUTSTANDING as well! Had to get my car repaired a couple of months ago. Heard about Steve's from a friend. Great customer service and the mechanics explained everything! I had a lot of work done to the car, but felt very comfortable with them. Would certainly recommend them!! Best service folks in Woodbridge. Top it off with the best mechanics (we love Eron)and you get a great Team. We have been getting our two Nissans there since 2008. I had a flat tire and they fixed it quick and at no cost. Been going there ever since. Yes we have a Nissan dealer just down the street, but Steve beats them hands down. Period. They are quite simply the best. We want to take them to Michigan when we move back there. Great place to take your vehicles. They do a great job with the repair but they treat you like no other place I've ever been. They took me to work when I dropped off the car, picked me up when it was done and I got a nice little bag of treats when I paid for it. One other thing I liked about them is they were realistic about the repairs - even telling me which repairs I could put off since I didn't have the money to do everything they recommended. Highly recommend you use them.

Automotive Glossary of Terms

A

ABS or Antilock Braking System

A computer controlled system that prevents tire skid and brake lockup under hard braking

Adjustable Pedals

Brake and accelerator and brake pedals that can be adjusted for comfort of reach from the driver's seat

Adjustable Suspension

A selectable suspension that lets the driver establish damper and sometimes spring settings to match varying conditions or personal preferences

Air Conditioning Compressor

A belt driven pump that increases refrigerant pressure causing it to flow

Air Conditioning Drain Hose

Hose used to drain condensation from evaporator

Air Conditioning Refrigerant

A liquid utilized by air conditioning systems that boils at ambient temperatures

Air Conditioning

The dehumidifying and cooling of a vehicles interior air

Air Filter

Element used to help prevent contaminates from incoming air to be fed into engine

Air Fuel Ratio Meter

Used in the same way as an oxygen sensor this meter is used to determine how much fuel to introduce at the cylinder

Airbags

A safety device that inflates upon major impact to reduce the likelihood of passengers coming into contact with interior vehicle surfaces

Antifreeze or Coolant

Chemically enhanced water with a higher boiling point than regular water that is used to exchange heat from the engine to surrounding air

AT-PZEV or Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emission Vehicle

This type of vehicle not only meets PZEV standards but has additional zero emissions traits like natural gas or hybrid drive

ATTS or Automatic Torque Transfer System

Unique to Honda, this system optimizes the output of power to drive shafts so that power is delivered where it will be most effective

Auto-Leveling Suspension

A suspension type that adjusts to keep the rear of the vehicle at the same height as the front even when carrying loads

ASE Certification or Automotive Service Excellence Certification

A certification earned through a voluntary series of exams given by The National Institue for Automotive Service Excellence to measure the competency and skills of a person working as a professional technician in the auto repair industry.

Automatic Transaxle

A combination of differential and transmission assemblies

Automatic Transmission

A transmission that uses components like a planetary gear set, clutches, pressure valves, and a torque converter to change gears in a vehicle

Automatic Transmission Filter

A component used to catch debris and other contaminants before they circulate through an automatic transmission; these may be either disposable or re-usable, dependent on the vehicle

Automatic Transmission Fluid

A fluid that is used to lubricate and cool an automatic transmission, it is also responsible for suspending the contaminates the filter cannot catch

AWD or All Wheel Drive

This type of drivetrain utilizes differentials at the front, center and back of the vehicle to power all of its wheels.

Axle Ratio

The number of times a drive shaft turns for each rotation of the vehicle's drive axle

B

Balance Shaft Belt

A belt most commonly used in conjunction with a timing belt that serves the purpose of mitigating vibration in the engine

Ball Joint

A ball and socket type link used in steering and suspension to allow motion between parts

Battery

Made up of multiple cells that convert chemical reactions into electrical energy, this component works closely with the alternator to keep a vehicle starting and running properly

Blend Door

A piece in the climate control system that routes air properly to make it either hot or cold

Brake Booster

Whether hydraulic or vacuum operated this component converts foot pressure on the brake pedal into greater pressure, operating the brakes

Brake Caliper

Hydraulic unit that squeezes brake pads onto brake rotors, generating friction and bringing the vehicle to a stop

Brake Fluid

A fluid used in the brake system to build pressure, causing the friction material to bring a vehicle to a stop, this fluid also traps moisture in an effort to stop brake lines from rusting out

Brake Lines

Metal tubes that hold brake fluid, transferring it between the pieces of a braking system

Brake Linings

The friction material used on brake shoes to contact the brake drum and stop the vehicle

Brake Master Cylinder

A brake fluid storage unit that also supplies pressure to push the fluid through the brake lines

Brake Pads

Friction material on a metal backing that is installed in brake calipers to serve as the contact point with brake rotors

Brake Pedal Assembly

Unit consisting of pedal, return spring, brake light switch and possible assist sensor; all of these pieces are used in unison to activate brake components and lights

Brake Rotor

Metal disc mounted inside wheel that is used in conjunction with brake pads to bring a vehicle to a stop

C

Cabin Air Filter

This device is used to filter the air inside the vehicle and is frequently mounted behind the glove box

Camshaft

This lobed shaft is used in conjunction with the crankshaft to open either intake or exhaust valves at the correct time to allow air and fuel to enter and exhaust to escape each cylinder

Carburetor

Found on older vehicles and gas powered lawn equipment, this device mounts to the intake manifold of the engine and supplies fuel

Catalytic Convertor

Containing platinum, palladium, and rhodium, this part of a vehicles exhaust helps to treat the gases released from the engine to reduce their harmful effects on the environment

Crankcase Ventilation Filter or CCV

This filter helps to prevent foreign particles from entering the crankcase

Charcoal Canister

Part of the emissions system, this piece catches vapors from the gas tank before they can escape into the environment

Climate Control

This broad term refers to the systems and subsystems used to regulate the heating and cooling of a vehicles interior

Clutch Bushing and Linkage

The pieces, which make up the physical connection between a clutch pedal and the clutch itself in a non-hydraulic manual transmission

Clutch Fluid

In a hydraulic clutch this fluid is used to build the pressure required to disengage the clutch from the flywheel

Clutch Master Cylinder

Working with the slave cylinder in a hydraulically actuated manual transmission this disengages the clutch by actuating the clutch fork when you press the clutch pedal

Collapsible Steering Column

A safety device, this type of steering column collapses to reduce the likelihood of a driver being hurt in the event of a hard front impact

Coolant or Antifreeze

Chemically enhanced water with a higher boiling point than regular water that is used to exchange heat from the engine to surrounding air

Cooling Fan and Shroud

These two pieces work together to move air over a vehicle's radiator and help keep an engine from overheating, the shroud directs the air and the fan moves it

Crankcase

A metal container in the lower portion of the engine that holds and protects the crankshaft.

Crankshaft

This lobed shaft is attached to each piston and is what is used with a flywheel to start the engine and to transmit power to accessories and the transmission

Cruise Control

This device can be used by a driver to automatically control a vehicles speed

Curtain Airbags

This safety feature deploys in side impact or roll over collisions to mitigate side to side impacts for occupants and to help keep them inside the vehicle

CV Joints or Constant Velocity Joints

Located at either end of drive axles, these joints make it possible for the transfer of power to the wheels while still retaining full suspension and steering travel, these joints are protected by rubber boots that cover them and hold grease to keep them moving

CVT or Constant Velocity Transmission

Unlike normal transmissions, this type of transmission uses belts to continually adjust and transfer power instead of changing between different sized gears to keep a car moving

Cylinder Configuration

How the cylinders are set up in a given engine

Cylinder Deactivation

This feature helps to save fuel by turning off two or more cylinders when they are not needed

Cylinder Head Bolts

These fasteners are used to attach the cylinder heads to an engine's block

D

Deceleration Fuel Cut-Off

When coasting or slowing to a stop this system can shut down the fuel supply to the engine to save fuel

Diesel Engine

This power plant uses pressure to create combustion with diesel fuel and power a vehicle

Differential

This device transfers power from one source to two, usually it receives power from the drive shaft and transmits it to the drive wheels

Direct Injection System

This method of fuel delivery injects the fuel directly into the cylinder instead of into the intake port, this results in horsepower and efficiency gains but also creates more carbon internally

Disc Brake System

Made up of many different parts like brake pads, rotors (discs), and brake calipers this system uses hydraulic pressure to bring the vehicle to a stop

Distributor Cap

This top for the distributor is what the spark plug wires are connected to and is used to send electrical charge to the cylinder, which needs it, when it needs it

Distributor Rotor

Mounted under the cap, this piece rotates with the distributor, creating contact at each wire lead and transferring power

Drain Plug

A threaded plug used to drain engine oil, transmission fluid, and differential fluid among others

Drive Belt Tensioner or Serpentine Belt Tensioner

A self-adjusting, usually spring tensioned device used to maintain proper tension on a drive belt

Drive Belt(s)

A belt or belts made of rubber used to harness the rotation of the crankshaft to power a vehicles alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering pump among other things

Drive Shaft

This strong metal tube is used to connect the differential to the transmission or transfer case and transfer power between the two on rear and four wheel drive vehicles

Drivetrain

The term used to refer to all the components involved in generating power and transmitting it to the vehicles wheels

Dual-Mode Hybrid

A hybrid vehicle that uses two different systems to drive the vehicle, one is purely electric and the other combines electrical drive with gas-powered drive

Dynamic Brake Control or Emergency Brake Assist

This system uses electronic control to maximize the function of the brakes during emergency stops

E

Electric Vehicle

A vehicle that operates off of electricity.

Emergency Brake

A braking system that can be used to slow or stop the vehicle in emergencies. It can also be used to hold the car in a stationary position while the brakes are not applied.

Emissions Control

A system of technologies that work together to adjust the amount of noxious gasses that come out of the vehicle.

Engine

A machine that generates power from a fuel source such as gas or steam.

Engine Block

The main structural component of the engine and strongest part of the engine.

Exhaust Gasses

The fumes created after an air/fuel mixture is burnt up during the power stroke of the vehicles engine.

Exhaust Stroke

The intake valve is closed when, the exhaust valve is open. The piston is traveling back up the cylinder pushing out burned gasses through the exhaust valve.

Exhaust System

A system of piping used to guide exhaust gasses from the exhaust manifold, along the bottom of the vehicle coming out the back and into the atmosphere.

Exhaust Valves

A valve that opens during the exhaust stroke of a piston in order to let the exhaust gasses flow into the exhaust system.

F

Fog Lights

Wide, low beam lights mounted on the front of the vehicle designed to shine through the fog.

Fuel

Any substance that provides combustion in order to create power and heat.

Fuel Filter

A device used to filter the fuel before it reaches the engine. Usually made of metal, plastic screen, paper, or gauze.

Fuel Pump

A pump that uses a vacuum to transfer fuel from the fuel tank to the engine.

Full Framed Vehicle

The frame runs from bumper to bumper. Usually on pick-up trucks, police cars, and older cars.

Fuse Box

A small box that contains the fuses.

Fuses

Low resistance resistor that provides overcurrent protection for either a load or circuit.

G

Gas Cap

A vented cap that closes the tube leading to the gas tank.

Gas Tank

A storage chamber for the fuel to held. Also called fuel tank.

Gas Welding

A process that uses gasses and oxygen to weld and cut metal.

Gasket

Material applied between two metal mating surfaces in order to seal the gap. Usually made of rubber, copper, aluminum, plastic, paper, and sometimes cork.

Gauges

Digital or analog meter that displays information to the driver; such as the speed of the vehicle.

Gearbox

A set of mechanical ratios that transfers the power coming from the engine to the wheels.

Ground Clearance

The amount of clearance between the ground and the lowest fixed point on the vehicle.

Ground Wire

A wire completing negative side of a circuit, which is connected to the frame of the vehicle.

H

Half Shaft or CV Shaft

Allows the transfer of power from the drive shaft to the wheels.

Handbrake

A brake operated by a hand lever. Can also be called emergency brake or parking brake.

Header

Performance exhaust manifold. Pipes that come out the engine and carry exhaust gasses from the engine into the exhaust system.

Headlights

A pair of bright lights on the front of the vehicle.

Headliner

Soft fabric on the roof of the vehicle cabin.

Heater Fan

An electric fan that helps blow hot air throughout the cabin.

Hybrid Vehicle

A vehicle powered by two or more sources.

Hydraulic

Fluid is in a line. One side has pressure applied to it which causes fluid pressure to be transferred along to the other end of the line.

I

Ice Scraper

A small plastic tool that is used to scrape ice off of the windshield and windows.

Idle

The engine's speed when the vehicle is not moving.

Idler Pulley

A spring-loaded device. Keeps tension on the timing belt.

Ignition Switch

A switch, activated by a key, which turns on the primary and secondary electrical systems of the vehicle.

Ignition System

Provides the spark to the engine to ignite the air-fuel mixture.

Ignition Timing

The relationship between when the spark occurs in the combustion chamber relative to the piston and the crankshaft rotation.

Interior Lighting

Lighting on the inside of your car. Usually, they turn on when a door is opened or manually.

Intermittent

Stopping for a time. Like how windshield wipers pause.

Invoice

Also known as the invoice price. The cost the manufacturer says the vehicle is worth that is sent to the dealer.

J

Jack Stand

After using a floor jack to lift the vehicle up, a jack stand is placed on the frame of the vehicle to keep it up while work can be performed.

Jam Nut

A second self-locking nut that is tightened against a primary nut to prevent it from working loose.

Joint

A point of connection. Can be flexible or firm.

Jouncing

Bouncing.

J-Rim

A groove along the outer edge of the wheel rim. Provides a better seat for the tire bead.

Jumper Cables

Two thick cables with clips at ends, used to start a disabled vehicle.

Jumpstart

A process where jumper cables are used to connect an able car to a weak battery in a disabled car.

K

KAM or Keep Memory Alive

Memory that is retained while the engine is turned off.

Keeper

Keeps the intake/exhaust valve assembly together.

Keeper Grooves

Grooves on the end of the valve for the keeper to go.

Key

A parallel sided piece put into a cut groove between two parts, once in it prevents slippage as the two parts rotate.

Kick Starter

A pedal apparatus used for kick starting a motorcycle.

Kill Switch

A switch used to turn off the ignition in case of an emergency.

Kilometer

A unit of measure. One kilometer is 5/8 of a mile.

Kinetic Energy

Mechanical energy that is a result of motion that varies directly in proportion to an object's mass and the square of its velocity.

L

Lateral Run Out

Side to side, off center movement of a wheel, tire, or rotor.

Leaf Spring

A suspension component. Long, flat, thin, flexible piece of steel.

Locking Differential

A differential that can lock together two half shafts. Improves traction under slippery conditions.

Locking Pliers

Pliers with a handle that, when closed, lock the jaws in place. A release lever is pulled to open the jaws.

Locknut

A nut with a small circle of nylon on the inside or they are oddly shaped to keep it from backing out/ becoming loose.

M

Machining

Shaping materials by cutting, drilling, or other forming processes.

Maintenance

Work taken on by a car owner in order to keep the car running smoothly.

Manifold

Pipe(s) connecting a series of holes to a common opening.

Manual Transmission

Transmission that is shifted through gears. The driver uses a hand operated gear shifter that comes out of the transmission and accessible in the cabin of the car.

Master Cylinder

In a brake system it is the primary component for pressurizing brake fluid. Contains a reservoir to hold hydraulic brake fluid.

Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS)

Lists information about the chemicals you are using. How to clean them up, if it is volatile, toxic, flammable and what to do if it gets on your skin/clothes. It is designed to protect employees.

Metering Device

Any device that measures the flow of vapor or liquid.

Modification

To alter from the original.

N

NATEF or National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation

An organization that certify automotive education programs.

Needle Roller Bearing

A roller type bearing with cylindrical rollers that have a narrow diameter compared to their length.

Non-Servo Drum Brakes

A type of hydraulic drum brake. When the driver presses the brake pedal, both shoes move outwards and work independently in order to bring the car to a stop.

Nozzle

Jet or hole at the end of a pipe or tube.

Nut

A doughnut-shaped fastening device with inner threads.

O

O2 Sensor or Oxygen Sensor

A sensor that reads the air to fuel levels coming out of the engine.

Octane

How long it takes for fuel to burn. High octane burns slower; low octane burns faster.

OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer

The original parts and tires on a new vehicle that are used by the car manufacturer.

OHC or Overhead Cam

Tells you that the camshaft is in the heads.

OHV or Overhead Valve

Tells you that the camshaft is in the engine block. Also called cam in block.

Oil Filter

Strains the debris from the oil as oil runs through it.

Oil Pan

Pan on the bottom of the engine that contains the oil supply.

Oil Pump

A pump that draws in oil from the oil pan and forces it under pressure throughout the engine to parts that need lubrication.

O-Ring

A small round ring used as a seal at the end of a hydraulic line.

Overflow Tank

A plastic or metal container to capture coolant that has overflowed from the radiator.

P

Pancake Engine

A type of engine block where the cylinders lay horizontal. The engine looks flat and can also be referred to as a flat four, flat six, or a boxer engine.

Parking Brake

An electrically or mechanically applied brake system that ensures the vehicle stays in park.

Parts Manager

Deals with the car parts.

PCV Valve or Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve

Pressure is built up in an engine's crankcase and this valve lets that pressure vent before it does damage.

Pedal Free Play

The amount of pedal travel before the action of that pedal is applied.

Piston

A vehicle's engine turns reciprocating motion into rotary motion. The piston is the engine part that provides reciprocating motion by going up and down in the cylinder.

Piston Crown

The top part of the piston.

Piston Ring

Three rings on the piston crown that fit into grooves. Two rings provide seal for the combustion chamber, and the third is an oil scraper.

PM or Preventative Maintenance

Preventative Maintenance Maintenance regularly performed to prevent your vehicle from failing, example: oil changes, replacement of spark plugs, air filters, cabin filters.

Power Steering

A hydraulic system that makes it easier to turn the steering wheel.

Q

Quarter Panel

A body panel between the front door and hood or rear door and trunk.

Quick Release Valve

Quickly lets air out from the front brake chambers to allow a faster brake release or from the spring brake chambers to allow a faster parking brake application.

R

Race

1. In a roller bearing it's the inner and outer rings that provide a contact surface for the balls or the rollers.
2. Accelerating the engine in a vehicle at high speeds.

Rack and Pinion

A steering component that has a toothed bar making contact with a gear. The rack in the tooth bar and the circular gear is called the pinion. The rack is connected to the wheels that are steered, with tie rods.

Radial Tire

A tire that has ply cords criss-crossing each other at right angles to the beads and belts under the tread for extra tread support when it comes to rolling friction.

Radiator

The system that pumps fluid through the engine to cool it when it gets too hot.

Radiator Pressure Cap

A cap on the radiator that only allows a certain amount of psi in the system to build up. Once the system builds pressure past that psi, the pressure cap lets out pressure to an overflow tank to capture the engine coolant.

Rear Axle

A vehicle's axle (sometimes referred to the rear differential) that is in the back.

Recall

A safety concern with a product which needs to be repaired.

RO or Repair Order

A sheet of paper that tells the technician what needs to be repaired on a vehicle.

Roll Cage

A metal cage built by welding pipes together. When a vehicle crashes, it prevents the passengers from getting smashed and everything inside it.

S

SAE or Society of Automotive Engineers

A professional association that sets the standards for testing, measuring, and designing of vehicles and vehicle components.

Safeties

Extra support for the vehicle on the lift. Keeps the vehicle in place without a possibility of the cable breaking.

Sales Manager

The people who sell the work to the customer.

Service Manager

Hires and fires employees, makes sure everything in the business runs smoothly and communicates with the customers and the technicians.

Shocks or Shocks Absorbers

A component of the suspension system that absorbs up and down movement of the vehicle.

Spark Plug

A metal filament rod surrounded by a ceramic shield that fits in the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder heads via electric spark.

Spontaneous Combustion

When something randomly ignites.

Struts

A suspension assembly containing; coil spring, spring seats, shock absorbers, strut bearing, and steering knuckle.

T

Tail Lights

Lights used on the rear of the vehicle.

Tailpipe

The last section on the exhaust system. One end connected to the muffler or catalytic converter, and the other end comes out the back of the vehicle.

Technician

The person who works on vehicles which has demonstrated the ability to pass ASE certification tests and ability to diagnose and repair vehicles.

Tensile Strength

How durable metal or a tool is before it breaks.

Ticket

A write up of what needs checked on the car and what the mechanic needs to fix.

Timing Belt

A belt that is driven by the crankshaft and operates the camshaft.

Timing Chain

A chain that is driven by the crankshaft and operates the camshaft.

Timing Gear

A gear that is driven by the crankshaft and operates the camshaft.

Tire

A rubber ring that goes around the rim of the wheel. It provides the vehicle with cushion and traction.

U

U-Bolt

A bolt shaped like a U that has threads on each end.

U-Joint or Universal Joint

A joined connection between two shafts that allows the driving angle to be changed.

Under Axle Clearance

The distance between the vehicles axle and the ground.

Undercarriage

The frame under the body of the vehicle.

Understeer

While handling a vehicle and the car does not turn as sharply as the driver intended, and the front wheels slide towards the outside of the turn.

Unibody

A type of vehicle frame where the body, frame, and the chassis are one piece.

Unleaded Gas

Gasoline without any tetraethyl in it.

Unsprung Weight

V

The vehicles weight that is not supported by the suspension.

Vacuum Hoses/Lines

Made of rubber, plastic, or nylon. They transmit vacuum from one place to another.

Valve

A device used to open or close an opening in order to allow or stop the flow of gas or fluids from one place to another.

Vapor

Matter in the form of gas.

V-Block or V-Engine

A type of engine that has two banks of cylinders that are in the shape of a "V".

VIN or Vehicle Identification Number

It is like a social security number for a person but for a car.

Viscosity

The thickness of a fluid.

Voltage

Amount of potential energy of an electric force.

Voltmeter

An instrument that is used to measure voltage or amperage potential.

W

Warning Light

A little light on the instrument panel that lights up when a sensor senses a problem.

Warranty

A time frame that a company gives to fix a defective product for less/free.

Water Pump

belt driven mechanism that circulates coolant through the cooling system.

Weight Transfer

A shift in the vehicle's weight from front to back or from side to side.

Welding

To unite metallic parts by heating and allowing the metals to melt and flow together, hammering, or pressing.

Wheel Alignment

An adjustment of components to change caster, camber, and tow in order to meet vehicle manufacturer specifications.

Wheel Lock or Wheel Lock Key

A special lug nut that has to be taken off with a special socket.

X

X-Drilled Crankshaft

A crankshaft that has two oil passages drilled 90 degrees apart in the main journals.

X-Frame

A frame that forms an "X" with side rails bent in the center of the vehicle or has an X-member joining the side rails for added strength and resistance.

Y

Y-Connector

Any connector in the shape of a "Y".

Yellow Bumper

The color of the bumper of a first-year driver for NASCAR.

Yield Strength

The amount of force that can be applied to a material before it gives way.

Yoke

The forked part of the U-Joint or Universal Joint.

Yoke Sleeve Kit

A kit used to rebuild a yoke.

Y-Pipe

A "Y" shaped pipe that merges two exhaust pipes into one.

Z

Zerk Fitting

A grease fitting. A nipple-shaped fitting where grease can be applied to the chassis or suspension system using a manual or air powered grease gun.

Zero Lash

When there is no clearance between the camshaft lobe and valve lifter.

ZEV or Zero Emissions Vehicle

A car that does not produce any emissions.

Zip Tie

A plastic strap that one end is threaded through a loop on the other and tightened to fasten something.

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