TOEIC Vocabulary - car %26 car repairs

An engine is a machine designed to convert one form of energy into mechanical energy. Steam engines, internal combustion engines, and electric engines are among the most common types. They are essential for powering vehicles, machinery, and various industrial processes. Understanding how engines work is fundamental in fields like mechanical engineering and automotive technology.

• Roger stopped the van and shut off the engine.

• He shut off the engine and the car coasted into the driveway.

• The technician started the engine and spent a few minutes monitoring the oil pressure.

• The car's engine broke down in the middle of the highway.

• The engineers are working on developing a more efficient engine.

Maintenance generally refers to the process of preserving or keeping something in good working condition. It can involve routine checks, repairs, and replacements necessary to maintain the functionality and efficiency of machines, buildings, or systems. In a broader sense, maintenance can also refer to the financial support given to a person's living expenses, commonly in legal contexts like child support or alimony.

• Old houses need a lot of maintenance.

• Our website will be down for an hour for routine maintenance. Thanks for your patience.

• The equipment receives quarterly maintenance checks to ensure continued effectiveness.

• I've been coming here for all my oil changes and car maintenance since I moved to Edmonton.

• Electric vehicle owners spend roughly a third of what conventionally powered auto owners do for regular service. They avoid having to pay for things like tune-ups, oil changes, and other maintenance expenses.

High maintenance (or high-maintenance) describes a person or thing that needs a lot of attention, effort, time, or money to keep happy, functioning, or satisfied. Low maintenance describes a person or thing that doesn't need much attention, effort, money, or care to stay happy, working, or satisfied.

• Monica's a little high maintenance.

• Lisa's not high maintenance. She's very down-to-earth and easy-going.

• It's simple to stay on trend with long hair and curtain bangs. This classic style is also low maintenance for people with naturally straight hair.

• If your goal is to wear low maintenance haircuts for long wavy hair, make sure you are utilizing the proper hair care regimen.

• Jimmy wants a pet, but he doesn't want to deal with the stress of a creature that requires feeding, playtime, and walks several times a day, every day. Is there such a thing as a “low maintenance” pet? 

• Cats are typically considered low maintenance. They clean themselves, don't need to go walks, and can be left alone for short periods of time.

A mechanic is a professional who specializes in understanding the mechanical parts of machines, especially vehicles, and is skilled in repairing, maintaining, and sometimes building them. Mechanics are crucial in the automotive industry, aviation, manufacturing, and anywhere machines are used. They use a variety of tools to perform their tasks and often have a deep understanding of the engineering principles behind the machines they work on.

• The mechanic pointed out a few minor dents in the side of my car.

• I applied for a job as a mechanic in a local garage, but I was rejected.

• When you have your mechanic replace your brake pads, ask them to check your ignition switch and the wires surrounding it.

• Have a local mechanic look at your vehicle before a road trip. Your mechanic will check your tire pressure and condition. If the treads are too worn, he or she may recommend that you replace the tires. If the tires are in good condition, your mechanic will adjust the air pressure and rotate the tires if necessary.

A vehicle is any means of transportation, which can range from bicycles and cars to buses and trucks. It facilitates the movement of people and goods from one place to another.

• Motor vehicle accidents kill about 1, 000 preschoolers, infants, and toddlers a year.

• The road was closed while the vehicles that had been involved in the accident were towed away.

• He contacted the City Police and filed a stolen vehicle report. 

• The car is missing its number plate, and it fits the description of a stolen vehicle.

• Suzuki has developed nearly 100 vehicle accessories to allow buyers to customize their vehicles to suit their personal tastes.

• The couple is traveling through the United States in a recreational vehicle.

The word "brake" can be used both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the mechanism used to slow down or stop a vehicle, such as in cars, bicycles, or motorcycles. As a verb, it describes the action of operating these mechanisms to reduce speed or come to a halt. Proper use and maintenance of brakes are crucial for safety in any vehicle.

• Put the brakes on – you're going too fast.

• He slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting the other car.

• Anti-lock brakes prevent the wheels from locking when you hit the brakes quickly.

• The traffic lights turned green and I released the brake.

• I didn't notice that the car in front of me had its brake lights on.

• He had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting the dog.

• When you drive downhill, use the brakes gently to control your speed.

"Break down" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe situations where something stops functioning correctly, such as machinery or vehicles. It can also refer to someone becoming emotionally overwhelmed, or the process of dividing something into smaller components to make it easier to understand or manage.

• Our car broke down. We had to push it off the road, and wait for the tow truck

• The school bus broke down and had to be towed to the nearest garage.

• I'm afraid I can't give you a ride to the airport because my car has broken down.

• If the printer breaks down again, just call the technician.

• The elevators in this building are constantly breaking down or making those funny noises.

• Our dishwasher broke down just a month after the warranty had expired.

"Break down" can also refer to the process of converting a substance into simpler compounds by chemical action.

• The foods you eat break down in the body's digestive system.

• Foods contain a lot of stored chemical energy; when you eat, your body breaks down these foods into smaller components and absorbs them to use as fuel

"Break down" can also refer to the process of dividing something into smaller components to make it easier to understand or manage.

• The author has broken down the nation's history into three distinct periods.

• The report is broken down into three sections. 

• I know it can be confusing, but once I break it down for you, I think you'll start to get it.

A component in a broader sense refers to a part or element of a larger whole. In various fields such as electronics, mechanics, and software engineering, a component is an individual piece that, when combined with other components, forms a complete system or machine. This term is widely used to describe interchangeable parts or modules within any system that contributes to its functionality or operation.

• The factory makes aircraft engine components.

• The company develops and manufactures various auto parts, including gasoline and diesel engine components, hybrid vehicle components, and airbag systems. 

• Each computer is made up of multiple hardware components.

• Water is a key component of this chemical reaction.

• The course has several different components, including lectures, workshops, and exams.

A flat tire refers to a condition where a tire loses air, either through a puncture, a valve issue, or damage to the tire itself, causing it to deflate and become unsuitable for driving. This can significantly affect the vehicle's handling and can be a hazard if not addressed promptly. Knowing how to handle a flat tire is an essential skill for all drivers.

• I got a flat tire on the highway.

• I had a flat tire on the highway.

• My tire blew out on the freeway.

• I hate to bother you, but I've got a flat tire just down there and I don't have a jack. 

• The first thing you should do when you get a flat tire is to stop driving and pull over to a safe area away from traffic. You don't want to change your tire too close to oncoming traffic. Turn on your emergency lights to warn other motorists of an issue and to allow your vehicle to be visible at night. You will need a car jack, tire wrench, and your spare tire to change the flat tire if you are capable. 

An auto repair shop is a facility where automobiles are repaired by auto mechanics and technicians. These shops can offer a range of services, from basic maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to more complex repairs such as engine rebuilds or transmission work. People usually seek out auto repair shops when they encounter problems with their vehicle that they cannot fix themselves.

• I suggest you take your vehicle to an independent auto repair shop for car servicing. 

• Auto repair shops that specialize in your vehicle's automaker are more likely to have the proper training, equipment, and up-to-date information. 

• It was undoubtedly the worst experience I've had. I would avoid this auto repair shop at all costs.

Brake fluid is a crucial component of the brake system in vehicles. It operates under high temperatures and pressures to ensure that the braking force is adequately transmitted from the brake pedal to the wheels. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the environment, which can reduce its effectiveness and potentially lead to brake failure. Therefore, it's important to check and replace brake fluid as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

• When you have your mechanic replace your brake pads, ask them to check your brake fluid reservoir.

• Low brake fluid may minimize your brakes response time leading to a major accident.

• If the brake fluid is too low, it can cause the brakes to fail.

Car servicing involves a series of maintenance procedures carried out at set intervals or after the vehicle has traveled a certain number of miles. The services performed can include changing the engine oil, checking the tires, brakes, and engine performance, and ensuring that all systems are running efficiently. Regular servicing is crucial to maintain vehicle safety and reliability.

• A regular car servicing, carried out by qualified mechanics, checks the condition of a car and assesses everything from general wear and tear to fluids, brakes, the engine, and more to ensure the vehicle is in top operating condition.

• Regular, high-quality servicing keeps your car in good shape and will save you money in the long run by avoiding costly breakdowns and repairs.

• Scheduled car servicing can be performed at any dealership. You can also take your vehicle to an independent auto repair shop for car servicing. 

• When you have your car serviced, even though there might be nothing wrong with the car there are certain things needed to be done to keep your car running smoothly. One of those things is to have your car's oil and oil filters changed. Mechanics will also pop the hood to check if the transmission, shock absorber, spark plugs, hoses, and belts are in working order.

Dent as a noun refers to a small hollow mark in the surface of something, typically caused by pressure or a blow. As a verb, it means to create such a mark on a surface. Dents are often considered undesirable on smooth surfaces, especially on vehicles or appliances, as they are a sign of damage or wear.

• The front fender was badly dented.

• No one was injured, but the car was scratched and dented.

• It was dark, rainy, and hard to see out of my rearview mirror. As I was backing out of a parking spot, I accidentally reversed into a parked car and dented its bumper.

• There's a dent in the left fender.

• There's a big dent in the side of my car.

• The car accident left/made a small dent in the car's fender.

• Where did the dent in the fender of your Audi come from?

*Hood* as a noun primarily refers to a covering for the head, often attached to a coat or sweatshirt. It can provide protection from the weather or simply be used for stylistic reasons. A car hood, also referred to as a “bonnet” in some countries, is the hinged cover that rests over the engine bay of a front-engine vehicle.

Additionally, in informal American English, "hood" is a shortened form of "neighborhood," particularly referring to a specific area within an urban setting, often with connotations related to the socio-economic status of its residents.

• He put on his cloak and hood and went out.

• The coat has a detachable hood.

• She put on a coat and pulled up the hood against the cold.

• The latch is broken. I can't open the car hood.

• Mind if I take a look under the hood?

• He opened up the hood to check the oil.

• He grew up in the hood where everyone knew each other.

A hybrid car is a vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. This type of car is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on fuel costs. Hybrid cars also benefit from various tax incentives in many countries, which can make them more affordable compared to traditional gasoline cars.

• A hybrid car like Toyota Prius not only conserves fuel but also produces less CO2 emissions. 

• Though hybrid cars consume less fuel than conventional cars and are now growing in popularity, there is still an issue regarding the environmental damage of the hybrid car battery.

• Volvo S90 mild hybrids recover energy produced when braking and store it in a 48V battery. When this energy is used, fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions are both reduced. 

Inspection = the act of looking at something carefully, or an official visit to a building or organization to check that everything is correct and legal.

• The U.S. customs officials asked us to pull over for inspection.
• Our public health inspectors conduct more than 16,000 inspections of restaurants, food facilities and stores annually. We also educate food handlers and consumers about safe food handling practices.
• Generally speaking, serious homebuyers don't immediately back out of a deal simply because they find something they don't like on an inspection report. There's always the option to ask the seller to make repairs.
• The building administration office is scheduled to conduct a regular inspection of elevators that service the building's odd-numbered floors next week. The elevators will be unavailable starting February 4. All building occupants are requested to use elevators that serve all floors.

An oil change is a necessary maintenance task for vehicles, involving the replacement of old engine oil with new oil to ensure proper engine lubrication and performance. This process typically includes changing the oil filter and checking other engine components to maintain vehicle efficiency and extend engine life.

• Hi there, I'd like the oil changed, since it's been 3,000 miles since the last one.

• I came in to have my oil changed and my brake pads changed.

• It'll need an oil change in about 10,000 miles.

• Oil changes are just one of the many minor hassles of car ownership, but they're crucial to keeping your car in good shape. 

• Electric vehicle owners spend roughly a third of what conventionally powered auto owners do for regular service. They avoid having to pay for things like tune-ups, oil changes, and other maintenance expenses.

• Frequent oil changes are necessary for keeping your car performing at its best. Motor oil's primary function is to keep the various parts of your car's engine well-lubricated. As it circulates through the engine, oil provides a layer of protection between the engine's moving parts, draws heat away from the engine, and carries away bits of dirt and metal.

A sedan is a type of passenger car that typically has four doors and a conventional trunk. It is one of the most common car body styles and is known for its closed roof and fixed B-pillars. Sedans can vary greatly in size, price, and performance, ranging from compact city cars to luxurious executive cars. They are often chosen for their balance of comfort, style, and practicality.

• My cousin bought a brand-new Chevrolet sedan.

• The Volvo S90 is a mid-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by Swedish automaker Volvo Cars. It has Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play built in.

• The interior space of Tesla's Model S is decent as far as midsize sedans go, as is the ease of getting in and out. The cushions are decently soft but lack lateral support, and the adjustments are pretty basic. The rear seatbacks feel a bit upright and the floor sits high so your knees sit closer to your chest than they would in most other luxury sedans.

Shock absorbers are essential components in any vehicle, designed to absorb and damp shock impulses. This is achieved through either mechanical or hydraulic means. The primary function is to ensure that the vehicle's tires remain in contact with the road surface, providing optimal safety and comfort for passengers. The effectiveness of shock absorbers deteriorates over time and with use, which is why regular maintenance and checks are crucial for vehicle safety.

• The new model of the car comes equipped with advanced shock absorbers for a smoother ride.

• Replacing worn-out shock absorbers can significantly improve your vehicle's handling and comfort.

• He didn't realize how important shock absorbers were until he drove on a rough road.

A spark plug is an essential component of an internal combustion engine. It fits into the cylinder head of an engine and ignites the air/fuel mixture by means of an electric spark. The timing and strength of the spark are crucial for the engine's performance and efficiency. Regularly checking and replacing spark plugs as needed can prevent many engine problems and help maintain optimal vehicle performance.

• The mechanic recommended replacing the spark plugs to improve the engine's performance.

• Old spark plugs can cause the car to misfire, leading to inefficiency and potential damage.

• Make sure to check the condition of your spark plugs during regular vehicle maintenance.
  
  

Van is a noun commonly used to refer to a type of vehicle that is larger than a common car and is designed for transporting goods or people. Vans are versatile vehicles often used for a variety of purposes, including delivery services, moving homes, or as part of a commercial fleet. They can be equipped with seats for carrying multiple passengers or left empty for carrying cargo.

• Ford released a number of their Ford Ecostar delivery vans into the market.

• Gelato Italia operates nationally in the UK with ice cream vans, kiosks, and parlors.

• The contractor and delivery vans were double-parked along the streets.