Car jargon – do you know your BHP from your MPG?
If you are looking for a new car you may be put off by all the jargon that faces you as you stroll around the forecourt or browse car websites. Many people reportedly feel pushed into buying a car by a salesman who thinks they don’t understand the abbreviations used to describe the features of a car.
At CoverGirl we want all our customers to get the best deal they can when buying a car, without getting confused about the range of options available. Have a look at our list of jargon used in the new and used car industry.
| T&T = Taxed and MOT | This is used to describe when a car has passed the Department of Transports roadworthy MOT test and has road tax. | |
| FSH = Full Service History | This is the complete service record of the car. Owners must keep this up to date and stamped with the relevant dealer and service details. | |
| BHP = Brake Horsepower | A horse power is the power of one horse, or a measure of rate at which a horse can work. A 10 hp engine for example do the work of 10 horses. Now work can be done slowly or fast. The rate at which work can be done is called power. The horsepower output of an engine is measured in terms of BHP or Brake Horse Power. The name is derived from the braking device which is used to hold the engine stationary while it is trying to move, while the horse power is measured in labs on a dynamometer. The BHP of an engine indicates the amount of power an engine can produce at a certain engine speed at wide open throttle (or accelerator fully pressed down) |
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| VIN = Vehicle Identification Number | The VIN or chassis number consist of 17 digits and is found on a metal plate in the engine bay of the car. It is also stamped on the floor near the drivers’ seat. | |
| ESR = Electric Sunroof | This is a sunroof that can be operated by pressing a button rather than manually, with a winder. | |
| ICE = In Car Entertainment | This is CD players, DVD players, in car stereo system, or any other electrical in car entertainment. | |
| Sat Nav = Satellite Navigation | This uses satellites in moving orbits to help you navigate your journey with maps and clear directions using GPS (Global Positioning. | |
| A ringer | A car that has been stolen and its identity changed. The stolen vehicle has the registration number and VIN from another car. | |
| A lemon | A bad buy. This is a car with an uncertain history and that is mechanically unsafe. | |
| Clocking | This is where the mileage has been changed to increase the value of the car. This can be difficult to spot when buying a new car. | |
| PCP = Personal Contract Purchase | This is a type of finance agreement that some people use to buy a car. You pay a deposit and then regular monthly instalments. At the end of the agreement you can either pay a large final sum or give the car back. You also have the option to negotiate a new agreement for a new car. | |
| PLP = Personal Leasing Plan | You lease the car from the finance company for an agreed monthly sum. You will however never own the car outright. | |
| Write off = Damaged or stolen car | The insurance company may have decided to pay an agreed value for rather than paying the cost of repairs because the car is badly damaged. | |
We hope that you are a bit clearer on some of the terminology used by car salesman. It can really help to know some of the jargon so you don’t end up with a lemon that’s been clocked!
Car insurance for women
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