Hey there fellow gearheads,
If you’re the proud owner of a vehicle, it’s important to know the lingo when it comes to the various systems and technologies that keep your ride running smoothly.
In this article, we’re gonna break down some of the most common car acronyms you might come across when it comes to your car’s safety and performance features.
1. Safety and Performance related Acronyms:
First up, we got ABS, which stands for Anti-lock Braking System. This feature helps prevent your wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control and avoid skidding.
Next, we got ACC, which stands for Adaptive Cruise Control. This feature uses sensors to automatically adjust your vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, is a term that encompasses a range of features like lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and more. These features are designed to help you avoid accidents and drive more safely.
EBD, or Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, is a feature that helps distribute braking power more evenly to all four wheels, improving stopping power and stability.
EGR, or Exhaust Gas Recirculation, is a system that helps reduce harmful emissions by recirculating some of the exhaust gas back into the engine.
EPS, or Electric Power Steering, is a system that uses electricity to assist with steering, making it easier to turn the wheel.
ESP, or Electronic Stability Program, uses sensors to detect and correct skids, helping to improve handling and stability.
ETC, or Electronic Throttle Control, is a system that uses electronic signals to control the engine’s throttle, improving fuel efficiency and performance.
ETP, or Engine Torque Performance, is a feature that automatically adjusts engine torque for optimal performance.
FAS, or Front Assist, is a safety feature that uses sensors to detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes if necessary.
FCA, or Forward Collision Alert, is a feature that uses sensors to detect when a collision is imminent and alerts the driver to take action.
FWD, or Front-Wheel Drive, is a type of drivetrain where the front wheels are responsible for propelling the vehicle forward.
HAC, or Hill-start Assist Control, is a feature that helps prevent your vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on a hill.
HAL, or Hybrid Active Lighting, is a lighting system that uses both LED and halogen bulbs to improve visibility and reduce energy consumption.
HEC, or Hybrid Electric Control, is a system that controls the operation of the hybrid electric powertrain.
HID, or High-Intensity Discharge, are headlights that use a gas-discharge system to produce a bright, white light.
HLA, or Hill-hold Control, is a feature that keeps your vehicle stationary on hills, even when your foot is off the brake pedal.
LAS, or Lane-keeping Assist System, is a feature that uses sensors to detect when you’re drifting out of your lane and helps guide you back.
LDA, or Lane Departure Warning, is a feature that warns you when you’re drifting out of your lane.
LFA, or Lane-keeping Assist System, is a feature that uses sensors to detect when you’re drifting out of your lane and helps guide you back.
LKA, or Lane Keeping Assist, is a feature that uses sensors to detect when you’re drifting out of your lane and helps guide you back. It also helps you stay centered in your lane by providing steering assistance.
LKAS, or Lane Keeping Assist System, is a feature that uses cameras and sensors to detect lane markings and alert you if you start drifting out of your lane. It also helps you stay centered in your lane by providing steering assistance.
LKM, or Lane Keeping Monitor, is a feature that uses cameras and sensors to detect lane markings and alert you if you start drifting out of your lane. It also helps you stay centered in your lane by providing steering assistance.
LWR, or Lane Watch Rear, is a feature that uses a camera to give you a view of your blind spot on the passenger side of your vehicle.
RCC, or Rear Cross-traffic Collision, is a feature that uses sensors to detect when a vehicle is approaching from the side while you’re reversing and alerts you to take action.
RCD, or Rear Collision Detection, is a feature that uses sensors to detect when a collision is imminent while you’re reversing and alerts you to take action.
RWD, or Rear-Wheel Drive, is a type of drivetrain where the rear wheels are responsible for propelling the vehicle forward.
SRS, or Supplemental Restraint System, is another term for your vehicle’s airbags.
TC, or Traction Control, is a feature that uses sensors to detect when your wheels are slipping and helps to regain traction.
TCS, or Traction Control System, is a feature that uses sensors to detect when your wheels are slipping and helps to regain traction.
TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System, is a feature that uses sensors to monitor the pressure in your tires and alerts you when they’re low.
VSC, or Vehicle Stability Control, is a feature that uses sensors to detect when your vehicle is skidding and helps to regain stability.
2. Powertrain and Fuel Efficiency related Acronyms:
First, we got AWD, which stands for All-Wheel Drive. This feature sends power to all four wheels, providing better traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions.
Next, we got CAFE, which stands for Corporate Average Fuel Economy. This is a set of standards set by the government to ensure that vehicles are meeting certain fuel efficiency standards.
CDI, or Common Rail Direct Injection, is a fuel injection system that uses high pressure to inject fuel directly into the combustion chamber for improved efficiency and power.
CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, is a type of transmission that can continuously adjust its gear ratios to provide the most efficient performance.
DCT, or Dual-Clutch Transmission, is a type of transmission that uses two clutches to shift gears, providing faster and smoother gear changes.
EV, or Electric Vehicle, is a vehicle that runs on electricity rather than gasoline.
EVS, or Electric Vehicle System, is a system that controls the operation of the electric powertrain.
EWS, or Electronic Immobilizer, is a security feature that prevents the engine from starting without the proper key or fob.
FA, or Front-wheel drive, is a type of drivetrain where the front wheels are responsible for propelling the vehicle forward.
FCD, or Fuel Cell Drive, is a type of drivetrain that uses a fuel cell to generate electricity to power the vehicle.
FCP, or Fuel Cell Power, is a system that generates electricity from a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to power the vehicle.
FCS, or Fuel Cell System, is a system that combines the fuel cell, power electronics, and other components to generate electricity and power the vehicle.
FIF, or Fuel Injection and Fire, is a system that uses fuel injection to supply the engine with fuel and an ignition system to create the spark that starts the engine.
FIS, or Fuel Injection System, is a system that injects fuel into the engine for improved performance and fuel efficiency.
FIT, or Fuel Injection Throttle, is a system that uses a throttle body to control the amount of air and fuel that enters the engine.
FSI, or Fuel Stratified Injection, is a fuel injection system that sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure for improved efficiency and power.
FSW, or Front Seat Warmers, is a feature that uses heated elements to warm the front seats for added comfort in cold weather.
GDI, or Gasoline Direct Injection, is a fuel injection system that injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber for improved efficiency and power.
GDS, or Graphene Doping System, is a system that uses graphene to improve the performance of the fuel cell.
HVAC, or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, is a system that controls the temperature and airflow in the vehicle.
HVLP, or High Volume Low Pressure, is a type of spray gun that uses low pressure to atomize the paint and high volume to deliver it to the surface.
ICE, or Internal Combustion Engine, is the type of engine that runs on gasoline or diesel and powers the majority of vehicles on the road today.
i-ELOOP, or Intelligent Energy Loop, is a system that captures and stores energy from braking and other sources to improve fuel efficiency.
IMA, or Integrated Motor Assist, is a hybrid system that uses a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine.
IMS, or Intelligent Motor Sport, is a system that improves the performance and efficiency of the engine.
i-stop, or Idling Stop, is a system that automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is idling to save fuel.
i-VTEC, or Intelligent Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control, is a system that improves the performance and efficiency of the engine by adjusting valve timing and lift.
i-VTM4, or Intelligent Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive, is a system that improves traction and stability by adjusting the torque distributed to the wheels.
MDPS, or Motor-Driven Power Steering, is a type of power steering that uses an electric motor to assist the steering.
MDS, or Multi-Displacement System, is a system that can deactivate certain cylinders in the engine to improve fuel efficiency when full power is not needed.
MES, or Multi-Electronic System, is a system that controls various electronic functions in the vehicle.
MHEV, or Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle, is a type of hybrid vehicle that uses a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine.
MHI, or Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is a company that produces a variety of industrial and consumer products, including vehicles.
MP, or Metric Horsepower, is a unit of power used in the metric system.
MPI, or Multi-Point Injection, is a fuel injection system that injects fuel into multiple points in the engine for improved performance and fuel efficiency.
MPV, or Multi-Purpose Vehicle, is a type of vehicle that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as transportation, recreation, and cargo hauling.
MR, or Mid-Engine Rear-Wheel drive, is a type of drivetrain where the engine is located in the middle of the vehicle and the rear wheels are responsible for propelling the vehicle forward.
MS, or Multi-Stage, is a term used to describe a system or component that has multiple stages or levels.
MSR, or Motor Speed Regulation, is a system that regulates the speed of an electric motor.
MTF, or Manual Transmission Fluid, is the type of fluid used in manual transmissions to lubricate and cool the gears.
MTM, or Motoren-Technik-Mayer, is a German company that specializes in developing and manufacturing high-performance engines and tuning products.
OBD, or On-Board Diagnostics, is a system that monitors various systems and components in the vehicle and can detect and diagnose problems.
PCM, or Powertrain Control Module, is a computer that controls various systems and components in the powertrain, such as the engine and transmission.
VVT, or Variable Valve Timing, is a system that adjusts the timing of the valves in the engine for improved performance and fuel efficiency.
xEV, or eXtended Electric Vehicle, is a term used to describe vehicles that have a range extender or other means of extending their electric-only range.
3. Interior and Entertainment related Acronyms:
Let’s start with AC, which stands for Air Conditioning. This feature keeps you cool during hot summer days.
HMI, or Human Machine Interface, is a system that allows you to interact with your vehicle’s various systems, such as the radio and navigation, using buttons, knobs, or touchscreens.
ICES, or In-Car Entertainment System, is a term used to describe the various audio, video, and navigation systems available in a vehicle.
ICS, or Integrated Control System, is a system that allows you to control various functions of your vehicle, such as the radio and climate control, from one central location.
IDS, or Intelligent Drive System, is a term used to describe a range of advanced driver assistance systems that help improve safety, comfort, and performance.
JBL, or James B. Lansing, is a brand of high-quality car audio systems.
JWS, or Japan Windshield, is a term used to describe the high-quality windshields used in Japanese vehicles.
LED, or Light Emitting Diode, are energy-efficient lights that are commonly used for things like interior lighting and daytime running lights.
MFSW, or Multi-Function Steering Wheel, is a steering wheel that has buttons
for controlling various functions of your vehicle, such as the audio and cruise control, without having to take your hands off the wheel.
MHL, or Mobile High-Definition Link, is a technology that allows you to connect your mobile device to your car’s entertainment system and display content on the in-dash screen.
MKS, or Multi-Function Steering Wheel, is a steering wheel that has buttons for controlling various functions of your vehicle, such as the audio and cruise control, without having to take your hands off the wheel.
MMI, or Multi Media Interface, is a system that allows you to control various functions of your vehicle, such as the audio and navigation, using buttons, knobs, or touchscreens.
MMT, or Multi-Mode Transmission, is a transmission that can be switched between automatic and manual modes.
RC, or Remote Control, is a feature that allows you to control various functions of your vehicle, such as locking and unlocking the doors, using a remote control.
REP, or Remote Engine Start, is a feature that allows you to start your vehicle remotely using a key fob or smartphone app.
RFA, or Rearview Camera, is a camera that gives you a view of what’s behind your vehicle when you’re reversing.
RFI, or Radio Frequency Interference, is a type of interference that can affect the performance of electronic devices.
RKE, or Remote Keyless Entry, is a feature that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle doors, and sometimes even start the engine, without using a physical key. It is typically done through a key fob or a smartphone app.
ROPS, or Rollover Protective Structure, is a safety feature that helps protect the occupants of a vehicle in the event of a rollover accident.
SSD, or Solid State Drive, is a type of storage device that is commonly used in vehicles for storing things like music and navigation maps. It is faster, more reliable and more durable than traditional hard disk drives.
4. Government Regulations and Standards related Acronyms:
First up, we got NHTSA, which stands for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is a government agency that sets and enforces vehicle safety standards in the USA, ensuring that vehicles on the road are safe for drivers and passengers.
Next, we got PZEV, which stands for Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. This is a classification given to vehicles that meet certain emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board. These vehicles are considered to have near-zero emissions and have a significant positive impact on air quality.
SAE, or Society of Automotive Engineers, is a professional organization that sets industry standards for automotive engineering and design.
SCR, or Selective Catalytic Reduction, is an emissions control system that reduces the amount of nitrogen oxide in the exhaust by injecting a urea-based solution into the exhaust stream.
SULEV, or Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, is a classification given to vehicles that meet certain emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board. These vehicles are considered to have near-zero emissions and have a significant positive impact on air quality.
So there you have it, some of the most common automotive acronyms you might come across when it comes to your vehicle’s safety and emissions standards. Understanding these features can help you better understand what your vehicle is capable of and how it’s regulated, which can ultimately help you keep your ride running safely and efficiently.