Video:Common Auto Repair Keywords

Transcript:Common Auto Repair Keywords

Hi, this is Mitchell Zelman, owner of Mitchell's Auto Repair, here in Brooklyn, New York, and the author of "What the Experts May Not Tell You About Car Repair," here for About.com. I'm going to give you five keywords that will help you better maintain your car.

Auto Repair Keyword: Axle

This is an axle. It's a shaft that propels the wheels. This side is turned by the transmission, this side the wheel is attached to. And it consists of a shaft and 2 CV Joints, with a rubber accordion boot around it, which is packed by grease on the inside and the rubber boot holds the grease inside. What typically goes wrong with them is that the accordion boot tears right on the seam and, due to the centrifugal force of the axle spinning, the grease actually spits outward and the CV joint inside goes dry, causing the CV joint to fail. Once that happens, the car is still drivable but, eventually, it will start to make a clicking noise.

Auto Repair Keyword: Timing Belt

This is a timing belt and this is an essential part of the engine. What it does is connect the cam shafts or cam shaft to the crank shaft. And when those parts are spinning, they need to be in sync with one another so that the valves and the pistons don't collide. The timing belt is often over looked because it's not something that you can visibly see just by opening up the hood of the car. People forget about the changing of it. The timing belt needs to be replaced periodically, anywhere between 60,000 to 105,000, depending on conditions. Most people should refer to their owner's manual to see when the scheduled maintenance requires that it be replaced.

Auto Repair Keyword: Strut

This is a strut. Most cars have struts today. Some still have shock absorbers. The strut is an integral part of the suspension system that absorbs the impact of bumps when you're driving your vehicle. When it becomes weak, it compresses very easily and it fails to absorb the impact of the road, resulting in tires that become cupped. Flat spots develop on the tires as a result of the tire dribbling. The car will also stop quicker if the struts are in good shape.

Auto Repair Keyword: Catalytic Converter

This is a catalytic converter. It's a part of the exhaust system that reduces the unburned hydro-carbons and carbon monoxide before it's released out into the atmosphere. When a catalytic converter is not working, then it's going to release pollutants into the atmosphere. It will also trigger a check engine light to come up on the dashboard.

Auto Repair Keyword: Alternator

And, finally, we have an alternator. The function of the alternator is to replenish the energy to the battery. The battery loses its energy from starting the car and from running the vehicle. If the alternator stops functioning or if the belt that drives the alternator breaks, the alternator will stop spinning. And, eventually, your battery will go dead. With these automotive terms, I hope you feel more empowered about understanding your car.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.