Our the C.A.R (Car Acronym Resource) is your one stop shop for the most popular motoring acronyms. So the next time you go for a service or are looking for a new set of wheels – don’t let terminology get in the way.
ABS : Anti-lock Brake System
Sometimes called anti-lock, sometimes anti-skid. ABS is a safety system that stops wheels from locking under heavy braking. ABS gives the driver some control over the steering in an emergency braking situation.
A/C: Air Conditioning
The system that controls the temperature, humidity and ventilation in your car, generally to keep it cool in the hot weather.
ANCAP: Australasian New Car Assessment Program
A system used to rank the relative safety of new cars in Australia.
AWD: All-Wheel Drive
See 4WD.
CAT: Catalytic Converter
Part of the exhaust system of a car which contains a catalyst for converting pollutant gases into less harmful ones.
DSC: Dynamic Stability Control
A term used to refer to a system of stability control used by some car manufacturers. By braking individual wheels and reducing the throttle, DSC can reduce the chance of skidding in a sudden braking situation, or when a loss of steering control is detected. Also known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
EBA: Emergency Brake Assist
A generic term for any car braking technology that increases braking pressure. Generally refers to technology that helps you apply the full force of the brakes in an emergency.
ESC: Electronic Stability Control
See DSC.
FWD: Front Wheel Drive
A transmission system where the engine drives the front wheels. Used by many manufacturers as most cars have their engines in the front – so FWD is a logical choice.
GPS: Global Positioning System
The GPS in your car can determine its location through a network of satellites. GPS is of course not a term relevant to just motoring, with GPS now present in many of the devices we own.
HUD: HeadUp Display
Your dashboard display basically. A HUD refers to any transparent display that gives you all the data/information you need in front of your face, so you don’t need to look away (i.e. while driving).
ICC: Intelligent Cruise Control
Different from regular cruise control (which only maintains speed) – this is the advanced version. ICC can monitor and maintain a specific distance from the car in front.
KPH: Kilometres Per Hour
The number of kilometres travelled at a constant speed in one hour.
LPG: Liquid Petroleum Gas
A fuel often used for cars. LPG is a mix of propane and butane (so highly flammable). Sometimes called Auto Propane or Autogas.
PPSR: Personal Properties Security Register
A national electronic database that allows security interests in personal property to be registered and searched online. Specific to motoring, a PPSR check will tell you if a particular car has any money owing from a previous owner.
RWD: Rear Wheel Drive
A transmission system where the engine drives the rear wheels. Often used by manufacturers as the rear of the car is where weight shifts on acceleration.
SRS: Supplementary Restraint System
A complex series of sensors in your car activates this system should you crash. Also known as your airbags!
A system used to rank the relative safety of used cars in Australia.
VIN: Vehicle Identification Number
A unique number assigned to every car during manufacture (usually 17 characters alpha and numeric). VINs are used to identify cars for things like history or PPSR checks.
2WD: Two Wheel Drive
When power is fed to just two wheels. Two wheel drive is generally sufficient for most cars/driving conditions.
4WD: Four Wheel Drive
When power is fed to all four wheels, also known as AWD or All Wheel Drive. Often 4WD is selectable, the car will use 2WD under normal conditions and has the option of changing to 4WD for specific situations
Last updated September 2017
