Automotive Acronyms (A-Z List & Definitions)
Updated: Dec 16, 2022
Automotive acronyms are shortened forms of words or phrases that are commonly used in the automotive industry.
These acronyms are used to save time and space when communicating technical information, and they can be found in a variety of contexts, including repair manuals, parts catalogs, and discussions among automotive professionals.
It's important to familiarize yourself automotive acronyms if you work in the automotive industry or plan to do your own repairs on your vehicle. This can help you communicate effectively with other professionals and understand technical information more easily.
This page serves as a comprehensive A-Z glossary of all acronyms and terminology used in the automotive industry.
A
A4: 4-speed automatic transmission - a type of automatic transmission with four gears.
A5: 5-speed automatic transmission - a type of automatic transmission with five gears.
A6: 6-speed automatic transmission - a type of automatic transmission with six gears.
ABS: Anti-lock brake system - a safety system that prevents the wheels from locking up during heavy braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and avoid skidding.
AC: Alternating current - an electric current that periodically changes direction.
ACC: Adaptive cruise control - a type of cruise control system that uses sensors to detect the speed and distance of other vehicles and automatically adjusts the speed of the vehicle to maintain a safe following distance.
ADAS: Advanced driving autonomous systems - systems that use sensors and computer-controlled algorithms to assist the driver in operating a vehicle.
ADB: Adaptive driving beam - a type of headlight system that uses sensors and computer-controlled algorithms to adjust the beam pattern of the headlights to improve visibility and reduce glare for other drivers.
AdvHEV: Hybrid vehicle - a type of vehicle that uses both a conventional internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion, with the ability to switch between the two depending on driving conditions.
AEB: Autonomous emergency braking - a safety system that uses sensors and computer-controlled algorithms to automatically apply the brakes in an emergency situation to avoid a collision.
A/C: Air conditioning - a system that uses refrigerant and a compressor to cool the air inside a vehicle.
A/T: Automatic transmission - a type of transmission that uses a complex system of gears and clutches to automatically shift gears as the vehicle moves.
AFL: Adaptive front light - a type of headlight system that uses sensors and computer-controlled algorithms to adjust the beam pattern of the headlights to improve visibility and reduce glare for other drivers.
AFS: Adaptive front-light system - a type of headlight system that uses sensors and computer-controlled algorithms to adjust the beam pattern of the headlights to improve visibility and reduce glare for other drivers.
AHC: Automatic height controller - a system that automatically adjusts the ride height of a vehicle based on driving conditions and load.
AIR: Secondary air injection system - a system that injects fresh air into the exhaust stream of an engine in order to reduce emissions.
AMT: Automated manual transmission - a type of transmission that uses a hydraulic or electrical system to operate the clutch and shift gears, allowing the driver to shift gears manually or let the transmission shift automatically.
AT: Automatic transmission - a type of transmission that uses a complex system of gears and clutches to automatically shift gears as the vehicle moves.
ATLS: Automated truck loading systems - systems that use sensors and computer-controlled algorithms to assist in loading and unloading cargo from a truck.
ATX: Automatic transmission - a type of transmission that uses a complex system of gears and clutches to automatically shift gears as the vehicle moves.
Autogas: LPG when used as a vehicle fuel - autogas refers to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) when it is used as a fuel for vehicles. LPG is a clean-burning, low-emission fuel that can be used as an alternative to gasoline or diesel.
Aux: Auxiliary (normally referring to the auxiliary audio input) - auxiliary refers to an additional or supplementary feature or system. In the context of an audio system, it often refers to an auxiliary input, such as a headphone jack.
AWD: All-Wheel Drive - a type of drivetrain that powers all four wheels of a vehicle, allowing it to have better traction in all types of road conditions.
B
Baro/BARO: Barometric pressure - the atmospheric pressure at a given location, measured in units of pressure such as pounds per square inch (psi) or hectopascals (hPa).
BDC: Bottom dead center - the position of the piston in an engine when it is at the lowest point in its stroke. This is the point at which the cylinder is at its smallest volume and the greatest pressure is created.
BHP: Brake horsepower - a measure of an engine's power output, determined by measuring the torque produced by the engine and the speed at which it is rotating. It is calculated by multiplying the engine's torque by its rpm and dividing by a constant. Brake horsepower is often used as a measure of an engine's performance.
C
CAB 1493: California assembly bill 1493 - a bill introduced in the California Assembly that proposes legislation on a specific issue.
CARB: California air resources board - a state agency in California responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in the state.
CAT: Catalytic converter - a device that converts harmful emissions from a vehicle's engine into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere.
CC: Cruise control/climate control/cubic capacity/cubic centimeters
- Cruise control: a system that automatically maintains a vehicle's speed while driving.
- Climate control: a system that adjusts the temperature, humidity, and air circulation inside a vehicle.
- Cubic capacity: the volume of an engine's combustion chamber, typically measured in cubic centimetres (cc).
- Cubic centimetres: a unit of measurement for volume, often used to measure the size of an engine's combustion chamber.
CCP: Coupling cam phasing - a system that uses two camshafts to control the timing of the valves in an engine.
CEL: Check engine light - a warning light on a vehicle's dashboard that indicates a problem with the engine or another system in the vehicle.
CH4: Methane - a colorless, odorless gas that is the main component of natural gas. It is also a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change when it is released into the atmosphere.
CKP: Crankshaft position sensor - a device that measures the position of a vehicle's crankshaft in order to determine the engine's speed and position.
CMP: Camshaft position sensor - a device that measures the position of a vehicle's camshaft in order to control the timing of the engine's valves.
CNG: Compressed natural gas - a type of fuel that is commonly used in vehicles as an alternative to gasoline or diesel. It is made by compressing natural gas to a liquid state.
CO2: Carbon dioxide - a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the burning of fossil fuels and is a major contributor to climate change.
CO: Carbon monoxide - a toxic gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels.
CVT: Continuously variable transmission - a type of automatic transmission that uses a belt or chain to smoothly change gears, rather than using traditional fixed gears.
CVVL: Continuous variable valve lift - a system that allows the lift of the valves in an engine to be continuously varied in order to improve performance and efficiency.
D
DAB: Digital audio broadcasting - a digital technology used to transmit audio signals over the airwaves.
DC: Direct current - an electric current that flows in a single direction.
DCP: Dual cam phasing - a system that uses two camshafts to control the timing of the valves in an engine.
DCT: Dual-clutch transmission - a type of automatic transmission that uses two clutches to shift gears, allowing for faster and more efficient shifting.
DeAct: Cylinder deactivation - a system that shuts off certain cylinders in an engine when they are not needed, in order to conserve fuel.
DEPS: Digital engine position sensor - a device that measures the position of the engine's crankshaft and camshafts.
DFI/DGI: Direct fuel injection/direct gasoline injection - a type of fuel injection system that injects the fuel directly into the combustion chamber of an engine, rather than into the intake manifold.
dHCCI: Diesel homogeneous charge compression ignition - a type of diesel engine that uses a homogeneous mixture of fuel and air in the combustion chamber, rather than a stratified charge.
DI: Direct injection - a type of fuel injection system in which the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber of an engine, rather than into the intake manifold.
DIS: Distributor-less ignition system - a type of ignition system that uses sensors and computer-controlled spark plugs to deliver the spark that ignites the fuel in an engine.
DLC: Data link connector - a port or connector used to transmit data between a vehicle and a diagnostic tool.
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