For car owners, understanding automotive terms is very important. Not only so you look like you "understand engines," but also so you won't be confused when talking to mechanics or when buying car supplies yourself. So, to keep you up to date, here are 15 automotive terms that are often used in everyday life.

1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Every car has a unique identity called a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This number consists of a 17-digit combination of letters and numbers that contains a lot of information: from the manufacturer, model, to vehicle specifications. You can usually find it on the dashboard, under the front seat, or on the driver's door pillar.

2. Horsepower (HP)

If someone asks, "How many horsepower does your car have?", they are referring to horsepower (HP), a measure of how powerful a car's engine is. The higher the number, the faster the performance. For example, sedans generally have 120 HP, while SUVs can reach 200 HP. One horsepower is equivalent to a lifting force of about 75 kilograms per second. Not bad, right?

3. Mileage

This is a term for the distance traveled by a vehicle. Usually, the higher the mileage, the older the car. After 100,000 km, some components such as oil, radiator water, or the battery need to be replaced. So, be sure to check the odometer regularly!

4. Engine Overhaul

This term often makes car owners nervous. This is because an "engine overhaul" means that the engine must be completely dismantled for repair. The cost is quite high because the process is complicated and time-consuming. It is usually done when there is serious damage to the inside of the engine.

5. Oil Viscosity

This refers to the thickness of the oil. Thin oil (low viscosity) flows easily and is suitable for starting in cold temperatures, while thick oil (high viscosity) is more stable in high temperatures. Choose the one that suits your engine specifications to maintain maximum performance.

6. Coolant

Not just ordinary water, coolant or cooling water serves to keep the engine temperature stable. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, engine performance can drop. So make sure this fluid is always at the right level.

7. Air Filter

Small but important. This component filters dust and dirt before air enters the combustion chamber. If it is dirty, the engine can struggle. Clean or replace it regularly.

8. Overheating

The driver's worst enemy! Overheating occurs when the engine gets too hot, usually because the coolant has run out or there is a problem with the cooling system. The solution? Let it cool down before starting it again. Don't force it!

9. Brakes

The speed controller. Usually, the brake pads need to be replaced every 80,000 km, but it also depends on your driving style and road conditions. If they feel hard or make a "squeaking" sound, you should immediately check with a repair shop.

10. EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)

This technology replaces the old carburetor system. With electronic fuel injection, combustion is more efficient and fuel-efficient. No wonder the EFI system is more popular in modern cars.

11. VVT-i

Stands for Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence. This technology regulates valve opening and closing times to optimize airflow in the combustion chamber. The result? More responsive acceleration, but still fuel-efficient.

12. i-DSI

Stands for Intelligent Dual Sequential Ignition. This technology uses two spark plugs in each cylinder for more even combustion and fuel efficiency. It is commonly used in small but efficient engines.

13. Drive by Wire (DBW)

This advanced technology replaces traditional throttle cables with an electronic system. Throttle response is faster and more stable, and there is less risk of cable wear. It is sometimes also called Throttle Actuator Control (TAC).

14. Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT)

Typically used in diesel cars with turbochargers. VGT can regulate air pressure in the turbo so that power remains strong but efficient at various engine speeds.

15. Bore Up and Stroke Up

If you like to tinker with engines, you'll be familiar with these two terms. Bore up means enlarging the piston diameter, while stroke up means lengthening the piston stroke. Both aim to increase engine capacity and car power.

Conclusion

Those are the 15 automotive terms you need to understand. This way, you won't be confused when talking to mechanics or maintaining your car yourself. The more you understand these terms, the easier it will be to keep your car's performance in top condition.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

15 Istilah Otomotif yang Wajib Dipahami Biar Nggak Bingung di Bengkel

Buat para pemilik mobil, memahami istilah-istilah otomotif itu penting banget. Bukan cuma biar kelihatan “paham mesin”, tapi juga supaya nggak bingung saat ngobrol sama mekanik atau waktu beli kebutuhan mobil sendiri. Nah, biar makin update, berikut 15 istilah otomotif yang sering banget disebut dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.

1. Nomor Rangka Kendaraan

Setiap mobil punya identitas unik yang disebut nomor rangka atau Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Nomor ini terdiri dari 17 kombinasi huruf dan angka yang nyimpen banyak informasi: mulai dari asal pabrik, model, hingga spesifikasi kendaraan. Biasanya bisa kamu temukan di dasbor, bawah jok depan, atau pilar pintu pengemudi.

2. Horsepower (HP)

Kalau ada yang nanya, “Berapa tenaga kuda mobil kamu?”, itu maksudnya horsepower (HP), ukuran seberapa kuat mesin mobil bekerja. Semakin besar angkanya, makin ngebut juga performanya. Misal, sedan umumnya punya 120 HP, sementara SUV bisa tembus 200 HP. Satu horsepower sendiri setara dengan tenaga angkat sekitar 75 kilogram per detik. Lumayan, kan?

3. Mileage

Nah, ini istilah buat jarak tempuh kendaraan. Biasanya makin tinggi kilometernya, makin tua usia kerja mobil. Setelah lewat 100.000 km, beberapa komponen seperti oli, air radiator, atau aki mulai minta diganti. Jadi, rajin-rajin cek odometer, ya!

4. Turun Mesin

Istilah ini sering bikin pemilik mobil deg-degan. Soalnya, “turun mesin” berarti mesin harus dibongkar total buat diperbaiki. Biayanya lumayan besar karena prosesnya rumit dan makan waktu lama. Biasanya dilakukan kalau ada kerusakan serius di bagian dalam mesin.

5. Viskositas Oli

Ini soal tingkat kekentalan oli. Oli encer (viskositas rendah) gampang ngalir dan cocok buat start di suhu dingin, sementara oli kental (viskositas tinggi) lebih stabil di suhu tinggi. Pilih yang sesuai spesifikasi mesin biar performanya tetap maksimal.

6. Coolant

Bukan cuma air biasa, coolant atau air pendingin berfungsi menjaga suhu mesin tetap stabil. Kalau suhu terlalu panas atau terlalu dingin, performa mesin bisa drop. Jadi pastikan cairan ini selalu dalam kondisi cukup.

7. Filter Udara

Sepele tapi penting. Komponen ini nyaring debu dan kotoran sebelum udara masuk ke ruang bakar. Kalau kotor, mesin bisa ngos-ngosan. Rutin dibersihkan atau diganti, ya.

8. Overheat

Musuh utama pengemudi! Overheat terjadi saat mesin terlalu panas, biasanya karena coolant habis atau sistem pendingin bermasalah. Solusinya? Diamkan dulu sampai dingin sebelum nyalakan lagi. Jangan dipaksakan!

9. Rem

Si pengendali laju. Biasanya kampas rem perlu diganti setiap 80.000 km, tapi tergantung juga gaya nyetir dan kondisi jalan. Kalau sudah terasa keras atau ada bunyi “cit-cit”, sebaiknya segera cek ke bengkel.

10. EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)

Teknologi ini menggantikan sistem karburator lama. Dengan injeksi bahan bakar elektronik, pembakaran jadi lebih efisien dan irit BBM. Nggak heran kalau sistem EFI lebih populer di mobil-mobil modern.

11. VVT-i

Singkatan dari Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence. Teknologi ini mengatur waktu buka-tutup katup agar aliran udara di ruang bakar lebih optimal. Hasilnya? Akselerasi lebih responsif, tapi tetap irit bahan bakar.

12. i-DSI

Kepanjangannya Intelligent Dual Sequential Ignition. Teknologi ini pakai dua busi di tiap silinder biar pembakaran lebih merata dan hemat BBM. Biasanya dipakai di mesin-mesin kecil tapi efisien.

13. Drive by Wire (DBW)

Teknologi canggih yang ganti kabel gas tradisional dengan sistem elektronik. Respon gas jadi lebih cepat dan stabil, serta minim risiko kabel aus. Kadang disebut juga Throttle Actuator Control (TAC).

14. Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT)

Biasanya dipakai di mobil diesel dengan turbocharger. VGT bisa ngatur tekanan udara di turbo supaya tenaganya tetap kuat tapi efisien di berbagai putaran mesin.

15. Bore Up dan Stroke Up

Kalau suka oprek mesin, pasti tahu dua istilah ini. Bore up artinya memperbesar diameter piston, sedangkan stroke up memperpanjang langkah piston. Dua-duanya bertujuan meningkatkan kapasitas mesin dan tenaga mobil.

Penutup

Itu dia 15 istilah otomotif yang wajib kamu pahami. Biar nggak salah kaprah waktu ngobrol sama mekanik atau saat ngerawat mobil sendiri. Karena makin paham istilah, makin gampang juga jaga performa mobil tetap prima.