Car terminology quiz

The car’s battery is measured in kilowatts.

Unit to measure your car’s electricity output.

Kilowatt is the metric unit used to measure power. Generally the more kW and engine has, the faster it will accelerate.

Using sensitive internal monitors, the electronic stability programme constantly adjust the car’s internal suspension system to keep the car stable over speed humps.

This system assists with steering and keeps the automobile stable at high speeds.

The electronic stability programme (ESP), also known as the electronic stability control (ESC), or dynamic stability control (DSC), improves a vehicle’s stability. When it detects skidding, the computerised system applies to brakes to “steer” the vehicle by selectively braking individual wheels and/or reducing throttle input to prevent under-and over-steering.

The tread on your tyres works as the car’s traction control in case of slippery roads or other surfaces.

This fast braking system helps with traction by lock and release the brakes up to 20 times per second.

This system prevents excessive wheel spin during harsh acceleration or on slippery surfaces.

This is how they measure the strength of the car’s engine for example, a 1.2L, 1.6L, 2.3L and so on.

Torque is best described as the twisting power the engine has. The higher the torque, the better ability the engine has to pull over a broad spectrum.

The metric unit used to measure power. Generally the more kW and engine has, the faster it will accelerate.

Brakes lock and release the brakes up to 20 times per second to allow the driver to change direction during extreme braking. This allows the driver to steer around possible dangers.

This system ensures the handbrake is pulled automatically by the car in case of the brakes being slammed down and the car is unable to stop in time.

Even in emergencies, studies prove that drivers don’t brake hard enough. The BAS helps with this by judging, based on the speed and force with which the brake pedal is pushed, if the driver is trying to execute an emergency stop. If the brake isn’t fully applied, the system overrides the driver.

Even in emergencies, studies prove that drivers don’t brake hard enough. The BAS helps with this by judging, based on the speed and force with which the brake pedal is pushed, if the driver is trying to execute an emergency stop. If the brake isn’t fully applied, the system overrides the driver until the ABS system takes over.

This brake locking system makes sure your car accelerates when it should, in case brakes are slammed on by accident.

ABS brakes lock and release the brakes up to 20 times per second to allow the driver to change direction during extreme braking. This allows the driver to steer around possible dangers.

This is like aircon, but much, much better. Simply set the temperature and the car does the rest. It’s best practice to set the temperature to around 22.5C to prevent driver fatigue and to get the ideal, temperate feel inside your vehicle. It's a great function to keep everyone in the car comfortable.

A simple system that cools and treats air through a refrigeration cycle, using a fan to blast the air into the cabin.

Climate control ensures that your car’s windows never fog and that the interior of the car responds in real time to the climate outside the car.

This ensures you can have your first few services free of charge. This usually includes the basic service but will exclude wear and tear items such as brakes, tyres and shock absorbers.

This is the manufacturer's guarantee that the car will not need a service for the first year of ownership.

Most car manufacturers expect you to have your car serviced every 15 000 km or one year, whichever comes first. So if you only drive 10 000 km in your first year, best you make an appointment with your dealer, or risk losing your warranty.

A standard steering system that makes steering easier the faster the car drives.

Power steering makes turning easy. Essentially, in a car with power steering, there’s a small hydraulic or electric engine that assists with steering inputs.

This system lubricates the car’s steering wheel with oil from the engine to make turning easy.

You don’t need to insert your key into the doors to open it, just push the button.

With proximity sensors, you don’t need to get your keys out your pocket or handbag to get in and drive your car. A simple starter button completes the experience.

Instead of using a key, the car drives and open with a remote button.

ISOFIX is the lock on the steering wheel when you park your car.

This is the standard system that makes the seat belt ‘jerk’ and hold passengers and drivers in place during an accident.

This is the international standard for attaching children’s seats, and consists of metal fitting points built into the car at manufacturing.

This is the plan that gives you all inclusive services free of charge for as long as you have the car.

A service plan ensures you can have your first few services free of charge. This usually includes the basic service but will exclude wear and tear items such as brakes, tyres and shock absorbers.

The manufacturer’s guarantee that the product won’t break under normal usage conditions.

This is a promise that the car’s parts will be replaced, no matter how they were damaged.

A warranty is the manufacturer’s guarantee that the product won’t break under normal usage conditions.

This ensures you can have your first few services free of charge. This usually includes the basic service but will exclude wear and tear items such as brakes, tyres and shock absorbers..