Posted: 18/07/2018
Do you ever feel like your mechanic or car salesperson is talking in another language? With a growing list of modern technologies and features, you may find yourself getting completely confused. Here is a simplified list of some “car lingo” that you may find very useful at your next visit to Sunshine Toyota.
ABS: Antilock Braking System – A computerised system that prevents the wheels from locking during emergency braking, improving steering control and reducing stopping distances.
AC: Air Conditioning that provides cold air through the heating vents inside your car.
Active Cruise Control: is an advanced automatic vehicle speed management system that is mainly used on open roads which monitors traffic ahead and reduces or increases the car’s speed based on the flow of traffic.
Bluetooth/ In-car Bluetooth: a compatibility that is integrated into the audio system, so you can play music from your phone, or make and take calls while staying focused on the road.
FWD: Front Wheel Drive – When engine power and torque is channeled to the front wheels only.
Four-wheel drive/ 4×4/ four by four /4WD: refers to type of a vehicle, specifically capable of providing torque to all-wheel ends of a two-axle vehicle simultaneously. It may be full-time, or on-demand. Great for extreme off-road driving.
GPS: Global Positioning System – The network of satellites that provides the location and time information used by a vehicle’s Satellite Navigation to help guide a route to a destination.
Hybrid: A vehicle that an engine that runs on a traditional petrol (or diesel) engine as well as an electric motor with batteries. Hybrids have excellent fuel efficiency and produce lower emissions from their exhausts.
Independent suspension: A suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move up and down independently of the other allowing for a smoother ride.
Multi-Terrain Anti-Lock Braking: This system works with Electronic Brake-force Distribution to control braking force to each individual wheel, depending on the conditions and load you're carrying.
Pre-Collision Alerts: The pre-collision alert system is an advanced safety feature to protect you and your car from a collision. The safety system constantly monitors the area in front of your vehicle, and if a potentially dangerous situation is detected, your car will warn you. If you don't brake in reaction to the hazard, your car will automatically engage the brake to help reduce potential damage.
Reversing Camera: A display that shows a live image of what is behind your car when reversing to help make reversing easier and safer
Sat Nav/Satellite Navigation: Mapping and guidance system that uses Global Positioning Satellites to detect a car’s position and determine a route to the desired location.
Smart Entry and Smart Start: A system that allows you to conveniently unlock, get in and start your vehicle all while the key remains in your pocket or bag!
SUV: A Sports Utility Vehicle will generally have a tall-bodied, sporty, powerful appearance with some form of 4-wheel drive capabilities allowing for both on-road and off-road driving. An SUV is mainly designed to perform well on roads but are great for camping trips and relaxed off-road adventuring.
Traction Control System: an electronic system that contains wheel spin by cutting engine power and/or applying brake pulses when your wheels are over-spinning on slippery surfaces.
Toyota on the Sunshine Coast
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