Car insurance - Tips & Advice - Car Maintenance
A recent survey by Direct Line on car repairs indicated that drivers are so flummoxed by modern day car terminology, it’s causing them to feel they are being ripped off when taking their motor in for repairs at the garage. To help you avoid this, we’ve put together a handy guide to understanding the jargon before you go...
Our survey showed that 57% of motorists believe that if they come across as not understanding what the mechanic is telling them, they may agree to work that is unnecessary. The survey went on to reveal that one in five people don’t trust garages to do only the work that’s necessary, and 24% think they could be at risk of being swindled because they don’t understand enough about modern car terminology.
Women, especially, found the jargon confusing, with 82% not understanding it. However, 69% of men also found it baffling so the problem seems to be across the board.
The situation has got so bad that, apparently, 39% of British drivers questioned would rather visit the dentist than face this kind of experience at the garage. Let’s face it, if unnecessary work is carried out then it can be hugely costly and frustrating when you realise what has happened. So what can you do to avoid this situation?
Be prepared
At Direct Line we suggest that:
- You should ask more questions and request a break down of a quote for work that needs to be carried out – that way you can ensure you know what you’re paying for.
- Mechanics are used to customers asking them to explain technical terms like ‘drivetrain’ and ‘AWD’, so don’t be too nervous to ask. If you really don’t understand cars at all, take along a friend or family member who is savvier to the terms used on modern cars.
- It is important that drivers make sure their vehicle is serviced regularly by a trusted mechanic to prevent the risk of an accident or being stranded by a breakdown. We would advise all motorists to shop around and ask friends and family for advice in finding a reputable and reliable garage before getting any work done on their vehicle.
Learn the lingo
Our survey revealed motorists’ top 10 least-understood car-associated words. You’ll find them below, and to help you out we’ve given a handy explanation.
1. Isofix
ISOFIX stands for ‘International Standards Organisation FIX’. It is a new standard for installing child seats into cars, which is being adopted by vehicle manufacturers and is intended to make fitting child seats quick and simple.
2. Hybrid powertrain
Technology that allows energy that makes the most out of a hybrid (electric and petrol-powered) system. In a Toyota Prius, for example, the petrol engine allows for long range on a high-density power source (petrol), while the electric motor allows efficient capturing and reusing of ‘excess’ energy. It is called powertrain as it is what powers the car.
3. A-pillar
The name applied by car stylists and enthusiasts to the shaft of material that supports the windscreen on either of the windscreen frame sides.
4. Tiptonic transmission
Technology invented by Porsche that allows the driver to override automatic transmission controls and assert some further level of control. Other cars have similar workings but under different names. Automatic transmission doesn’t use a clutch, where other cars do.
5. Drivetrain
Refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface including the engine, transmission, driveshafts and drive wheels.
6. AWD
All-wheel drive. Often used to refer to a four-wheel drive, but this is not strictly true as a vehicle that has six wheels could also be an AWD.
7. Continuously variable transmission
Rather than using gears, a CVT has an infinite ratio between wheel speed and engine speed and can give seamless acceleration without the jerk or jolt of changing gears, no frequent downshifting on hills and better fuel efficiency.
8. Residuals
How much a car will be worth at the end of a lease.
For more help with car jargon, try consulting your car manual before you visit the garage and don’t be afraid to ask your mechanic those all-important questions. It could save you money!
At least with Direct Line we try and make buying, and maintaining, your car insurance as simple as possible. Our policy documents include an explanation of any unfamiliar words and it’s quick and easy to apply for a car insurance quote online. Around 95% of all our claims are agreed over the phone and we can arrange for any repair work to be carried out by a recommended repairer – giving you piece of mind that the job will be done properly. If you buy our car insurance online today you’ll get an instant discount.
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