Garage Speak - Garage jargon glossary

The technician says: "Your cambelt needs changing"
What do they mean?
The cambelt (or timing belt) needs to be replaced, which is a strong rubber, toothed belt that connects major moving parts of your engine.

What you need to know
All manufacturers recommend changing the cambelt after a set number of miles or years. Check your owner's manual to see when yours is due - this is an essential job as a failed cambelt can cause serious engine damage. If you're advised that the belt needs changing earlier than expected, ask the technician to explain why.

The technician says: "Your big end has gone"
What do they mean?
A big-end bearing (a semi-circular metal sleeve inside the engine) has worn out and failed. This often causes further engine damage. A worn big end usually makes a loud knocking noise, especially when accelerating.

What you need to know
Big-end failures are rare in modern cars. A simpler issue may be causing the noise, so ask the garage to explain their diagnosis clearly.

The technician says: "Your little end has gone"
What do they mean?
A little-end bearing inside the connecting rod has worn out. This usually causes a light knocking noise from the engine.

What you need to know
Like big ends, little ends rarely fail. Ask your garage to confirm their diagnosis and rule out more common causes.

The technician says: "The clutch is slipping"
What do they mean?
Part of the clutch mechanism, which allows you to change gears smoothly, is worn and no longer working properly. When you select a gear, your car may still feel like it's in neutral, or the engine may rev without the car accelerating.

What you need to know
Clutches are usually replaced rather than repaired. Some technicians may suggest repairing or replacing the gearbox at the same time – this is uncommon, so always question the recommendation.

If the clutch has been slipping for a while, the flywheel may also need replacing or skimming. If in doubt, ask for a clear explanation.

The technician says: "Your sump is dripping"
What do they mean?
The sump (the oil pan at the bottom of the engine) is leaking. Often, the seal on the drain plug can fail.

What you need to know
Most oil leaks are minor issues and caused by a worn drain plug washer. Sometimes the sump gasket may have failed. Never ignore an oil leak – running low on oil can quickly damage your engine.

The technician says: "Your engine is misfiring"
What do they mean?
Your engine isn't running as it should be. It may jerk when accelerating and can often cut out when pulling away.

What you need to know
Engines can misfire for a number of reasons. It could be worn spark plugs, faulty sensors, or other issues. The technician will need to investigate to find the cause.

The technician says: "Your fan belt is screaming"
What do they mean?
The fan belt (or alternator belt) is slipping, causing friction and a high-pitched squeal – often when accelerating or in damp weather.

What you need to know
Most of the time, it's best to fit a new fan belt. However, sometimes they may just need adjusting, so it's worth asking as it could save you money.

The technician says: "Your head gasket's gone"
What do they mean?
The head gasket, the seal between the cylinder block and cylinder head, has cracked due to wear, causing internal leaks.

What you need to know
In modern cars, head-gasket failure is less common than it used to be. Ask your technician to confirm there isn’t another cause before agreeing to major repairs.

The technician says: "We need to do a pressure test"
What do they mean?
Pressurised liquid needs to be pumped through the cylinder head to check for cracks or leaks. This is because small cracks caused by overheating are not always easy to see.

What you need to know
This method is often used to identify any problems before refitting the cylinder head. It's a specialist job, often contracted to a specialist engineering organisation.

The technician says: "Your cylinder head needs skimming"
What do they mean?
The cylinder head has overheated and may be distorted. Skimming involves machining the surface so it seals properly again.

What you need to know
Skimming can be a cheaper alternative to replacing the cylinder head. It’s a specialist job usually done by an engineering workshop.

The technician says: "You have 'mayonnaise' (or 'sludge') under your oil filter cap"
What do they mean?
A thick, white substance under the oil filler cap may indicate a problem with the head gasket. The sludge is caused by water or condensation mixing with engine oil.

What you need to know
It's likely your head gasket will need replacing; ask your technician to confirm there isn’t another cause.

The technician says: "Your brake pads are worn"
What do they mean?
Brake pads are small metal-backed plates with friction material on the surface. They clamp onto the brake disc when you press the brake pedal to slow or stop the vehicle.

What you need to know
Worn brake pads will need to be replaced or the brakes won’t work effectively. Leaving them too long can also damage the brake discs. Their lifespan depends on driving style, braking habits, and weather conditions. Always replace the pads with those recommended by your manufacturer.

The technician says: "Your brake discs need replacing"
What do they mean?
The brake discs are the metal discs that the brake pads push against when you brake.

What you need to know
While braking systems are designed so that the pads wear first, the discs can also wear down over time. Discs can be damaged if pads are allowed to wear out completely, so replacing worn pads promptly is always the best approach.

The technician says: "Your ABS isn't working"
What do they mean?
There's an issue with your anti-lock braking system (ABS). This is the safety system that prevents the wheels from locking up when braking.

What you need to know
Modern ABS systems are far more reliable and less likely to need repairing. Problems are often caused by dirt or rust affecting the sensors, which triggers the ABS warning light and shuts down the system. This means that repairs can be simple if the garage investigates the problem correctly.

The technician says: "Your dampers are worn"
What do they mean?
One or more of the dampers - more commonly known as shock absorbers - need replacing.

What you need to know
Dampers experience heavy wear and may need replacing over time. Worn dampers can reduce tyre contact with the road, increase stopping distances and affect handling – making skidding more likely. Ignoring them can also damage suspension and steering components.

The technician says: "Your wheel cylinder is leaking"
What do they mean?
The wheel cylinder - a braking component that applies force on the brake drum to slow and stop the vehicle - is leaking hydraulic fluid.

What you need to know
Leaking cylinders will affect braking performance and should be investigated as soon as possible.

The technician says: "You have a hydraulic leak"
What do they mean?
Your vehicle is losing hydraulic fluid, normally from the power-steering system. If the system empties completely, steering becomes extremely stiff and unsafe.

What you need to know
Most car problems have visible symptoms. Ask the technician to show you the leak so you understand what work is required.

The technician says: "Your brakes are 'spongy'"
What do they mean?
Your brakes aren't operating properly. It doesn't feel like there is much resistance when you press the brake pedal - usually because of a loss of brake fluid.

What you need to know
The leak must be identified, fixed, and the faulty part replaced, and the brake fluid may also need changing. Many manufacturers recommend replacing the fluid every two years, so you should check your owner's manual for specific recommendations.

The technician says: "The bushes on the wishbone are going"
What do they mean?
The rubber parts on the wishbone, known as the bushes, which are part of the suspension system, have either worn out or are wearing out.

What you need to know
As they are rubber, bushes can crack and perish. Worn bushes can lead to noise from the suspension and steering and can affect how both systems perform. Replacing them prevents further wear and keeps the car handling safely.

The technician says: "Your wheels need balancing"
What do they mean?
The car's wheels are unbalanced. This can cause the steering wheel to vibrate when you are driving at higher speeds.

What you need to know
Most wheels and tyres have slight imperfections that create vibration at certain speeds. Technicians correct this by attaching small balancing weights to the wheel – a quick and simple job with the right equipment.

The technician says: "Your tracking is out"
What do they mean?
Tracking (known as wheel alignment) is not set correctly. This means the front wheels aren’t aligned according to the manufacturer's specifications.

What you need to know
Incorrect tracking can cause uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and reduced fuel efficiency. A technician can realign the wheels using specialist equipment to restore proper steering and tyre performance.

The technician says: "You need a tune-up"
What do they mean?
The engine is producing less power than it should and is not responding correctly when you accelerate.

What you need to know
Most of the tasks that we generally think of under the heading of 'tune-up' are now handled electronically using the engine management system - the computer that controls the engine. Ask the technician what specifically needs doing before agreeing to any work.

The technician says: "We need to run a diagnostics check"
What do they mean?
The garage needs to connect your car's engine management system to a computer which can read the information and identify the source of any problems.

What you need to know
Modern cars use complex electronics to manage performance and safety systems. Not all garages have the correct diagnostics equipment as it’s expensive to buy and maintain. Always check they have the right tools for your make and model.

The technician says: "We need to access the 'CAN-bus'"
What do they mean?
This is jargon for the electronic system that allows the vehicle's engine management computer to communicate with different parts of the car.

What you need to know
If a technician is using diagnostics software, they can access the CAN-bus to identify and fix specific problems. If a technician hasn't got the right equipment or is dishonest, they may replace parts at random instead of diagnosing the real problem, which can become expensive.

The technician says: "The EML is on"
What do they mean?
'EML' stands for engine management light. This is a warning light that appears on the dashboard to let you know about a major problem with the engine or related systems.

What you need to know
The engine management light can come on for a number of reasons. You’ll need a garage with proper diagnostics equipment to read the fault codes, identify the issue and reset the light.

The technician says: "Your alternator needs replacing"
What do they mean?
The alternator – the part that recharges the battery while you drive – is faulty, meaning the electrics on the car have stopped working, or will soon do so.

What you need to know
Alternators can be placed under stress by an old or partially charged battery, and failure is a common fault in cold weather. You should always ask the technician to check the battery’s condition first, as this could be the real cause of any problems.

The technician says: "Your service light is on"
What do they mean?
Many modern cars tell you when a service is due by lighting up a warning light on the dashboard.

What you need to know
Never ignore this light! Regular servicing improves efficiency, extends your car’s lifespan and is often required to maintain your warranty. Check your owner’s manual for your recommended service schedule.

The technician says: "The catalytic converter is clogged or worn out"
What do they mean?
The catalytic converter – the device that reduces harmful emissions in your exhaust system – isn’t working correctly.

What you need to know
Also known as the 'cat', the catalytic converter can become worn or blocked over time. A problem here can also indicate there is a fault elsewhere in the engine, so you should not ignore it. Catalytic converters may seem expensive, but they are essential for efficient running and reducing fuel consumption.

The technician says: "The exhaust is blowing"
What do they mean?
There is a hole or crack in your exhaust system, preventing it from working properly and causing it to produce louder noises than normal.

What you need to know
Over a period of time, the exhaust system will need to be replaced. However, sometimes it may just be a single part that needs replacing. Always ask to see the hole or crack and for an honest opinion on the best action to take.

The technician says: "Your car failed its emissions test"
What do they mean?
The emissions test is part of the MOT test. A failure means that your car is releasing too many pollutants.

What you need to know
The emissions test is a good indicator of other problems within the engine and exhaust system. Poor emissions usually mean that the engine is not running efficiently and is burning more fuel than necessary. Normally, a service will identify any underlying issues which may need attention.

The technician says: "The air-conditioning filter needs replacing"
What do they mean?
Your air-conditioning filter (also known as the cabin or pollen filter) is full of debris such as dust, leaves or general dirt, or it has become blocked.

What you need to know
A clogged filter prevents clean, cold air from reaching the inside of the car, and can actually stop the air-conditioning system from working altogether. If you suffer from hay fever or allergies, you should pay particular attention to keeping this filter clean, as it dramatically reduces the amount of pollen entering the cabin.

The technician says: "You need a re-gas"
What do they mean?
Air-conditioning systems contain a pressurised refrigerant gas that cools the air as it enters the cabin. The system naturally loses pressure over time, or can spring a leak.

What you need to know
Low pressure in the air-conditioning system means it won't cool efficiently. Re-gassing is a simple and low-cost procedure that should be carried out every year or two as part of an air-conditioning service. Ask the technician to also check that the seals are in good condition – they can use a UV dye to detect leaks.

The technician says: "Your air con needs cleaning"
What do they mean?
Bacteria can build up within an air-conditioning system, leading to an unpleasant smell when the system is switched on.

What you need to know
A proper air conditioning service includes removing excess moisture and treating the system to eliminate bacteria. This helps keep the air fresh and prevents odours from returning.

The technician says: "Your car passed its MOT, but here's the advisory sheet"
What do they mean?
If your car passes its MOT, the garage may issue you an advisory (sometimes called an ‘amber’ sheet). This will point out items that may be worn and will need attention soon to prevent bigger problems. These issues aren’t serious enough to fail the MOT, but they could develop into bigger problems or cause a future MOT failure.

What you need to know
You should keep an eye on any issues identified in an advisory or amber sheet and ask for them to be included in your next service schedule. If your car isn’t due for a service, ask the technician when these items should be checked again. Don’t wait until the next MOT.

The technician says: "You need a service"
What do they mean?
Your car is due, or overdue, a minor or major service. Cars need different types of services at different stages of their life, so check your owner’s manual for the correct schedule.

A minor service generally refers to an oil and filter change and a visual check of the key components. A full or a major service includes a more comprehensive check of the car. Parts which wear out with use are replaced during this service.

What you need to know
A regularly serviced car will be more efficient, less prone to breakdowns and will last longer. Servicing within certain mileages or years is also a typical condition of a warranty.