7 important automotive terms you should know

When buying a car, it is important to stay informed, especially as car technology is changing rapidly.

For the average car buyer, the suspension setup and horsepower rating of the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aren't important. But there are some commonly used acronyms that every car buyer or car enthusiast should know.

These acronyms can help you understand what a dashboard warning light means. They can also make it easier to read the options list at the dealership. Knowing the language of cars can help you stay up to date on upcoming car legislation (like new EV tax credits) or understand what's in the car news.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC)

If you have ever applied the emergency brake, you have probably noticed the brakes squealing as your car comes to a stop. This does not mean that there is anything wrong with your braking system, but rather that it is working correctly to keep you safe.

By applying the brakes suddenly and firmly, sensors in the car's braking system measure the speed of the wheels and prevent the brakes from locking up completely, hence the name anti-lock braking system (ABS). It's a simple and often underrated system that has become standard on many cars in recent years and has been legally required on all new cars in the US since 2012.

On cars manufactured within the last few decades, ABS works in conjunction with another important safety system - ESC (Electronic Stability Control) or Electronic Stability Control (according to Kelley Blue Book).

ESC uses sensors that monitor your steering and speed to prevent the driver from losing control of the vehicle in extreme situations like icy roads or when the driver has to make a sharp turn. It's another modern safety feature that most people don't even notice.

Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission (via HowStuffWorks). Unlike a traditional manual or automatic transmission, a CVT doesn't have "gears" in the traditional sense.

It is designed to allow for smooth and efficient transmission from the engine to the wheels. It is often maligned by car enthusiasts for a number of reasons, most of which are speed-related; CVTs sacrifice quick acceleration for efficiency.

That's not a drawback if you're not a speed freak, but it does help with fuel economy. The CVT is best suited for highway driving and is perfectly adequate for most drivers.

Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and single overhead camshafts (SOHC)

According to CarParts.com, to ensure the proper air mixture in the engine, valves are used at the top of each cylinder. Controlling those valves is the camshaft. The camshaft rotates when the engine is running to control the valves that allow air into the engine to aid in combustion and subsequent exhaust emissions.

With a few exceptions, new engines generally come in two flavors: Single-Sided Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) and Double-Sided Overhead Camshaft (DOHC). SOHC engines are generally simpler in layout and can run more efficiently than some DOHC engines. Honda still uses SOHC engines in much of their lineup. But SOHC engines are often not the best choice for high-powered vehicles because they can only have two or three valves per cylinder.

On the other hand, DOHC engines typically produce more horsepower from smaller displacement engines than SOHC engines. DOHC engines allow for up to four valves per cylinder. Unfortunately, that extra power comes at the cost of complexity, and even more parts that can fail. However, most manufacturers now use the DOHC setup for the majority of their engines.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engines (ICEs)

Whether the world is ready or not, electric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay, and sooner or later, they will likely become the norm. When it comes to electric vehicles, Tesla is a name that cannot be ignored. Despite some quality control issues, Tesla has become almost iconic when it comes to EVs.

Much larger manufacturers like Ford with its F-150 Lightning EV truck and Chevy with the upcoming Bolt EV and Equinox EV hope to usurp Tesla with their more practical and affordable electric offerings.

Most vehicles on the road today use an ICE (internal combustion engine). That’s just a regular gasoline engine. Countries like Norway are considering banning the sale of gas-powered cars by 2025. Meanwhile, California looks set to ban all combustion-powered lawn care equipment.

Electronic control unit (ECU)

Inside every modern car there are a number of “brains” or electronic components that control all of the car’s vital functions, from the aforementioned ABS and ESC systems to the air conditioning and headlights (according to YourMechanic). Such a device is called an ECU (electronic control unit).

ECUs have evolved from bundles of wires and relays under the dashboard of older cars to the highly complex computer systems found in modern cars. Without an ECU, your car wouldn’t function properly.

Some tuners have even gone so far as to modify the ECUs on their cars to achieve maximum engine performance. These modifications often come at the cost of reduced fuel economy and can void any manufacturer engine warranty. But sometimes the gamble is worth it.

Armed with knowledge of these important automotive acronyms, you can stay up to date with automotive news, be more aware of important vehicle functions, and have maximum information during your next car purchase./.