UK/US Glossary of terms

Info and utilities

Buying guide
by Roger T Whiteman
PDF version
1MB

Tyre size calc. spreadsheet
(Excel - supplied by SaabKen)

Unfortunately, the motor car (automobile) was invented after the UK and US versions of English began to diverge, and before the advent of global communication that is starting to bring the two versions of English back together. Consequently, a number of automotive terms are different on opposite sides of "the pond". This page lists some of the automotive terms I have come across in UK English along with their US equivalents. If you have any suggestions for additions to this page, or you have come across a term you don't understand on the site, please contact me.

UK term	US equivalent
Anti-roll bar	Sway bar
Bonnet	Hood
Boot	Trunk
Brake disc	Brake rotor
Bulkhead	Firewall
Dipped beam	Low beam
Earth (electrical)	Ground
Engine mounting	Motor mount
Estate	Station wagon
Gear lever	Shifter
Gear linkage coupler	Shifter coupler
Indicator	Turn signal
Main beam	High beam
Mineral oil	Fossil oil
Motorway	Freeway, turnpike etc.
Number plate	License plate
Petrol	Gasoline
Pinking	Pinging
Saloon	Sedan
Side light	Parking light
Silencer	Muffler
Spanner	Wrench
Sump	Oil pan
Tappet	Valve lifter
Tyre	Tire
Wheel bolts/nuts	Lug bolts/nuts
Windscreen	Windshield
Wing/mudguard	Fender

saab9000.com is an enthusiast's web site and is not in any way affiliated with Saab Automobile. A big "thank you" to Saab for producing the 9000.
All information is presented in good faith. However, I am not a trained mechanic, just an enthusiast.Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are competent to carry out any procedures presented here and that they are correct. No responsibility can be accepted for any inaccuracies or consequential loss, injury or damage.