Automotive Terms

Since to quote Shaw, "England and America are two countries separated by a common language", here's some Australian terms.
Here we use a mix of British & American terms, ie we use 'shocks' & 'muffler' rather than the 'dampers' & 'silencer'

When posting questions on American car forums I find myself 'translating' from Australian English to American Engish.
Otherwise you'll get more questions than answers.
I got into the habit after I tied a Colorado auto store clerk into knots when I asked for 'number plate frames'



Boot = Trunk.
Shifting spanner (shifter) = Cresent Wrench.
Spanner = Wrench.
Bonnet = Hood, although both are used.
Extractors = Headers.
Number Plate = Licence Plate.
Mudguard = Fender.

Other terms is the same- 'A' pillar, beer, etc is the same. And we won't go into the usage of "thongs"

Feel free to add your own.

First printed (e-mail) use ever of the foto term "selfie" was from an Aussie more than a decade ago. Being far from "Western culture" matters little these days. Long ago I puzzled over the word "hood" for convertible top when, in the '20s cars at LeMans had to begin the race with their "hoods up." That really had me confused until I learned the term. Thanx, and keep the wings ding-free.

Thanks for the dictionary.

I used to work for Western Star Trucks in Portland, OR, as an engineer. Our biggest "customer " was Western Star Australia, located in Brisbane. We had many US visits from their people, plus their customers. So I have heard these terms many times, and was very used to them. Yes, beer is still a common word, and many of these were consumed between us!!!

estate = wagon
saloon = sedan
hatchback = liftback

sills = rockers
gear lever = stick shift
tyre = tire  

Disc = Disk (or rotor, these days)

Wheel nuts = Lug nuts.

And asking for a "beaver panel" in the USA will get some strange looks.

In Aus its the panel below the back bumper.

LOL. I hadn't heard the 'beaver panel' term before.
Interesting thread.
Aussie internet friend long ago nicknamed my wife, Sharron, " Shazza. We later heard that the term is sometimes used for a loose woman'.

Today at my weekly coffee group (retired Freightliner Engineers), I asked about Aussie/Brit auto terms. One good one that was mentioned is:

When we say we got into an accident, the others say one was pranged

I hope this is correct, and I am sure I will be corrected if not so!!

"Prang" is still out there, but on the decline, I think. My Dad uses it sometimes.

What's wrong with 'prang' or am I showing my age? LOL.

Extractors = Headers. Mostly just exhaust manifold over here.

dampers = shock absorbers
gudgeon pin = wrist pin ; connects the piston to the connecting rod

 Don't know if they use this anymore  

earth = ground ( posative earth )

"Parcel Tray" = "Package Tray" in the US.