Assam ASSEB HSLC NSQF Automotive key terms
Assam ASSEB HSLC NSQF Automotive · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Related: Workshop Hazard, Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Clothing and gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe boots worn to protect the body from workplace hazards. In automotive workshops, PPE also includes ear protection and respirators when needed.
- Workshop Hazard
- Related: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Any condition or action in a workshop that can cause injury or damage, such as slippery floors, unguarded machinery, or improper lifting. Identifying hazards is the first step in preventing accidents.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
- Related: Workshop Hazard, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
A safety procedure that isolates energy sources (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic) before maintenance. Locks and tags prevent accidental startup, protecting workers from serious injury.
- Torque Wrench
- Related: Fastener, Torque Specification
A wrench designed to apply a specific torque to a fastener. It clicks or signals when the set torque is reached, ensuring bolts are tightened correctly without damage.
- Feeler Gauge
- Related: Vernier Caliper, Valve Clearance
A set of thin metal blades of precise thickness used to measure small gaps, such as valve clearances or spark plug gaps. The blade that fits snugly indicates the gap size.
- Vernier Caliper
- Related: Feeler Gauge, Micrometer
A measuring tool with a main scale and a sliding vernier scale used to measure internal, external, and depth dimensions to a precision of 0.02 mm or 0.001 inch.
- Micrometer
- Related: Vernier Caliper, Cylinder Bore
A precision measuring instrument with a calibrated screw used to measure thickness or diameter to 0.01 mm. It is commonly used to check wear on engine components like cylinder bores and brake discs.
- Four-Stroke Cycle
- Related: Piston, Crankshaft
The operating cycle of most automotive engines, consisting of intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes. Each stroke corresponds to one full movement of the piston.
- Piston
- Related: Crankshaft, Cylinder Bore
A cylindrical component that moves up and down inside the cylinder bore, transmitting force from combustion to the connecting rod and crankshaft. It is fitted with rings to seal the combustion chamber.
- Crankshaft
- Related: Piston, Flywheel
A rotating shaft that converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational force. It drives the flywheel, transmission, and auxiliary components via belts or gears.
- Valve Clearance
- Related: Feeler Gauge, Four-Stroke Cycle
The small gap between the valve stem tip and the rocker arm or cam follower. Correct clearance is essential for proper valve operation and is measured with a feeler gauge.
- Clutch
- Related: Flywheel, Gearbox
A mechanism that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing smooth starts and gear changes. It transmits torque through friction between the flywheel and clutch disc.
- Gearbox
- Related: Clutch, Differential
A transmission component containing gears that provide different speed and torque ratios between the engine and the wheels. It allows the vehicle to operate efficiently at various speeds.
- Differential
- Related: Gearbox, Driveshaft
A gear assembly that allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds while delivering power, essential for smooth cornering. It is part of the driveline in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles.
- Driveshaft
- Related: Differential, Gearbox
A rotating shaft that transmits torque from the transmission or transfer case to the differential. It often includes universal joints to accommodate suspension movement.
- Hydraulic Brake System
- Related: Brake Fluid, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
A braking system that uses brake fluid under pressure to force brake pads or shoes against a rotating surface. It multiplies pedal force and provides reliable stopping power.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- Related: Hydraulic Brake System, Wheel Speed Sensor
An electronic system that prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking by rapidly modulating brake pressure. This helps the driver maintain steering control and reduces stopping distance on slippery surfaces.
- Wheel Alignment
- Related: Suspension System, Tire Tread Depth
Adjustment of the angles of the wheels (camber, caster, toe) to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Proper alignment ensures even tire wear and stable steering.
- Suspension System
- Related: Wheel Alignment, Shock Absorber
The assembly of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects the vehicle body to the wheels. It absorbs road shocks, maintains tire contact, and contributes to ride comfort and handling.
- Shock Absorber
- Related: Suspension System, Wheel Alignment
A hydraulic device that damps spring oscillation in the suspension system, preventing excessive bouncing and improving road holding. It converts kinetic energy into heat.
- Battery
- Related: Alternator, Starter Motor
A device that stores electrical energy chemically and supplies it to the vehicle's electrical system. It provides power for starting, lighting, and ignition, and is recharged by the alternator.
- Alternator
- Related: Battery, Starter Motor
A belt-driven generator that converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy to charge the battery and power the vehicle's electrical systems while the engine runs.
- Starter Motor
- Related: Battery, Alternator
An electric motor that cranks the engine by turning the flywheel until the engine starts and runs on its own. It draws high current from the battery.
- Fuel Injection
- Related: Fuel Pump, Engine Lubrication
A system that delivers fuel into the engine's intake or combustion chamber in a precisely metered spray. It improves efficiency and emissions compared to carburetion.
- Engine Lubrication
- Related: Oil Filter, Cooling System
The circulation of oil through the engine to reduce friction, cool components, and clean internal parts. It prevents metal-to-metal contact and extends engine life.
- Cooling System
- Related: Engine Lubrication, Radiator
A system that removes excess heat from the engine to maintain optimal operating temperature. It typically uses a liquid coolant, radiator, water pump, and thermostat.
- Radiator
- Related: Cooling System, Thermostat
A heat exchanger that dissipates heat from the engine coolant to the atmosphere. It consists of tubes and fins that maximize surface area for cooling.
- Chassis
- Related: Frame, Vehicle Body
The framework of a vehicle that supports the body, engine, and suspension. It provides structural integrity and serves as a mounting point for major components.
- Frame
- Related: Chassis, Vehicle Body
The main structural skeleton of a vehicle, often made of steel or aluminum. It supports the chassis components and absorbs road loads and impacts.
- Fastener
- Related: Torque Wrench, Torque Specification
A hardware device that joins or secures two or more parts, such as bolts, nuts, screws, and rivets. Proper selection and torque are critical for safety and reliability.
- Torque Specification
- Related: Torque Wrench, Fastener
The manufacturer-recommended tightening force for a fastener, usually given in newton-meters (Nm) or pound-feet (lb-ft). Following it prevents loosening or damage.
- Preventive Maintenance
- Related: Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), Service Manual
Scheduled servicing such as oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections performed to prevent breakdowns and extend vehicle life. It reduces long-term repair costs.
- Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
- Related: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD), Preventive Maintenance
An alphanumeric code stored by the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system when a fault is detected. Technicians use a scan tool to read DTCs and guide repairs.
- On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
- Related: Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), Scan Tool
A computer-based system in modern vehicles that monitors emissions and engine performance. It illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when a fault is detected.
- Workplace Communication
- Related: Service Manual, Job Card
The exchange of information among team members, supervisors, and customers through verbal, written, and digital channels. Clear communication prevents errors and improves safety.
- Job Card
- Related: Workplace Communication, Service Manual
A document that records details of a repair or service job, including customer information, vehicle details, work requested, and parts used. It helps track progress and ensure accountability.
- Entrepreneurship
- Related: Workplace Communication, Customer Service
The process of starting and running a business, taking financial risks in hope of profit. In automotive trades, it may involve opening a repair shop or parts dealership.
- Customer Service
- Related: Entrepreneurship, Workplace Communication
The assistance and support provided to customers before, during, and after a service. Good customer service builds trust, loyalty, and a positive business reputation.
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Related: Hazardous Waste, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
A document that provides information about the hazards, handling, storage, and emergency procedures for a chemical product. It is essential for safe use of workshop chemicals.
- Hazardous Waste
- Related: Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Waste Segregation
Waste that poses a risk to human health or the environment, such as used oil, solvents, and batteries. It must be stored, labeled, and disposed of according to regulations.
- Waste Segregation
- Related: Hazardous Waste, Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The practice of separating waste into categories (e.g., recyclable, hazardous, general) at the point of generation. It facilitates proper disposal and recycling and reduces environmental harm.