Car Parts Vocabulary: Essential Pronunciation Guide for Drivers

Whether you're at a mechanic, renting a car, or just talking about vehicles, knowing how to pronounce car parts correctly is essential. Many car-related words have tricky pronunciations that can confuse Spanish speakers. This guide covers the most important automotive vocabulary with clear IPA transcriptions.

Exterior Parts

Let's start with the parts you can see from outside the car.

Front of the Car

Note: "Hood" is American English. In British English, it's called the "bonnet" /ˈbɒnɪt/.

Sides and Body

British vs American:

• Windshield (US) = Windscreen (UK) /ˈwɪndskriːn/
• Fender (US) = Wing (UK) /wɪŋ/

Back of the Car

Note: "Trunk" is American English. In British English, it's called the "boot" /buːt/.

Wheels and Tires

Spelling note: "Tire" (US) = "Tyre" (UK). Same pronunciation: /ˈtaɪər/

Under the Hood

These are the parts inside the engine compartment.

Interior Parts

Now let's look at parts inside the car.

Dashboard Area

Pedals and Controls

Fluids and Maintenance

Note: Americans often say "gas" /ɡæs/ instead of "gasoline." British English uses "petrol" /ˈpetrəl/.

Useful Phrases at the Mechanic

Here are common phrases you might need:

• "My car won't start." /maɪ kɑːr woʊnt stɑːrt/
• "The engine is making a strange noise." /ðə ˈendʒɪn ɪz ˈmeɪkɪŋ ə streɪndʒ nɔɪz/
• "How much will the repair cost?" /haʊ mʌtʃ wɪl ðə rɪˈper kɔːst/
• "When will it be ready?" /wen wɪl ɪt biː ˈredi/
• "I need an oil change." /aɪ niːd ən ɔɪl tʃeɪndʒ/

Quick Reference Table

Practice Tips

• Use visuals: Look at your own car or pictures while practicing
• Context matters: Practice in sentences, not just single words
• Watch videos: Car review videos are great for hearing natural pronunciation
• Role-play: Practice conversations with a mechanic scenario

Knowing car vocabulary is practical and useful. Whether you're describing a problem to a mechanic or renting a car abroad, these words will help you communicate clearly and confidently!