Pièces d'Autos St-Martin
Auto parts glossary
A bilingual dictionary of the terms we use at the counter. If you're not sure what a tie rod end, ball joint, or CV joint is, this glossary is for you. Over 30 terms, grouped by system.
Sections
No terms match
Braking system
Brake pad
Plaquette de frein- Friction component of the brake system that presses against the rotor to slow the vehicle. Made of ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic material. Typically replaced between 40 000 and 80 000 km.
Brake rotor (disc)
Disque de frein (rotor)- Metal disc attached to the wheel that brake pads press against. Typically lasts 2-3 sets of pads before needing replacement.
Brake caliper
Étrier (caliper)- Hydraulic component that squeezes the brake pad against the rotor. Can seize over time, especially in Quebec due to road salt.
Brake fluid
Liquide de frein- Hydraulic fluid that transmits pedal pressure to the calipers. Graded as DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1. Absorbs moisture over time — should be flushed every 2 years.
ABS (anti-lock brakes)
ABS (antiblocage)- System that prevents wheels from locking during emergency braking by rapidly modulating pressure. Mandatory on all modern vehicles.
Master cylinder
Maître-cylindre- Hydraulic pump under the brake pedal that sends fluid to the calipers. A pedal that slowly sinks is often a sign of a failing master cylinder.
Engine and transmission
Spark plug
Bougie d'allumage- Component that creates the spark igniting the air-fuel mixture in each cylinder. Copper, platinum, or iridium. Lifespan from 30 000 to 200 000 km depending on type.
Serpentine belt
Courroie serpentine- Single belt that drives multiple engine accessories: alternator, power steering, water pump, A/C compressor. If it snaps, several systems fail at once.
Timing belt
Courroie de distribution- Belt that synchronizes the crankshaft with the camshafts. On many engines, if it breaks, pistons hit valves and the engine is destroyed. Preventive replacement typically at 100 000 km.
Oil filter
Filtre à huile- Filter that removes metal particles and other contaminants from engine oil. Replaced at every oil change.
Engine air filter
Filtre à air moteur- Filter that stops dust and debris from entering the engine with intake air. Replace every 24 000-48 000 km.
Cabin air filter
Filtre d'habitacle- Filter that cleans air entering the cabin through the HVAC. Blocks pollen, dust, and odors. Replace every 20 000-30 000 km.
Fuel injector
Injecteur- Electronic valve that sprays fuel into the cylinder (indirect injection) or directly into the combustion chamber (direct injection). Costs $100-300 each.
Head gasket
Joint de culasse- Metal-composite gasket that seals the cylinder head to the engine block. A leak can contaminate oil, mix coolant and fuel, or cause overheating. Expensive to repair.
Electrical system
Car battery
Batterie d'auto- Electrical power source that starts the engine and powers accessories when the engine is off. In Quebec, typical lifespan is 3-5 years.
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)- Measure of the current a battery can deliver at -18°C for 30 seconds while keeping usable voltage. In Quebec, aim for 600+ CCA for a compact, 750+ CCA for an SUV.
Alternator
Alternateur- Generator that recharges the battery and powers accessories while the engine runs. Typically outputs 13.8 to 14.7 volts.
Starter motor
Démarreur- Small electric motor that spins the main engine during starting until ignition takes over.
Fuse
Fusible- Protective device that cuts the electrical circuit on overload. A blown fuse means there’s a problem elsewhere — find the cause before replacing it.
Relay
Relais- Electromagnetic switch that lets a low current control a high-current circuit. Used for headlights, cooling fan, starter, and more.
Lighting
Headlight
Phare avant- Front lighting unit that lets you see the road at night. Can be halogen, HID (xenon), or LED. A non-working headlight is a traffic violation in Quebec.
Halogen bulb
Ampoule halogène- Classic filament bulb filled with halogen gas (H7, H11, 9005, 9006 are most common). Lifespan 500-1000 hours.
HID (xenon) headlight
Phare HID (xénon)- Gas-discharge lighting technology. Brighter and whiter than halogen, more expensive. Common on higher-end cars.
LED headlight
Phare LED- Diode-based lighting. Very durable, energy-efficient, cool white. Standard on most recent vehicles.
Taillight
Feu arrière- Rear lighting unit that includes position light, brake light, and often turn signal. The brake light is mandatory and must work on both sides.
Suspension and steering
Shock absorber
Amortisseur- Hydraulic device that dampens suspension oscillations. Worn shocks = bouncing, degraded handling, longer braking.
Ball joint
Rotule de suspension- Joint linking the control arm to the steering knuckle. Wear causes steering play and clunking noises.
Tie rod end
Biellette de direction- Component linking the steering rack to the wheel. Wear causes steering play and uneven tire wear.
CV axle / CV joint
Cardan (joint CV)- Shaft that transmits power from the differential to the wheel. On FWD cars, a worn CV joint clicks when turning at low speed.
Wheel bearing
Roulement de roue- Bearing that lets the wheel rotate freely on the knuckle. A worn bearing produces a constant growl that increases with speed.
Body
Bumper
Pare-chocs- Structure at the front and rear of the vehicle that absorbs minor impacts. Available as OEM or aftermarket parts.
Fender
Aile (fender)- Body panel covering the wheel. Often damaged in minor collisions — often replaceable without painting if OEM part.
Side mirror
Miroir latéral- Outside rear-view mirror. Can be manual, electric, heated, or integrate a turn signal. Often broken by a passerby or tight parking.
General terms
OEM
OEM- Original Equipment Manufacturer — part identical to what the automaker installed at the factory. Usually more expensive but guarantees fit.
Aftermarket
Aftermarket- Part made by a third party, compatible with the vehicle but not necessarily identical to OEM. Quality and price vary widely.
VIN
NIV / VIN- Vehicle Identification Number. 17 unique characters identifying your vehicle. Useful for ordering a specific part — visible on the driver-side windshield and door jamb.
Core charge
Dépôt consigné (core charge)- Deposit added to the price of a rebuildable part (battery, alternator, starter, etc.) that’s refunded when you return the old part.
DOT (brake fluid grade)
DOT (brake fluid)- Brake fluid classification by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1). Always use the grade specified by the manufacturer.
“Check Engine” light
Voyant « Check Engine »- Dashboard light that comes on when the engine computer detects a problem. Can be minor or serious — an OBD2 scanner reads the code to identify the cause.
OBD2
OBD2- On-Board Diagnostics version 2 — diagnostic standard mandatory on all vehicles sold since 1996. A $25 OBD2 scanner can read and clear fault codes.
For deeper reading, also check our practical guides and the main auto parts in Laval page.
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