British Car Parts Terms – Your Handy Glossary

If you’ve ever swapped a tyre or ordered a new clutch in the UK, you’ve probably heard words like ‘wing’ or ‘boot’ that sound a bit odd if you’re used to American terminology. Knowing the local lingo saves time, avoids costly mix‑ups, and makes it easier to talk to your mechanic. Below is a quick cheat‑sheet of the most common British car parts terms, followed by links to our newest articles that dive deeper into each topic.

Common UK Car Part Names

Boot – What Americans call the trunk. It’s the storage space at the rear of the car.

Bonnet – The hood that covers the engine.

Wing – The fender that sits over the wheel. If you’re replacing a damaged wing, you’re actually swapping a fender.

Number plate – The licence plate. It’s the metal sheet with the registration number on the front and rear.

Headlamp – A headlight. In the UK we also say ‘lamp’ for many other lights, like ‘rear‑lamp’ for a tail light.

Gearbox – The transmission. Whether you have a manual or automatic, the gearbox does the shifting.

Tyre – The same as a tire, but spelled without the ‘e’ at the end.

Spare tyre – The extra tyre you keep in the boot for emergencies.

Windscreen – The windshield. If you need a new piece of glass, ask for a windscreen replacement.

Wiper – The windscreen wiper. Some cars have a rear wiper too – it’s called a ‘rear windscreen wiper’ in official docs.

Jack – The tool you use to lift the car. We call it a ‘car jack’ or simply a ‘jack’.

Radiator – The part that cools the engine. When it gets clogged, the engine can overheat fast.

Read Our Latest Guides

Now that you have the basics, check out the articles that go deeper into each area:

Are Expensive Air Filters Worth It? Comparing Air Filter Effectiveness – Find out if premium filters really boost performance or just cost extra.

Is It Safe to Change Only Rear Brake Pads? Expert Tips for Car Owners – Learn why swapping just the rear pads might not be the best idea.

Clutch vs Transmission Problems: How to Tell the Difference in Your Car – Spot the signs that point to a failing clutch or a transmission issue.

Do Alloy Rims Rust? The Truth About Alloy Wheel Corrosion and Maintenance – Get the facts on how to keep your wheels looking sharp.

Can You Drive With a Bent Suspension? Dangers, Signs, and Real Fixes – Discover the risks of a bent suspension and what to do next.

Is It Legal to Remove Your Rear Windscreen Wiper in the UK? – Find out the MOT rules and safety considerations.

Can a Car Run Without Spark Plugs? Essential Facts for Car Owners – Understand the role of spark plugs and what happens when they fail.

How to Test a Fuel Pump: Step‑by‑Step Guide for Accurate Diagnosis – Learn a quick DIY test to see if your fuel pump is still good.

Each article is written to give you practical tips you can use right away, whether you’re at home, in the garage, or chatting with a mechanic. Knowing the right British terms will help you ask the right questions and get the right parts faster.

Got a term you’re still unsure about? Drop a comment or visit our service desk in Northwich – we love helping drivers speak the language of their car.