Automotive Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on car and vehicle terms: engine, brakes, clutch, transmission and exhaust. B1–B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Automotive is actually used in context at B1–B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as engine, brakes, clutch, transmission and exhaust, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Keep building your automotive vocabulary.
Automotive Vocabulary — FAQ
What does the engine do in a car?
The engine is the power source of a vehicle. In most petrol and diesel cars it burns fuel inside cylinders to create controlled explosions that move pistons, which in turn drive the wheels through the transmission. The engine converts fuel energy into motion.
What is the clutch and what does it do?
The clutch is a component, operated by a pedal in a manual car, that temporarily disconnects the engine from the transmission. Pressing the clutch lets the driver change gear smoothly without the engine and wheels being directly connected.
What is the transmission?
The transmission, or gearbox, is the system of gears that transfers power from the engine to the wheels and lets the driver control speed and torque. It can be manual, where the driver changes gears, or automatic, where gear changes happen by themselves.
What do the brakes do?
The brakes are the system used to slow down or stop a vehicle. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the system applies friction to the wheels, usually through brake pads pressing on discs, converting the car's motion into heat and bringing it to a halt.
What is the exhaust system?
The exhaust system carries the waste gases produced by the engine away from the vehicle and out through the tailpipe. It also reduces noise through the muffler (silencer) and lowers harmful emissions through the catalytic converter.
What does the suspension do?
The suspension is the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It absorbs bumps in the road, keeps the tyres in contact with the surface and gives passengers a smoother, more comfortable and safer ride.
What is the difference between the accelerator and the brake?
The accelerator, sometimes called the gas pedal, is pressed to increase the engine's power and make the car go faster. The brake pedal is pressed to slow down or stop the car. They have opposite effects and are operated with the right foot in most cars.
What does the cooling system do?
The cooling system stops the engine from overheating. It circulates coolant through the engine and a radiator, where the heat is released into the air. Without it, the engine would quickly get too hot and could be seriously damaged.
What is the difference between 'boot' and 'bonnet' in British English?
In British English, the 'boot' is the storage space at the rear of a car (called the 'trunk' in American English), and the 'bonnet' is the hinged cover over the engine at the front (called the 'hood' in American English).
What does the battery do in a car?
The car battery stores electrical energy and supplies the power needed to start the engine and run electrical systems such as lights and the radio. While the engine runs, the alternator recharges the battery to keep it ready for the next start.