ROC Mechanic · Glossary
auto repair glossary
Plain-English definitions for the technical terms you'll see in quotes, proposals, and inspection reports. Bookmark this when you're comparing bids.
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
- Federal law (1975) preventing manufacturers from voiding warranty just because routine service was done at an independent shop. Your right to use any shop is protected.
- ASE certification
- Automotive Service Excellence — industry-standard technician certification. Requires both written exam + hands-on experience.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
- Parts made by or for the vehicle manufacturer. Identical to factory parts. Higher cost than aftermarket.
- OE-equivalent
- Aftermarket parts that meet OEM specifications. Often the same factory that makes OEM parts, sold without the carmaker label.
- NYS inspection
- Annual state safety + emissions inspection. Costs $21 state fee. Pass/fail items are standardized; shops can't add cosmetic fails.
- OBD-II scan
- Reading the on-board diagnostic computer. Tells you what fault codes are stored. Most chain shops do this free.
- Multi-point inspection (MPI)
- Visual + measurement check of ~25 wear items (tires, brakes, fluids, belts). Should be documented in writing.
- Brake pad life
- Measured in mm of pad material remaining. New pads = 12 mm. Replace at 3 mm. Inspection failure at 1.5 mm.
- Tire tread depth
- Measured in 32nds of an inch. New = 10/32". Replace at 4/32" (in snow regions like Rochester). Inspection failure at 2/32".
- Coolant flush vs drain-and-fill
- Flush = pressurized chemistry exchange that removes deposits. Drain-and-fill = simple swap of coolant. Flush is more thorough but more invasive.