Car Terms: US vs. UK
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Table of Contents
If you’ve ever looked for automotive information online, you’ve probably been confused by some of the alien terms used to refer to different car parts. In this article, the 1st Call Windscreens team will be explaining some of the key ones, so you can navigate American motor journalism more confidently! Let’s dive in.
Bonnet vs. Hood
In the UK, the front covering of a car that lifts to provide engine access is known as the “bonnet”, whereas our American counterparts call it the “hood.”
Boot vs. Trunk
We also have different words to refer to the back of the vehicle, where the storage area is located. In the UK, this is commonly known as the “boot,” while in the US, they call it the “trunk.”
Petrol vs. Gasoline
When it comes to refuelling your car, the UK and the US have different names for the same fuel. Here in the UK, drivers fill up their tanks with “petrol,” whereas Americans prefer to use the “gasoline”, or simply “gas”. This is why you will also hear Americans use the term “gas pedal” instead of “accelerator”, like we would use in the UK. By this, they simply mean the pedal that activates their petrol tank.
Windscreen vs. Windshield
The glass panel at the front of the car designed to protect passengers from wind and debris while providing visibility is called the “windscreen” here in the UK, while the term “Windshield” is predominantly used in American English.
Lorry vs. Truck
For larger commercial vehicles used to transport goods, the term “lorry” is used in the UK, while in the US, they are typically known as “trucks.” However, it’s worth noting that a truck in America refers to a broader class of vehicle that includes pickups and larger 4x4s, while in the UK a lorry only refers to heavy goods vehicles.
Motorway vs. Highway
In the UK, we would call any long, multi-carriageway stretch of road that connects different parts of the country a “motorway”, but in America they’d call it a “highway” or a “freeway”. It’s worth keeping in mind though that the rules of these two types of roads aren’t exactly the same, so they aren’t completely interchangeable terms.
Estate Car vs. Station Wagon
In the UK, an “estate” is the equivalent of what Americans commonly refer to as a “station wagon.” These cars are designed with extra storage space at the back, making them ideal for families or those needing extra room for luggage during long journeys.
Tyre vs. Tire
Perhaps one of the most well-known differences in car terminology is the word used to describe the rubber covering on a car’s wheels. In the UK, it is “tyre,” while in the US, it is “tire.” Ensuring your tyres are in good condition is crucial for safety and optimal vehicle performance, regardless of the spelling!
1st Call Windscreens is one of the leading windscreen repair and replacement companies in Kent, so if you have a problem with your windscreen somewhere in the county, we can come to you and fix it right away. Just give us a call for more information!
1st Call Windscreens
Hello and welcome to 1st Call Windscreens. To put it simply, we offer the best windscreen repair and windscreen replacement services for customers in Sittingbourne, Maidstone and the rest of Kent.
- Reviews.io
I spoke to David today, he couldn’t be more helpful! He was VERY honest, HELPFUL & KNOWLEDGEABLE! What an amazing service, if anyone is looking to use 1st Call, I couldn’t recommend them more! ...
- 1 day ago
we are very happy with the repairs carried out and the speed of the response. Great job, would recommend !st Call Windscreens any time....
- 1 week ago
Excellent service. A niggling leak on the windscreen was fixed quickly and efficiently. The screen was removed without fuss or damage and resealed. It's a job that insurers won't touch,they only de...
- 3 weeks ago
Discovered my Volvo V50 was not sealing at the top. Autoglass wanted to replace it for £700, called 1st Call and they removed and resealed it for £100+vat and said that if it had broken it would only ...
- 1 month ago
Absolutely the best. From the first phone call to collecting my car with new side window that had been vandalised being replaced. next day service so my car was back on the road promptly. Extremely ...
- 1 month ago
Excellent Workmanship Good Value and Top Quality Customer Service: I recently had my Ford Fiesta ST heated windscreen replaced by 1st Call Windscreens, I couldn't be happier with the whole experienc...
- 2 months ago
Brilliant service. Would recommend 1st call windscreens to anyone looking for an efficient service. Friendly and helpful above and beyond ! 0...
- 2 months ago
Asked for a quote online which came through quickly. Just £48 inc vat for windscreen stone chip. Phoned to book a repair. I could either take the car to them or they would come out to me the next day....
- 3 months ago
Tom turned up on time, he was professional but friendly, he kept me informed on what he was doing and progress, and did a great job! Thanks Tom. Would highly recommend...
- 3 months ago
I needed my windscreen replaced due to a large crack; I was booked in straight away and I couldn’t be happier. They came to my house to fit the replacement, only took them about 20 minutes and they ev...
- 4 months ago
Couldn't be happier, had my Evoque windscreen re sealed as was leaking. Highly recommend 1st Call Windscreens. The guys were extremely helpful & friendly both on phone and doing the work. The work was...
- 4 months ago
Fantastic service, booked for a site visit to alleviate any disruption to the engineers day and it all went seamlessly. I would definitely recommend 1st Call Windscreens and will use them in the futu...
- 4 months ago
Customer service were great responded to my call out vey quickly and the guy that came out was very nice and helpful Thank you...
- 5 months ago
Had my chip fixed at my home this afternoon - cannot praise the service enough!!!! Lovely man who took 10-15 minutes - perfect job and no issues - very good price and highly recommend them Jo Seveno...
- 6 months ago
Very helpful and carried out a repair at very short notice on our way to catch a ferry. Very polite and stabilised the chip in our windscreen so that we could continue abroad for our holiday uninterru...
- 7 months ago
Made a call to 1st call windscreens as I was worried about a chip in my screen. The guys were very helpful, turned up on time and carried out a fantastic repair and was cheaperthan my insurance acce...
- 7 months ago
We had an emergency windscreen repair needed when travelling down from Oxfordshire to Kent. The Sittingbourne team went out of their way to help us at very short notice and allowing us to resume our j...
- 7 months ago
Jake was friendly, polite and helpful. He left no mess inside or outside the car and took away the boxes the seals came in even though they were supplied direct by the BMW dealer....
- 8 months ago
Arrived on time at my home address. Was very professional, polite and efficient. No hassle and no mess. Screen was replaced on my mini in no time at all and looks perfect. Thank you will highly recom...
- 8 months ago
So happy with Byron and Jake today very friendly and professional from 1st Call Windscreens Ltd. They come extremely well prepared with attention to detail. A great job was done on replacing my wind...
- 8 months ago
1st Call windscreens are absolutely 1st class. Spoke with David on the phone and he was so helpful and knowledgeable. Took our car up to them to advise on the correct windscreens which embarrassingl...
- 8 months ago
See Our experts in Action
Watch 1st Call Windscreens video, featuring our experts in windscreen repair & replacement in Sittingbourne, Maidstone & Gillingham in Kent.
You can come to us or we can come to you. We repair and replace windscreens from single vehicles to whole fleets.
Get a free quoteMAP LOADING...
© 1st Call Windscreens Ltd 2024 · All Rights Reserved · Registered Number: 3942185 · VAT Number: 683 356 803
