In addition to feeling left out of the conversation, you might accidentally agree to an unnecessary service. That’s why the caring professionals at Christian Brothers Automotive Olathe came up with this cheat sheet.

These 5 car terms will help you out the next time you find yourself at any Olathe auto repair shop, face-to-face with an intimidating auto mechanic.

1. Dipstick

A dipstick is a measurement tool that mechanics use to check how much oil you have and what kind of condition it’s in. After a quick look at the metal rod, the mechanic can tell if you need an oil change or not.

2. Spark Plug

This little piece of equipment is what starts your car. It sends a small electrical current to the combustion chamber to ignite the engine.

3. [Battery] Corrosion

A corroding battery means acid is leaking from the inside. After so long, rust and grime will build up and block the electrical current from flowing through the battery. Eventually, the battery will go dead and you won’t be able to start your car.

4. Brake Pad

The brake pad is used to stop your car. As you can imagine, these things wear down fairly quickly through daily use of your brakes. During a brake inspection with our ASE-certified technicians, we make sure your brakes are still in good condition and will easily stop your car on a dime.

5. Timing Belt

The timing belt makes sure everything is working in sync, from the camshaft to the crankshaft. If the timing belt slips or breaks while the engine is running, then the pistons will slam into the engine valves and could cause severe engine damage.