car abbreviations

Car lingo often reads like alphabet soup, but it’s not witchcraft—just engineers showing off.

Quick hits: ABS = anti-lock braking system; ESC/ESP = electronic stability control; TCS = traction control; AWD/FWD/RWD = all-, front- or rear-wheel drive; kW and Nm = engine power and torque; RPM = revs per minute.

More handy ones: ADR = Australian Design Rules (our compliance standards); VIN = Vehicle Identification Number; OEM = original equipment manufacturer; DPF = diesel particulate filter; GVM/GVW = gross vehicle mass/weight.

Spot TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) or CVT (continuously variable transmission)? Totally normal, not a cryptic crossword.

Now you can nod through the brochure and ask about the bits that actually matter—warranty, service costs, and whether the cupholders fit a tradie-sized coffee.