Automotive Maintenance Vocabulary

noun a physical condition in which something is in good condition or health

• Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help you maintain a good shape.
• If you want to stay in good shape, you should try going for a run a few times a week.
• I've been hitting the gym hard lately to get into good shape for summer.
• Her business is in good shape after implementing the new marketing strategy.

noun a quality or state of being greasy; the characteristic of being oily or slippery

• The greasiness of the food was off-putting to many diners.
• I can't stand the greasiness of that pizza, it's too much for me.
• That burger joint is known for their greasiness, but it's so good!
• The greasiness of the situation made it difficult to navigate.

noun a person or thing that is inoperable

adjective describing something that is not able to be operated or used

• The doctor informed us that the tumor was inoperable due to its size and location.
• I heard that Bob's car is inoperable after the accident.
• My phone is completely inoperable after I dropped it in the pool.
• The team realized that their original plan was inoperable and had to come up with a new strategy.

adjective not functioning or not currently in use

• The machine was deemed inoperative after several failed attempts to fix it.
• My phone is inoperative, so I can't make any calls right now.
• The car's engine is totally inoperative; it won't start at all.
• His emotions seemed inoperative, as if he had shut down completely.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun, in this case, 'overheated' describes something that is excessively hot or heated

• The engine overheated due to a malfunction in the cooling system.
• I think my phone is overheated from being in the sun too long.
• I had to pull over because my car was overheated and smoking.
• The debate became overheated as emotions ran high and tempers flared.

noun a supply that is used to fill something again

verb to fill something again

• Please remember to refill the printer paper before it runs out.
• Hey, don't forget to refill the coffee pot when it's empty.
• I need to refill my water bottle before heading out.
• Her kindness seemed to refill my heart with joy.

noun a reddish-brown color resembling that of iron oxide

adjective having a reddish-brown color resembling that of iron oxide; affected by rust

• The old pipes were covered in a layer of rusty corrosion.
• I found a rusty old bike in the garage that I want to fix up.
• His jump shot is so rusty, he needs to practice more.
• After years of neglect, her skills had become rusty and needed to be sharpened.

noun an extra item or amount that is available in case it is needed

verb to refrain from harming or destroying; to give up or part with something; to use or give out only in limited amounts

• I always keep a spare set of keys in case I lose the original.
• Do you have a spare pen I could borrow for a minute?
• I can't believe he didn't spare any change for the homeless man.
• She had no spare time in her busy schedule for any additional tasks.

verb past tense and past participle of stick, to be fixed in place

adjective unable to move or be freed

• The door was stuck and wouldn't budge no matter how hard I pushed.
• I got stuck in traffic on my way to work this morning.
• I'm so stuck on this new TV show, I can't stop watching it.
• She felt stuck in a dead-end job with no room for growth.

noun a high point or level

verb to complete or finish something by adding a final touch or element

• Before serving the guests, make sure to top off their glasses with fresh water.
• Hey, can you top off my coffee before you sit down?
• I'm going to top off my outfit with a cool hat.
• She wanted to top off her successful year with a well-deserved vacation.

noun a condition of optimal health or fitness

• It is important for athletes to maintain their physical fitness in order to stay in top shape.
• I've been hitting the gym regularly to make sure I stay in top shape.
• I've been working out like crazy to get my body in top shape for summer.
• After months of practice, her piano skills were in top shape for the recital.

adjective not skillful or clever with the hands; awkward or clumsy

• She found the new tool to be quite unhandy for the task at hand.
• I always struggle with using this unhandy remote control.
• That unhandy gadget is such a pain to deal with.
• His unhandy way of expressing himself often leads to misunderstandings.

verb to clean or rinse something by using water or other liquid

adverb in a downward direction

• After the meal, it is customary to wash down the food with a glass of water.
• Let's wash down these burgers with some soda.
• I need to wash down this spicy food with a cold beer.
• She tried to wash down her guilt with acts of kindness.

noun damage or deterioration resulting from ordinary use

conjunction used to connect the two words 'wear' and 'tear'

• The constant use of the machinery led to significant wear and tear over time.
• I noticed some wear and tear on my favorite pair of shoes from wearing them every day.
• My phone is showing some serious wear and tear after I dropped it so many times.
• The relationship had endured a lot of wear and tear, but they were still going strong.

adjective resistant to the effects of weather, such as rain or sunlight

• The weatherproof jacket kept me dry during the rainstorm.
• I love my weatherproof boots - they keep my feet warm and dry.
• These weatherproof pants are a game-changer for outdoor activities.
• Her resolve was weatherproof, unaffected by the storm of criticism.

adjective Describing the condition of something that is maintained in good order or neatness

• The estate features a well-kept garden with meticulously trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers.
• Their house is always so well-kept, you can tell they take pride in maintaining it.
• Dang, your car is looking hella well-kept with that fresh coat of wax!
• Her well-kept secrets were finally revealed during the trial.

noun a act of cleaning or drying something by rubbing its surface with a cloth, a piece of paper, or one's hand

verb to clean or dry something by rubbing its surface with a cloth, a piece of paper, or one's hand

• Please remember to wipe the table clean after each use.
• Make sure to wipe down the counters before you leave.
• I'll just quickly wipe up this spill before it stains.
• He tried to wipe away his past mistakes, but they still haunted him.

noun a thin outer covering or layer that can be removed from something

verb to remove or pull back a thin outer covering or layer

• In order to inspect the inner workings of the machine, you must carefully peel back the outer casing.
• Hey, can you help me peel back the sticker on this new gadget?
• I love watching those videos where they peel back the layers of drama on reality TV shows.
• It's important to peel back the layers of a complex issue to truly understand it.

verb to paint again

• The homeowner decided to repaint the entire exterior of the house to freshen up its appearance.
• I'm thinking about repainting my room a different color, what do you think?
• I'm gonna repaint this old dresser and make it look brand new.
• Sometimes we need to repaint our outlook on life to see things in a new light.