Your A to Z of motoring gobbledygook
Service book/cost/history
To ensure safety and reliability, cars should be serviced as directed in the manufacturer's handbook. A dealer stamp should be entered into the car's service book to show the necessary checks and work have been done. Failure to service a car and maintain its service history can have a negative impact on its used value.
Sidewall
The side of the tyre between the rim and the tread. This carries all the tyre identification data, load rate, speed rating and manufacturing data.
Sipes
Narrow slits in the tread blocks designed to pump water away and to create more leading edges to increase grip in winter and wet-weather tyres.
Space saver
A spare tyre of a smaller size than the road tyres. The purpose of the reduced size is to save space and reduce weight. Designed to get you home, these tyres have a slower maximum speed and are designed to be only used on a temporary basis.
Super Unleaded
Fuel with a higher octane content than regular unleaded and usually recommended in tuned performance engines. Failing to use super unleaded where recommended will not damage an engine but it will mean less power output. This fuel usually costs around five pence per litre more than regular unleaded.
Suspension
Arrangement of springs, dampers and anti-roll bars which dictate how a car rides and handles. A successful set-up strikes a happy balance between comfort and cornering ability.
SUV
Sport Utility Vehicle, the US term for a 4x4 vehicle with boxy, off-roader styling, whether or not it can tackle serious mud.
