Car Acronyms & Vehicle Terminology
This glossary explains car-related acronyms and abbreviations you may encounter in VIN car reports, MOT checks, and vehicle history reports.
Each entry includes a definition and context to help explain the automotive terminology encountered.
A
AdBlue — Diesel Exhaust Fluid for NOx reduction
ABS — Anti-lock Braking System
A/C — Air conditioning / Air compressor
ANPR — Automatic Number Plate Recognition
AV — Automated Vehicle - categorised as an advanced driver-assistance system and autonomous/automated vehicle
AWD — All Wheel Drive
B
BC (Blockchain) — A list of records, called blocks, that are linked using cryptography
BHP — Brake Horsepower (engine output) -- masure of engine power before losses like gearbox resistance are accounted for.
BMS — Battery Management System -- system that monitors and controls the performance and safety of a vehicle's battery.
C
CAT A — Insurance write-off: scrap only
CAT B — Insurance write-off: break for parts
CAT S — Insurance write-off: structural damage repairable
CAT N — Insurance write-off: non-structural damage repairable
CC — Cubic Capacity (engine displacement)
CO₂ — Carbon Dioxide emissions
Connected Report — An advanced information technology for data collection from connected vehicles
CR — Compression Ratio -- ratio between the maximum and minimum volume in the engine cylinder.
CRDI — Common Rail Diesel Injection -- high-pressure fuel injection system used in diesel engines.
Cryptocurrency — Internet-based medium of exchange (you can pay this way for the full history report)
CWS — Calculated Weight Safety
Cv — CarVertical, the producer of the extended VIN Car History Report
D
DfT — Department for Transport (UK Gov ministerial department)
Displacement CC — Expression of the engine's size in Cubic Centimetres
Displacement CI — Expression of the engine's size in Cubic Inches
Displacement L — Expression of the engine's size in Litres
DPF — Diesel Particulate Filter
DTG — Drivetrain Geometry
DVLA — Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (UK Gov executive agency) -- UK government body responsible for maintaining vehicle registration and driver records.
DVSA — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (UK Gov executive agency) -- UK agency overseeing vehicle safety standards, MOT testing, and driving tests.
E
E10 — Petrol fuel containing up to 10% ethanol
E5 — Petrol fuel containing up to 5% ethanol
ESC — Electronic Stability Control
ECU — Electronic Control Unit - the heart of modern cars
EGR — Exhaust Gas Recirculation -- emissions control system that recirculates a portion of exhaust gases back into the engine.
EU — European Union
F
FHP — Forged Hardened Processing (usually engine linings and related parts)
FI — Fuel Injection
FWD — Front Wheel Drive -- drivetrain system
H
HP — Horsepower output of the engine or electric motor
HPI — Hire Purchase Investigation (finance/ownership check)
I
ISO 3779 — Standardization for the VIN Code content and structure
ISO 3780 — Standardization for the VIN Code world manufacturer identifier (WMI) code structure
K
KW — Kilowatt as expressed for the output power of the engine (1 kilowatt = approximately 1.34 horsepower)
KM/L — Kilometres per Litre
M
MOT — Ministry of Transport Test (annual UK vehicle safety, roadworthiness, and emissions inspection)
MPG — Miles Per Gallon
N
NCAP — New Car Assessment Programme (safety ratings)
NHTSA — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NMR — National Mileage Register (UK mileage database)
NMVTIS — National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
NOx — Nitrogen Oxide emissions - as produced from diesel and petrol engines
O
ODO — Odometer (mileage counter)
OEM — Original Equipment Manufacturer
P
PRS — Pass with Rectification at Station (MOT test marker)
R
RDE — Real driving emissions - a European Union introduced real-world condition testing mark
RPM — Revolutions Per Minute (engine speed)
S
Sequential Number — This refers to a specific portion of the VIN that uniquely identifies the vehicle as part of the production sequence. Also known as the "Production Number"
SRS — Supplemental Restraint System (airbags)
VST — Vehicle Safety Recall Tracking
T
TDI — Turbocharged Direct Injection
TPMS — Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
U
ULEZ — Ultra Low Emission Zone (UK environmental compliance area)
User Entered — The tester added this additional notice (MOT marker) into the test report
V
V5C — UK log book that details the registered keeper of the vehicle
VAG — Volkswagen Auto Group
VDS — Vehicle Descriptor Section
VED — Vehicle Excise Duty (road Tax)
VIC — Vehicle Identity Check (historic, now withdrawn)
VIN — Vehicle Identification number
VIS — Vehicle Identifier Section
VR — Vin Report UK - this website
VRM — Vehicle Registration Mark (UK number plate)
W
WMI — World Manufacturer Identifier
Car Acronyms Summary
This glossary serves as a quick reference for anyone buying, selling, or maintaining vehicles in the UK. By understanding these terms, you’ll be better equipped to interpret technical details in MOT checks, VIN lookups, and history reports.
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