How do you call components that make up a car's engine?

Question

I'm looking for the common way to call components like oil filter or fuel pump. I thought about car parts or auto parts but I don't know which one is correct.

@HotLicks you should've posted this link How do you call..? vs. What do you call…? :P — Mari-Lou A, Jun 25 '16 at 13:34

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 25 '16 at 11:46

2

"Auto parts" is the usual term in the US for parts anywhere on an automobile, but this includes parts of the body, wheels, transmission, etc. Engine parts would refer more unambiguously to parts of the engine, and the term is a perfectly normal usage that is readily understood.

Note, however, that if you want to refer to a set of parts that does not include, eg, the water pump, but rather only parts inside the engine then you would need a qualifier such as "internal engine parts". And if, on the other hand, you want to include, say, the radiator you would have choose another term as well, as a piece such as the radiator may or or may not be regarded as an engine part.

answered Jun 25 '16 at 11:46

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Says who? (Of course, "engine parts" it is.) – Kris Jun 25 '16 at 14:51
An appropriate term for the parts attached to the engine would be ancillaries (see http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/ancillary Noun 1.1) – Simon B Jun 25 '16 at 20:54
@SimonB - Which will get you dumb looks in the auto parts store. – Hot Licks Jun 25 '16 at 20:58

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 25 '16 at 10:06

0

"Components" is fine, if you're talking about the pieces -- such as the water pump, injectors, valves, and so on -- that make up the larger system.

Such things can generally be purchased at an "auto parts store" or an "auto parts dealer."

answered Jun 25 '16 at 10:06

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How do you call components that make up a car's engine?

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