Car care glossary

A

Aliphatic TPU

A grade of thermoplastic polyurethane made to stay clear in strong sunlight. Protection films made from it resist yellowing for many years.

C

Cavity wax

A thin protective wax injected inside hollow sections such as sills and doors, where moisture collects and corrosion can develop unnoticed. More on rust proofing

Clay bar

A soft, putty-like bar glided across wet paint to lift the bonded grime that washing leaves behind, usually before polishing or fitting film.

Clear coat

The transparent top layer of a modern paint finish. It provides the gloss, protects the colour underneath and absorbs most of the light scratches a car collects. More on car painting

Colour code

The manufacturer reference for a car's exact paint shade, usually printed on a label inside a door frame. Painters mix fresh paint to this reference so repairs match accurately.

D

Diamond-cut wheel

An alloy wheel whose face is cut on a lathe for a bright, fine-lined finish, then lacquered. Kerb damage on these wheels is re-cut rather than painted. More on rim repair

F

Forged carbon

Carbon made from short, chopped strands pressed into shape with resin. The finished part has a marbled look rather than the regular woven pattern. More on carbon fiber parts

H

Headlight oxidation

The cloudy, yellow surface that forms on plastic headlight lenses after years in the sun, which makes the beam noticeably weaker. More on headlight restoration

Headliner

The fabric-covered panel that lines the inside of the roof. Prolonged heat gradually weakens its adhesive, so the fabric eventually separates and starts to sag. More on roof lining repair

Hot water extraction

A deep clean for fabric seats and carpets. Hot water and cleaner are sprayed into the fibres, then strong suction pulls them back out along with the dirt. More on interior detailing

Hydrophobic

Describes a surface that repels water, so droplets bead up and roll away instead of spreading. Ceramic coatings and some protection films give paint this property. More on ceramic coating

M

Matte finish

A flat paint or film surface without any reflective shine. It requires wax-free products, because waxes and polishes create uneven glossy patches on it.

N

Nappa leather

A soft, smooth leather with a fine natural grain, found on the seats of many high-end cars. More on car upholstery

O

OEM parts

Original equipment manufacturer parts: parts made to the car maker's own specification, the same as those fitted when the car was built.

P

Paint correction

Machine polishing that levels a fine film of clear coat to remove swirls and haze, in one or more stages. More on car polishing

Paintless dent repair

A way to work small dents back into shape from behind the panel, with no filler or fresh paint. It only suits dents where the paint has not cracked. More on dent repair

Powder coating

A dry paint powder that is sprayed on and baked into a tough, even layer. It offers a particularly durable way to refinish wheels in a different colour.

S

Self-healing film

A protection film with an elastic top layer that recovers from fine marks as it warms up, for example in the sun. More on paint protection film

Swirl marks

Fine circular scratches in the clear coat, usually caused by washing and drying with contaminated cloths. Under bright light, they appear as a spider web pattern.

T

Traffic film

The oily grey grime from exhaust fumes and road dirt that builds up on paint and glass, which plain water alone cannot shift.

U

Underbody coating

A protective layer sprayed underneath the car to shield exposed metal and seams from water, sand and abrasive grit.

UV light

Ultraviolet light from the sun. Over time it fades paint, dries out leather and plastics, and turns clear plastic parts yellow.

V

Vinyl wrap

A thin coloured or printed film applied over the paint to change a car's colour or finish. It can be removed later, revealing the original paint underneath. More on car wrapping

W

Window film

A film applied to the inside of the side and rear windows to reduce heat, glare and ultraviolet light. The shade must stay within the legal limit. More on window tinting