Auto service glossary

Billing unit from industry time standards. A 2.5 labor-hour job × shop rate = labor cost without parts.

Repair document: work list, parts, cost, client signature. Without it the client can dispute the bill.

OEM — part from the car maker or its supplier. Aftermarket — third-party: cheaper, quality varies. OE = genuine factory part.

Diesel emission systems: particulate filter, exhaust recirculation, urea. Removal is technically simple but legally risky (emission norms).

Dealer-level scanners (ODIS, ISTA), alignment racks, torque wrenches. A 'universal scanner' reads only basic codes.

'Work warranty' covers labor, not parts. 'Kickback' — an undocumented discount. 'On hold' — car awaiting insurer's decision.