Learning car parts in Spanish is incredibly useful, especially if you plan to travel or drive in Spanish-speaking countries. Knowing this vocabulary can be the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful situation when car troubles arise.
This article provides essential vocabulary lists and common verbs related to car parts in Spanish, equipping you with the language skills you need on the road.
¡Aprendamos sobre las partes del coche en español! Let’s learn about car parts in Spanish!
Did you know Spanish is spoken by over 559 million people worldwide? Expanding your vocabulary to include car parts is a practical step in your language journey.
Essential Car Part Names in Spanish
Before we delve into specific parts, it’s helpful to know the different ways to say “car” in Spanish, as it varies by region:
- El auto – Common throughout Latin America.
- El carro – Widely used in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
- El coche – Prevalent in Mexico and Spain.
- El vehículo – A more formal term, used across Latin America and Spain.
Inside Your Vehicle: Interior Car Parts in Spanish
Starting with the car’s interior is a great approach because these are the parts we interact with most frequently. If you’re renting a car in a Spanish-speaking country, this list of car parts in Spanish will be particularly useful.
English | Spanish |
---|---|
accelerator | el acelerador |
brake | el freno |
clutch | el clutch |
gears | las marchas |
glove compartment | la guantera |
handbrake | el freno de mano |
horn | el claxon |
mats | los tapetes |
rearview mirror | el espejo retrovisor |
seatbelt | el cinturón |
seats | los asientos |
steering wheel | el volante |
power steering | la dirección asistida |



Understanding these terms will help you navigate the basics of operating a vehicle and communicating any issues you might encounter inside the car.
Outside the Vehicle: Exterior Car Parts in Spanish
Moving to the outside, these car parts in Spanish are what you see when looking at a car’s exterior. They are crucial for describing the appearance and any external damage to a vehicle.
English | Spanish |
---|---|
bumper | el parachoque |
door handles | las manijas de las puertas |
doors | las puertas |
front and back fenders | las defensas delantera y trasera |
grill | la parrilla |
headlights | los faros |
hood | el capó |
hub caps | los rines |
indicator lights | las direccionales |
license plate | las placas |
outside mirrors | los espejos laterales |
roof | el techo |
sunroof | el quemacocos |
tail light | la luz trasera |
trunk | la cajuela |
wheels | las llantas |
windows | las ventanas |
windshield | el parabrisas |
windshield wipers | el limpiaparabrisas |
Knowing these exterior car parts in Spanish is not only useful for describing a car but also for explaining any accidents or damages.
Under the Hood: Mechanical Car Parts in Spanish
For more technical discussions, especially concerning car repairs or maintenance, knowing the names of parts under the hood is essential. These car parts in Spanish are more technical and relate to the mechanical system of the vehicle. This vocabulary is particularly helpful if you’re dealing with mechanics or trying to understand how a car functions.
English | Spanish |
---|---|
air filter | el filtro de aire |
alternator | el alternador |
battery | la batería |
belt | la banda |
camshaft | el árbol de levas |
carburetor | el carburador |
catalytic converter | el convertidor catalítico |
coil | la bobina |
combustion chamber | la cámara de combustión |
crankshaft | el cigüeñal |
gas pump | la bomba de gasolina |
ignition | la ignición |
piston rod | la biela |
pulley | la polea |
radiator | el radiador |
escape valve | la válvula de escape |
thermostat | el termostato |
vacuum diaphragm | el diafragma |
valve | la válvula |
voltage | el voltaje |
This detailed list of car parts in Spanish related to the engine and mechanics allows for a deeper understanding and communication about vehicle maintenance.
Instrument Panel: Dashboard Car Parts in Spanish
The instrument panel, or dashboard, contains important indicators and controls. Knowing these car parts in Spanish will help you understand the information your car is conveying while driving.
English | Spanish |
---|---|
air bag | la bolsa de aire |
gas gauge | el medidor de la gasolina |
speedometer | el velocímetro |
turn signal indicator | la direccional |
warning lights | las luces de advertencia |
Familiarizing yourself with these dashboard components will enhance your driving experience in Spanish-speaking areas, ensuring safety and awareness.
Car-Related Verbs in Spanish
Beyond parts, knowing verbs related to car operation is just as crucial. These verbs related to car parts in Spanish are essential for giving directions, asking for help, or simply talking about driving.
English | Spanish |
---|---|
to accelerate | acelerar |
to back up, to reverse | retroceder / echarse en reversa |
to brake | frenar |
to change lanes | cambiar de carril |
to fasten your seat belt | abrochar tu cinturón de seguridad |
to fill up the tank | llenar el tanque |
to park | estacionar |
to run out of gas | quedarse sin gasolina |
to slow down | reducir la velocidad |
to speed up | aumentar la velocidad |
to start a car | prender el coche / arrancar un carro |
to start the ignition | iniciar el motor |
to stop the car | parar el auto |
Mastering these verbs will empower you to communicate effectively in various driving situations.
Enhance Your Spanish Skills Further
Expanding your Spanish vocabulary to include “Parts Of A Car Spanish” is a practical and valuable step. It not only prepares you for travel but also enriches your overall language proficiency. Spanish opens doors to diverse cultures and opportunities, with millions of speakers around the globe.
Continue building your Spanish language skills to unlock even more possibilities and connect with a wider world. Learning car-related vocabulary is just one step on this exciting journey.