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This glossary defines the terms you see on estimates, inspection reports and rental paperwork at Goodyear Elite Tire Upland. Terms are grouped by system: tires, alignment, maintenance, brakes, electrical, AC, suspension, engine, special vehicles, towing and how the shop works. Each definition links to the page with the full explanation.
Tire and wheel terms
- Tire installation: mounting new tires, balancing them, checking TPMS and torquing the lug nuts. See tire installation.
- Mount and balance: putting the tire on the wheel, then adding weights so it spins without shaking. See rotation and balancing.
- Road force balancing: a balance that also presses a roller on the tire to find stiff spots that cause a vibration. See road force balancing.
- TPMS: the tire pressure monitoring system. It warns when air is low or a sensor fails. See TPMS service.
- TPMS light: the horseshoe-shaped dash light. It means a tire is low or a sensor is bad or not programmed. See warning lights.
- Patch versus replace: the decision to repair a tread puncture only when the tire is still sound. See patch versus replace.
- Plug: a quick outside fill for a hole. It is not a proper inside patch. See flat tire repair.
- Date code: the last four digits of the DOT code, showing the week and year the tire was made. See the date code guide.
- Load index: a number on the sidewall that shows how much weight the tire can carry. See new tires and brands.
- Speed rating: the letter that shows the speed the tire is built to handle. See the tire care guide.
- Tread depth: how much rubber is left, measured in 32nds of an inch. See the tire age tool.
- Uneven wear: tread wearing faster in one area, usually from alignment, pressure or worn parts. See tire wear patterns.
- Inner-edge wear: the inside shoulder wearing first. It often means the car needs an alignment. See wheel alignment.
- Feathering: tread ribs worn smooth on one side and sharp on the other, like a saw tooth. It often points to toe. See tire wear patterns.
- Cupping: scalloped dips around the tread, often from worn shocks plus skipped rotations. See shocks and struts.
- Rotation: moving tires to different positions so they wear evenly. See rotation and balancing.
- Torque: how tight the lug nuts are, set to the vehicle spec with a torque tool. See lug nuts and wheel locks.
- Valve stem: the small fitting where you add air, and a common source of slow leaks. See valve stem replacement.
- Nitrogen: a dry inflation gas. You still need the correct pressure. See nitrogen inflation.
- Spare tire: a backup meant for short use only, especially compact spares. See spare tire service.
- AWD match: the rule that all four tires on many AWD cars should be the same size with similar tread depth. See AWD vehicles.
- Staggered fitment: different tire or wheel sizes front and rear, so rotation options are limited. See custom wheels.
- Goodyear: the tire brand this shop sells. See new tires and brands.
- Custom wheels: aftermarket rims that must fit the hub, clear the brakes and balance correctly. See custom wheels.
- Same-day mounting: tires installed today when the size is in stock and a bay is open. See same-day tire mounting.
Alignment and steering terms
- Alignment: setting the wheel angles so the car tracks straight and the tires wear evenly. See wheel alignment.
- Camber: how much the top of the tire tilts in or out when viewed from the front. See the suspension and alignment guide.
- Caster: the tilt of the steering pivot when viewed from the side. It affects straight-line stability. See the suspension and alignment guide.
- Toe: whether the tires point in or out when viewed from above. See wheel alignment.
- Thrust angle: the direction the rear axle points compared with the center of the car. See the suspension and alignment guide.
- Printout: the before and after alignment numbers, printed for you. See alignment after new tires.
- ADAS: driver assistance cameras and sensors, which may need a check after alignment or ride height changes. See hybrid and EV care.
- Power steering: the system that makes the wheel easy to turn, either hydraulic or electric. See power steering.
Maintenance and fluid terms
- Oil change: new oil and filter to the spec for your engine. See oil changes.
- Oil spec: the oil grade printed on the filler cap or in the owner manual. See maintenance tips.
- Synthetic: a type of engine oil. It still needs changing on a schedule. See the oil interval estimator.
- Multipoint inspection: a look over the main systems during a visit. See preventive maintenance.
- Filters and fluids: the oil, air, cabin, coolant, brake and steering items that keep a car healthy. See filters and fluids.
- Tune-up: the spark plug, filter and ignition work the car actually needs, not a fixed menu. See tune-ups.
- Transmission service: checking the fluid first, then a drain, fill or flush only if the car calls for it. See transmission service.
- Wipers: the blades that let you see in the rain, and a real safety item. See wiper blade service.
Brake terms
- Brake service: inspecting the brakes and repairing only what they need. See brake service.
- Pads: the friction part that presses on the rotor and wears first. See brake service packages.
- Rotors: the metal discs the pads squeeze to stop the wheel. See the brake safety guide.
- Brake fluid: the hydraulic fluid that absorbs moisture as it ages and can cause a soft pedal. See brake fluid service.
- ABS: the anti-lock braking system. Its light does not mean the pads are low. See warning lights.
- Pulsation: a shake in the pedal or wheel when braking. See the brake safety guide.
- Grinding: a harsh noise when braking, often metal on metal. See the brake wear tool.
Battery, electrical and diagnostic terms
- Battery: stores the power that starts the car. Heat shortens its life. See battery replacement.
- Load test: a test that checks whether the battery still delivers enough power under demand. See the battery and electrical guide.
- Alternator: charges the battery while the engine runs. See alternator and starter testing.
- AGM: a sealed battery type that many newer cars, especially those with start-stop, require. See battery replacement.
- Parasitic drain: something that stays on after you park and flattens the battery overnight. See the battery and electrical guide.
- 12-volt hybrid battery: the small battery in hybrids and EVs that can still leave the car unable to start. See hybrid vehicles.
- Check engine light: an amber light that means the engine computer stored a fault code. See check engine light diagnostics.
- Freeze frame: a snapshot of what the engine was doing when a code set. See check engine light diagnostics.
- Misfire: a cylinder not firing correctly, felt as a stumble or shake. See tune-ups.
AC, suspension and engine terms
- AC service: finding why the air is weak, warm or smelly, then fixing that cause. See air conditioning service.
- Recharge versus leak: adding refrigerant is not a fix if the system leaks. See the AC performance guide.
- Cabin filter: filters the air coming into the car through the vents. See cabin and engine filter service.
- Suspension: the parts that hold the body up, absorb bumps and keep alignment. See suspension service.
- Shocks and struts: the dampers that stop the car from bouncing. See shocks and struts.
- Sway bar link: a small link that often clunks over bumps when worn. See common problems.
- Wheel bearing: lets the wheel spin; a bad one growls louder as speed rises. See wheel bearing service.
- CV axle: the shaft that drives the wheel; a bad one often clicks in tight turns. See CV axle service.
- Differential: gears that let the drive wheels turn at different speeds. See differential and 4WD service.
- 4WD and AWD: extra driveline parts that send power to all four wheels and need their own service. See 4WD vehicles.
- Belts and hoses: rubber parts that crack, swell or leak with age. See belts and hoses.
- Timing belt: keeps engine parts in time and must be replaced on schedule on engines that use one. See timing belt service.
- Water pump: moves coolant through the engine. See cooling system and radiator.
- Cooling system: the radiator, pump, thermostat, hoses and coolant that keep the engine from overheating. See cooling system service.
- Overheat: engine temperature too high. Pull over and park it, since driving on can cause expensive damage. See warning lights.
- Exhaust: the pipes and muffler that carry gases out; leaks cause noise and smell. See exhaust service.
Inspection and special vehicle terms
- Digital inspection: photos and notes of your car's condition, sent before extra work is approved. See digital vehicle inspections.
- PPI: a pre-purchase inspection of a used car before you buy it. See pre-purchase inspections.
- PPI limit: an inspection is not a promise the car will not break next week. See the PPI checklist.
- Diesel maintenance: oil, filter and fuel system care for diesel trucks. See diesel maintenance.
- Hybrid and EV care: tires, brakes, the 12-volt battery and alignment; orange high-voltage cables go to a specialist. See hybrid and EV care.
- Fleet maintenance: scheduled service for company vehicles. See fleet maintenance.
Towing and U-Haul rental terms
- Hitch inspection: a check of the hitch, ball, pin and lights before you tow. See the towing inspection.
- Tongue weight: how hard the trailer tongue pushes down on the hitch ball. See hitch and tow package.
- U-Haul: the trucks, vans, trailers and dollies rented on this lot. Call (909) 608-7699 to reserve. See U-Haul rentals.
- In-town rental: pick up and return the equipment at this location. See in-town rentals.
- One-way rental: drop the equipment off at a location in another city. See one-way rentals.
- Tow dolly: a two-wheel trailer that lifts a car's front wheels. It does not suit every car. See tow dolly.
- Auto transport: a trailer that carries the whole car with all four wheels off the road. See auto transport.
- Cargo van: a smaller enclosed rental for small moves and deliveries. See cargo van.
Terms about how the shop works
- Need versus want: what must be fixed now for safety versus what can wait. See need versus want.
- Written estimate: the number on paper before any work starts. See transparent pricing.
- Invoice match: the final bill matches the estimate you approved. See transparent pricing.
- Diagnostic fee: a charge for finding the cause of a problem. We tell you first if one applies. See the cost and pricing guide.
- Road test: a drive after brake, alignment or vibration work to confirm the fix. See our process.
- Wait versus drop-off: whether you stay while we work or leave the car. See what to expect.
- Key drop: leaving your keys after hours. Call to confirm before using it. See key drop.
- Comeback: the same problem returns after a repair. We look first and do not argue. See service guarantees.
- Former name: this lot ran under a different business name before it became Goodyear Elite Tire Upland. See the name change.
- Goodyear Elite Tire Upland: the tire and auto repair shop and U-Haul dealer at 1775 W Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786. See about us.
- Call: the fastest way to reach the desk is (909) 608-7699. See phone and email.