Driving / Cars Vocabulary (A-M)

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It's a puente for some this weekend and many people will be driving somewhere.

I wonder how many times I've been asked how to say puente in English.

un día festivo = a holiday

If the holiday lands on a Friday or a Monday, then we can say it's a long weekend.

If, like now, the holiday is on a Thursday, we can take Friday off. Otherwise, it's a normal, working day.

So really puente doesn't exist in English - we just have a day off.

Did you go away this weekend? What was the journey like?

Here is an A-M list of driving vocabulary. You can also refresh your memory by reading N-Z.

to accelerate - acelerar
  • He likes to accelerate quickly when the light turns green.
the accelerator - el acelerador
  • Press the accelerator gently to start moving the car.
an accident - un accidente
  • There was an accident on the main road this morning.
an airbag - un airbag
  • The airbag deployed during the collision, saving her life.
the back seat - el asiento trasero
  • The kids always sit in the back seat during road trips.
a back seat driver - un copiloto molesto
  • My friend is such a back seat driver, always giving instructions.
a bicycle lane - un carril bici
  • It's safer to ride in the bicycle lane than on the main road.
the bonnet - el capó
  • He opened the bonnet to check the engine.
the boot - el maletero
  • We put all our luggage in the boot before starting the journey.
to brake - frenar
  • You should brake slowly to avoid skidding on wet roads.
the brakes - los frenos
  • The brakes need to be replaced; they're not working properly.
to break down - averiarse
  • Our car broke down on the way to the beach.
the bumper - el parachoques
  • The bumper was damaged in the minor fender-bender.
a car park - un aparcamiento
  • We found a spot in the car park near the entrance.
the clutch - el embrague
  • She had trouble learning how to use the clutch when she started driving.
a dent - una abolladura
  • There’s a dent on the side of my car from the shopping cart.
double parked - estacionado en doble fila
  • He got a ticket for being double parked outside the store.
the engine - el motor
  • The engine is making a strange noise; it might need a check-up.
the fast lane - el carril rápido
  • They stayed in the fast lane to overtake the slower cars.
to fill up (the car) - llenar el tanque
  • We need to fill up the car before we hit the road.
a flat tyre - una rueda pinchada
  • We had to change the flat tyre in the middle of our trip.
gas (US) - gasolina
  • We stopped for gas before continuing our journey.
the gears - las marchas
  • He shifted the gears smoothly as he drove up the hill.
gridlock - un embotellamiento
  • The city center was in gridlock during rush hour.
the hard shoulder - el arcén
  • We had to pull over onto the hard shoulder when the car overheated.
headlights - los faros
  • Make sure your headlights are on when driving at night.
a highway - una carretera
  • They took the highway to reach the city faster.
(to peep) the horn - tocar el claxon
  • He peeped the horn to alert the other driver.
the indicator - el intermitente
  • Don’t forget to use the indicator when you turn.
a (car) journey - un viaje en coche
  • The car journey to the countryside was relaxing.
a lane - un carril
  • Keep to the right lane unless you’re overtaking.
a (driving) licence - un carnet de conducir
  • She finally got her driving licence after passing the test.
a lorry - un camión
  • The lorry was carrying goods to the supermarket.
a motorway - una autopista
  • We drove on the motorway to avoid the small-town traffic.

On the Open Road

With the engine humming, we begin our ride,
Through motorways wide and highways long and straight,
In the fast lane, where we love to glide,
Chasing the dawn, we won’t hesitate.

The accelerator pressed, we feel the thrill,
The wind through the windows, the sun in our eyes,
But when the rain comes, we slow down at will,
As headlights gleam under cloudy skies.

The gear shifts smooth as we climb the hill,
While the brakes keep us safe, no need for haste,
But a pothole looms, we dodge with skill,
And avoid a dent with barely a trace.

Yet sometimes the road isn’t kind,
A flat tyre may halt our joyful ride,
On the hard shoulder, we take time to unwind,
Fixing the wheel, our patience our guide.

But then we’re back, the journey renewed,
With the scenery changing, we continue to roam,
Each mile we cover, our spirits pursued,
By the promise of freedom, the open road our home.


Journey’s Rhythm

In the early light, the day begins,
With a turn of the key, the engine sings.
The bonnet closed, the path is clear,
The road ahead, our only frontier.

Through bustling streets, past car parks full,
We navigate the morning’s pull.
The indicator blinks, a gentle guide,
As we merge into the steady tide.

But then, a pause, the fuel gauge low,
A quick stop to fill up, and on we go.
The gears shift up as we hit our stride,
In the rhythm of the road, we take pride.

A lorry rumbles in the slow lane near,
While we keep pace, no need for fear.
The bumper strong, the brakes hold tight,
As we journey through the fading light.

And though the road may twist and turn,
With headlights on, our way we’ll learn.
For every mile, every bend we take,
Adds to the memories we create.

Generated by Chat GPT

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