In this section, you will find a glossary of terms that are used throughout the website. If you have any additional questions, why not visit our Help Topics section.
- Car Features
- Finance Terms
- General
- Arnold Clark Products
16V | 16V Engine - high permance and fuel efficiency |
4WD | 4 Wheel Drive |
4WS | 4 Wheel Steering |
5 Dr | 5 Door |
5spd | 5 Speed Gearbox |
A/C | Air Conditioning |
ABS | Anti-locking Braking System - allows you to brake without fear of skidding or loss of control. |
Auto | Automatic |
AWD | All Wheel Drive |
BHP | Brake Horse Power |
C/L | Central Locking |
CAT | Catalytic Converter |
Cabriolet | A car whos roof can be removed/retracted |
Convertible - Soft Top | Convertible car with a fabric roof |
Convertible - Hard Top | Convertible car with a hard top |
Delivery Mileage | Only a few miles which have been put on whilst testing the vehicle and delivering it to the customer. |
DI | Diesel Injection |
DSG | Direct Shift Gearbox |
E/W | Electric Windows |
E/F/W | Electric Front Windows |
EBA | Electric Brake Assist |
EBD | Electronic Brake Distribution - alters how much of the brake force goes to the front and how much to the rear. |
EPS | Electronic Power Steering - enables the amount of assistance with steering to be varied depending on speed. |
ESP | Electronic Stability Program senses when the car is about to go out of control and can apply an individual brake to a wheel to help avoid the spin. |
FSH | Full Service History |
FWD | Front Wheel Drive |
GPS | Global Positioning System |
HGV | Heavy Goods Vehicle |
IPS | Intelligent Protection System - Special safety features used by Ford, such as Airbags, Specific seatbelts. |
LHD | Left Hand Drive |
List Price | Manufacturers recommended retail price |
LPG | Liquid Petroleum Gas |
LWG | Long Wheel Base |
MAN | Manual |
MET | Metallic Paint |
MP3 | A compressed music file. Allows you to play music downloaded from your computer. |
MPG | Miles Per Gallon |
MPH | Miles Per Hour |
MPV | Multi Purpose Vehicle |
PAS | Power Assisted Steering |
RFL | Road Fund License |
RHD | Right Hand Drive |
SIP | Side Impact Protection |
S/R | Sunroof |
SUV | Sports Utility Vehicle- the US term for 4x4. |
SWB | Short Wheel Base |
TCS | Traction Control System |
TD | Turbo Diesel |
VAT | Value Added Tax (20%). Business Users who are VAT registered can claim back any VAT paid. |
VRM | Vehicle Registration Mark |
VSA | Vehicle Stability Assist |
VVC | Variable Valve Control |
VV | Variable Valve Timing |

Admin Fees | Initial fees charged by finance companies. |
APR | Annual Percentage Rate- the total % interest added to a loan. |
Arnold Clark Deposit | Initial deposit paid by Arnold Clark |
CCTA | Consumer Credit Trade Association |
Deposit | Initial downpayment on a vehicle |
Document Fee | Initial Fee charged by finance companies |
Flat Rate | The % of interest for 1 year - this is how the APR is calculated |
Miles Per Annum | A yearly mileage limit set by terms of PCP |
PCP | Personal Contract Purchase- this means you pay lower monthly payments and have a final payment. At the end of your term you either pay this or hand the car back (mileage will be restricted) |
Settlement Figure | Amount required to settle your loan. |
VAT | Value Added Tax (currently 20%). Business Users who are VAT registered may be able to claim back any VAT paid. |
ABI | Association of British Insurers |
ACIS | Arnold Clark Insurance Services |
BVRLA | British Vehicle Rental & Licensing Agency |
DVLA | Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency |
MOT | Ministry Of Transport (Roadworthiness certificate) |
Ringer | Disguising a stolen vehicle by changing the vehicle identity. |
RMIF | Retail Motor Industry Federation |
Salesmans Office | Our internal sales and administration system. |
VSI | Vehicle Shortfall Insurance- Pays the shortfall between your car's value and your insurance payout. |
Accist | Comprehensive Accident Assistance |
Clark Plan | Secures the future servicing requirements of your vehicle (Must be more than 3 years old). |
Service Plan | Secures the future servicing requirements of your vehicle (Must be less than 3 years old). |
Autocare | Covers you against breakdown of the most expensive mechanical & electrical parts of your vehicle. |