Phrasal verbs for mechanics

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, adding versatility and nuance to everyday communication. For mechanics—whether automotive, industrial, or otherwise—these multi-word expressions often pop up in workshops, manuals, and conversations, blending technical precision with casual flair. Knowing the right phrasal verbs can make the difference between sounding like a seasoned pro or a novice fumbling with a wrench. In this article, we’ll explore a collection of phrasal verbs tailored specifically for mechanics, breaking down their meanings and showing how they fit into the gritty, hands-on world of gears, engines, and tools. Whether you’re tightening up your skills or just curious about the lingo, this list will get you revved up and ready to roll.

These phrasal verbs encapsulate actions common in the context of automotive repair and maintenance, providing a vivid picture of the tasks involved.

◦Act up – to stop working

Examples: The car is acting up again. The car only acts up when climbing a hill.

◦Back in – to move into a parking spot with the rear of the car

Examples: We need to back in the car to make it easier to unload the groceries. / Back in this parking space.

◦Back up – to move backward

Examples: Back the car up in this space after I move my car. / Spot him while he backs up.

◦Break down – to no longer work or perform

Examples: My car broke down on the highway.

◦Charge up – to put an electrical charge on

Examples: Be sure to charge up your battery.

◦Cool down – to reduce temperature

Examples: Let the engine cool down before opening the radiator reservoir.

◦Fill up – to fill a space

Examples: Fill up the gasoline tank.

◦Grease up – to apply grease or oil to something

Examples: You need to grease up the ball joints.

◦Head up / Head down — to go up or down (North/South, East/West) the road by foot or vehicle

Examples: Head up to the bank. / Head down the alley.

◦Heat up – to make warm.

Examples: Go heat up the engine.

◦Hook up – to put things together.

Examples: Hook up the battery cables.

Special notes: We often say “hook up” to mean “help out”. Can’t you hook a friend up?

◦Jam up — a complete stoppage or slowing down of something due to blockage or malfunction

Examples: My breaks are jammed up.

◦Pull in — move forward into a spot.

Examples: Pull in forward. Pull the car in forward. / Pull in when you get to the garage.

◦Pull up — move forward.

Examples: Pull up to the white line.

◦Ramp up — to increase something sharply.

Examples: Let’s ramp up your engine with a new air cooler.

◦Roll up — to make go up.

Examples: Roll your window up.

◦Roll down — to make go down.

Examples: Roll down your window.

◦Roll out/outside — to launch a new product or service/to literally roll something or push something.

Examples: Roll the car outside before we leave. / We will roll out our new transmission services today.

◦Run into — to collide your vehicle with another object, vehicle, person, or animal

Examples: I ran into a tree.

◦Run over — to knock someone or something down with a vehicle or bicycle/ overflow of something.

Examples: I didn’t mean to run over your grandma with the car. / Don’t let the oil run over.

◦Shut off – to turn off / to stop the flow of

Examples: Shut off the engine. / We need to shut off the flow of fluid.

◦Turn off – to stop the flow or operation of something

Examples: Turn off the car. / You can turn off the air compressor now.

◦Turn on – to start the flow or operation of something

Examples: Turn on your windshield wipers. / My lights will not turn on. /

◦Wind up — to rev up the engine / to increase speed

Examples: Hit the gas pedal and wind up the engine. / Hit the gas pedal and rev up the engine.

For further study:

◦Why study Phrasal verbs?
◦ Phrasal verbs for emotions
◦Phrasal verbs for everyday
◦Phrasal verbs for relationships
◦Phrasal verbs for travel