Auto parts come with a lot of jargon — PCD, offset, OEM, aspect ratio. This plain-English glossary explains the terms you’ll see most often when buying car parts in the Philippines, so you can shop with confidence.
- Know these terms and you’ll avoid the most common buying mistakes.
- Fitment terms (PCD, offset) matter most for wheels and tires.
- Material terms (ceramic, semi-metallic) matter for brakes.
- Still unsure? Message us with your car and we’ll translate.
PCD (Bolt Pattern)
The Pitch Circle Diameter — the number of wheel bolts and the diameter of the circle they form (e.g. 4×100). Your mags must match it. See our PCD guide.
Offset
How far a wheel’s mounting face sits from its centreline. The right offset gives proper clearance and a clean stance; the wrong one causes rubbing.
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer — parts made to match exactly what your car came with from the factory.
Aftermarket
Parts made by companies other than your car’s manufacturer. Quality ranges from budget to premium; brand and material matter most.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Brake pads made with ceramic compounds — quiet, low-dust, and long-lasting. Ideal for daily driving.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Brake pads with high metal content for strong bite and heat resistance — great for loads and hard driving, but noisier.
Brake Shoe
The curved friction part in drum brakes (often on the rear of pickups and older cars), versus pads used in disc brakes.
DRL
Daytime Running Lights — lights that stay on during the day for visibility and a modern look.
Aspect Ratio
In a tire size like 185/65 R15, the 65 is the aspect ratio — the sidewall height as a percentage of the tread width.
Mags / Alloy Wheels
Lightweight wheels made from aluminium or magnesium alloy — better looks and performance than steel. See our mags price list.
PSI
Pounds per square inch — the unit for tire pressure. Use the value on your door-jamb sticker.
Fitment
Whether a part correctly fits your exact car (make, model, year, and variant).
Still have a question about a term?
Message us your car and what you’re trying to fix — we’ll translate the jargon and recommend the right part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PCD on a wheel?
PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) describes the number of bolt holes and the diameter of the circle they form. Your mags must match your car’s PCD.
What’s the difference between OEM and aftermarket?
OEM matches your car’s factory parts exactly; aftermarket is made by other brands and ranges from budget to premium quality.
What does tire aspect ratio mean?
It’s the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire’s width — the middle number in a size like 185/65 R15.