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A
B C D E
F G H I
J K L M N O
P Q R S
T U V W
X Y Z |
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Term
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Explanation
(note that links followed by >> links
to an external website and opens
a new window)
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| ABS:
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Antilock
Braking System - a computerized system that prevents wheel lockup
and skidding during braking. |
| Ampere |
The
unit used to measure electrical current in an electrical circuit.
The current is limited by a fuse in order not to overload the wires
and thereby cause fire or other damage, for example at 16 A (Ampere). |
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air
shocks
|
A shock absorber or MacPherson strut with an
air chamber that adjusts its length and thus the height of the
vehicle’s chassis.
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| alternator |
A
generator driven by the engine that produces electricity to charge
the battery and power the vehicle’s electrical components. |
| B |
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body-on-frame
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A vehicle body construction that utilizes a rigid
steel frame separate from the body.
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brake
assist
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A provision that increases braking power when
the computer detects that the driver is making a panic stop.
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| brake
fade |
A condition
in which brakes lose their effectiveness due to overheating. |
| C |
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chassis
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A vehicle’s structural framework, excluding the
body.
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coil
spring
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A helical suspension spring used predominantly
on passenger cars.
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curb
weight
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The weight of a vehicle with a full tank of fuel
and all necessary fluids but no passengers or cargo.
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| D |
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| differential |
A gear assembly
that permits either side of an axle, or two separate driveshafts,
to rotate at different speeds, which allows different wheels to
rotate at different speeds as the vehicle turns. |
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disc
brake
|
A brake system that slows a wheel’s rotation
by squeezing an attached metal disc in a viselike hydraulic caliper.
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| displacement |
The volume of an
engine’s cylinders, a general indicator of its size and power. |
| driveline |
The parts of the
drivetrain excluding the engine and transmission. |
| drivetrain |
All components
that generate power and propel a vehicle. |
| drum brake |
A brake system
that slows a wheel’s rotation by pressing curved brake shoes against
the inside of an attached metal drum. These days most common as
rear wheel breaks and usuallu regaded as less efficient compared
to disc brakes. |
| E |
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| EFI |
Electronic Fuel Injection
See fuel injection/electronic fuel injection.. |
| F |
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| fuel
injection |
A fuel-supply system that has taken
the carburetor’s place, increasing vehicle reliability, efficiency
and emissions performance. Can be mechanical or electronic. |
| G |
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| gas shocks |
A shock absorber
or MacPherson strut that incorporates compressed gas to prevent
the oil from foaming |
| H |
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horsepower
|
A measures of the force exerted by an engine and
its ability to do work. 1 hp == 735 Watt.
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| I |
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| independent
suspension |
A suspension arrangement in which the left and right wheels are
attached independently to the chassis rather than sharing a single,
solid axle |
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intercooler
|
A type of
radiator that cools the air compressed by a supercharger or turbocharger
in order to gain higher horsepower.
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| K |
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kickdown
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A downshift in an automatic transmission triggered
when the driver pushes the accelerator to the floor.
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| L |
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| leaf
spring |
A type of suspension
spring that uses one or more flat steel strips, typically used in
heavy-duty applications such as trucks. |
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lean-burn
|
An engine type or mode of operation that combusts
a leaner-than-normal fuel/air mixture.
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LED
|
Light Emitting Diod - used insted of light bulbs,
for greater illumination and longevity.
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| M |
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| muffler
|
A
device in the exhaust system with the purpose of lowering the sound
level engine. |
| O |
|
| overdrive |
Refers to the transmission’s highest gear; allows for efficient
cruising. |
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oversteer
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A condition
in which a vehicle turns more sharply than the driver intends.
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| P |
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| Q |
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| R |
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rack-and-pinion
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Refers to a steering system that turns the wheels
by means of a small pinion gear that meshes with a toothed bar
or rack.
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| S |
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shock
absorber
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A suspension component that controls the up-and-down
motion of the vehicle’s wheels.
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| springs |
In suspensions,
the components that support the vehicle’s weight and absorb shocks
from bumps and dips in the road. |
| stabilizer bar |
A steel bar that
connects suspension components on opposite wheels, a measure to
combat body roll. |
| supercharger |
A device driven
by a belt, chain or gears that increases engine power by pumping
air into the combustion chambers. |
| sway bar |
See stabilizer
bar. |
| T |
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traction
control
|
A system that helps a vehicle maintain traction
and stay on course during acceleration.
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| transfer
case |
A gearbox that
divides power between two separate axles in a four-wheel-drive system
and, in some vehicles, offers an additional, low-gear setting for
offroad use. |
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turbocharger
|
A device
driven by exhaust gases that increases engine power by pumping
air into the combustion chambers .
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| U |
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understeer
|
A condition in which a vehicle turns less sharply
than the driver intends.
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| unibody |
A vehicle body
construction in which the frame and body are a single unit. |
| unsprung weight |
The weight of all
components not supported by the vehicle’s springs. |
| V |
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| viscous
clutch/coupling |
A limited-slip
device that uses heat-activated viscous fluid to transfer power
between two driveshafts. |
| Volt |
The
unit used to measure electrical potential between points in an electrical
circuit. The voltage in most modern cars is nominal 12 V.. |
| W |
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