Cars - http://maxpages.com/carsinhistory/A

A: Abbreviation for "ampere."

A-2 tire: A term used for tire sizes 16.00 and larger in nominal cross section. Also called "earthmover" or "off-the-road" tires

AA: Abbreviation for "Automobile Association" a term used in Great Britain

AAA: Acronym for "American Automobile Association" or "Alberta Automobile Association."

AABM: Acronym for "Association of American Battery Manufacturers, Inc."

AAE: Acronym for "Association of Automotive Employers" (Poland).

AAIA: Acronym for "Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association" on http://www.apaa.org/.

AALA: Acronym for "American Automobile Labelling Act."

AAM: Acronym for "Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers" on http://www.autoalliance.org/.

A arm: See A-arm.

A-arm: A suspension linkage formed in the shape of an "A" or "V" found commonly on the front suspension. The sides of the two legs of the A-arm are connected to the chassis by rubber bushings and the peak of the A-arm is attached to the wheel assembly. In this way, the wheel can freely move up and down. Sometimes there is an upper A-arm, a lower A-arm, or both upper and lower A-arms. The British call it a "wishbone."

ABDC: A term used in timing the relation of the spark and the crankshaft. It stands for after bottom dead center.

A bone: Model "A" Ford.

abrasion: Wearing or rubbing away some surface because of friction.

abrasive: A hard grit used for sanding or grinding.

abrasive cleaner: A cleanser whit some hard grit used to remove the grime and oils from a surface.

abrasive disc: A circular plate (often made of plastic with hard grit embedded into it) used for grinding or sanding.

abrasive paper: Sandpaper (a paper upon which sand or hard grit has been glued) used for sanding or grinding.

ABS: Acronym for anti-lock brakes.

ABS override button: A button or switch which disengages the automatic anti-lock braking system so that the driver can operate the brakes himself.

ABS relay valve: An electrically controled valve which modulates the air pressure in the ABS.

abut: The action of two gear teeth making contact.

abutment: [1] A part which stops the motion of another part from proceeding any farther. [2] A cement raised shoulder secured to the side of the road to prevent a vehicle from going over the edge. [3] The contact made between opposing teeth of two gears.

abutting edge: The side or edge of a panel which joins another panel.

absorber: See damper and shock absorber.

A/C: [1] An abbreviation for air conditioning or air conditioner.[2] An abbreviation for "across corners" which indicates the distance on a nut (for instance) from one corner to the opposite corner rather than the distance from one flat surface (A/F) to the opposite (which would be the size of wrench needed to install or remove the nut). The purpose of the A/C dimension is to know how large a hole might be needed to insert a recessed nut.

AC: [1] Automobile name -- the 1925-48 models are classic cars. [2] Acronym for "alternating current." [3] Acronym for "air conditioning" or "air conditioner."

AC Ace: The 1954-61 Ace models are milestone cars.

AC Aceca: The 1955-61 Aceca models are milestone cars.

ACAP: Acronym for "Associação do comércio automovóvel de Portugal" on www.acap.pt.

AC Buckland: The 1949 Buckland Open Tourer is a milestone car.

acc: Abbreviation for "accessories."

ACC: [1] Acronym for "Automatic Cruise Control." [2] A term found on a cruise control switch which indicates the direction the switch needs to be moved to increase the speed (accelerate) of the vehicle.

accelerate: To increase the speed of a vehicle. Opposite of decelerate.

acceleration: The rate of change of velocity or speed. Velocity is steady and is measured in distance per time (e.g., feet per second, miles per hour, kilometres per hour). Acceleration keeps increasing and is measured in velocity per time (e.g., feet per second per second or feet per second squared). Also see lateral acceleration and sluggish acceleration.

acceleration enrichment: The action of increasing the fuel/air mixture during acceleration in order to improve the vehicle's speed and its smooth response.

accelerator: [1] In automobiles, this is the "gas pedal" which is attached by linkage to the throttle in the carburetor or to the fuel injection system. It regulates the amount of fuel which is sent to the engine. In motorcycles, the accelerator is located on the right-hand twist grip or an actuating lever.
A chemical which is added to something to make a process happen more quickly. For example, a chemical may be added to paint to cause it to dry faster. The opposite is "retarder." .

accelerator interlock: A connection between the gas pedal and the automatic transmission.

accelerator pedal: The accelerator, gas pedal, or throttle pedal.

accelerator pump: A small pump usually located inside the carburetor that sprays an extra amount of fuel into the engine during acceleration. It improves acceleration by giving more boost and reducing a momentary lag in power. It is actuated by depressing the pedal.

accelerometer: An instrument which measures the amount of acceleration.

acceptable quality level: (AQL) A manufactured good that may not be perfect but does reach a level of shape, size, and performance, etc. that will make it work and last as long as the manufacturer expects.

acceptance test: An examination of a part or its assembly to determine if it meets a prescribed standard.

access: A way of reaching something that is usually hidden or covered. Also see access panel.

access hole: An opening through which you can reach something. It is usually covered with a panel.

accessories: Items and packages of equipment which are beyond the standard equipment supplied in a new vehicle.

accessory: See accessories.

access panel: The cover which conceals the engine on a mid-engine vehicle. Also called "engine cover." Also see hood.

accident damage: The destruction caused to a vehicle's bodywork when it is involved in an accident.

accumulator: [1] A storage battery for an electric car. [2] A pressurized container for an automatic levelling suspension system. [3] A part of the hydraulic system which is charged by the fluid pump, absorbs fluctuating fluid delivery, stores fluid at pressure, and can provide a rapid flow of fluid under pressure. See accumulator piston.

accumulator battery: A storage battery (i.e., the main battery in your vehicle).

accumulator drier: A device which is part of the air conditioning system. It is made up of a tank, filter, drying agent, and a vapor return tube. It is usually found on the evaporator outlet. It stores the excess refrigerant and removes the moisture from the refrigerant (thus the name "drier"). Also see receiver drier.

accumulator piston: A unit found in the automatic transmission to assist the servo to apply the brake band quickly and smoothly.

accumulator system: In an automatic transmission, it includes a hydraulic accumulator piston which is controlled by a valve.

accumulator valve: A device which operates the hydraulic accumulator piston in an automatic transmission.

Ace: See AC Ace.

ACEA: Acronym for "Association des Constructeurs européens d'Automobiles" (i.e., European Automakers Association) on http://www.acea.be/acea/index.html.

Aceca: See AC Aceca.

AC generator: A generator produces direct current (DC) while an alternator produces alternating current (AC). Because alternators were introduced to automobile electrical systems after generators had been in use for some time, some people referred to the new alternator as "AC generator."

acid rain: When the smoke created by factories and vehicle exhausts is taken by the wind and joined with rain clouds, the mixture is often acidic. As a result the rain that falls to the ground (and even on your car) may damage whatever it strikes.

Ackermann: See Ackermann steering.

Ackermann steering: A double-pivoting steering system where the outer ends of the steering arms are bent slightly inward so that when the vehicle is making a turn, the inside wheel will turn more sharply than the outer wheel. This is done to compensate for the greater distance the outside wheel must travel.

Ackermann angle: The toe-out or toe-in of a vehicle with Ackermann steering when the wheels are positioned straight ahead.

Ackermann axle: In a vehicle with Ackermann steering (at the front of the vehicle), it is a non-rotating axle that is steerable and has two pivot points (one on each end of the axle) with vertical kingpins.

across corners: (A/C) The distance on a nut (for instance) from one corner to the opposite corner rather than the distance from one flat surface (A/F) to the opposite (which would be the size of wrench needed to install or remove the nut). The purpose of the A/C dimension is to know how large a hole might be needed to insert a recessed nut.

across flats: (A/F) The distance on a nut (for instance) from one flat surface to the opposite flat surface, i.e., this is the size of the wrench needed to install or remove the nut. Also see across corners.

acrylate: a polymer used to strengthen rubber (e.g., ethyl acrylate).

acrylic: a term relating to a type of paint made by polymerizing acrylonitrile.

acrylic finish: a final coating of paint which uses acrylic paint, often where the pigment and an acrylic paint are mixed together. See two-pack paint.

acrylic paint: a type of paint made by polymerizing acrylonitrile.

acrylic resin: a thermoplastic synthetic plymer made by polymerizing an acrylic derivative such as acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, and methacrylate. It is used for adhesives, protective coatings, and paint finishes.

AC Shelby Cobra: The 1962-67 Shelby Cobra models are milestone cars.

ACT: Acronym for "air charge temperature."

activated carbon: A highly porous carbon which is able to absorb gases and fluids. It is usually found in small pellets so that the surface area is greater than a large chunk of it. Also it has a number of pores on each pellet to increase the surface area more. Thus the greater surface area means greater ability to absorb. Also called "activated charcoal."

activated carbon canister: An automotive filter in which activated carbon has been placed so that gas tank fuel vapors, which have accumulated when the vehicle is not running, are trapped in the filter. When the engine is running, hot air is forced into the filter and push out the vapors into the engine. In this way, pollution is reduced and conservation of the fuel is maintained. Also called "activated charcoal trap."

activated charcoal: See activated carbon and charcoal.

activated charcoal trap: See activated carbon canister.

activator: A substance which is used to speed up the process of curing a tire.

active braking time: The length of time (excluding the driver's reaction time) a vehicle takes to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied.

active noise control system: See anti-noise system.

active safety: The opposite of passive safety. Passive safety involves seat belts, airbags, bumpers, etc. so that in the event of an accident the passengers are protected. Active safety involves factors which will assist the driver in avoiding an accident. They include brakes, steering, handling response, acceleration, etc.

active suspension: While conventional suspension uses springs and shock absorbers to isolate the vehicle from the bouncing movement of the wheels when it contacts rough roads, active suspension uses power actuators which are controlled by a computer. These actuators place the wheels of the vehicle in the best position to accommodate rough roads as well as compensate for different load levels.

actual cash value: (ACV) The amount of money a dealer has invested in the purchase of a used vehicle and any additional costs to repair the unit in order to get it ready for resale.

actuate: The action of bringing a part or assembly into operation.

actuating lever: A triggering device used to bring a part or assembly into operation.

actuating switch: A triggering device used to bring a part or assembly into operation.

actuator: A device which controls or operates another device.

actuator arm: An arm connecting the diaphragm to the contact breaker platform in an advance mechanism. Also called "diaphragm link."

ACV: Acronym for actual cash value.

adapter: (Also spelled "adaptor") A connector which links two items usually of dissimilar structure or size. Also see carburetor adapter, engine adapter, and transmission adapter.

adapter plate: (Also spelled "adaptor plate") A plate which is placed between two different parts in order to link them. Also see transfer plate.

additive: A substance (liquid or powder) which is added to gasoline or oil and is intended to improve the characteristics of the original product.

ADEFA: Acronym for "Asociacion de Fabricas de Automotores" (Argentina) on http://www.adefa.com.ar/.

adhere: To stick or be glued to something.

adhesion: [1] The ability of paint, primer, or glue to stick to the surface to which it is applied. [2] The ability of a tire to grip the surface of the road.

adhesive: A substance (like glue) that is used to join two substances.

adhesive tape: A tape with a sticky substance on one side. It usually comes in a roll of various widths. Sometimes used to insulate electrical wires (e.g., electrical tape) or to wrap a larger object (e.g., duct tape). Often the non-sticky side is shiny (but not always).

adhesive weight: Lead wheel weights which have a sticky backing. It comes in strips and is applied to a wheel rim. Also called "tape weight."

adiabatic: A property of being able to maintain heat evenly. It does not gain any heat or lose it. Also see thermal efficiency.

adiabatic engine: An engine which is very efficient in transferring combustion heat to those parts of the engine which are being cooled by the flow of anti-freeze coolant -- thus maintaining an even temperature of the engine. In this way the engine is warm enough for efficient running and it does not overheat.

adjust: The action of putting something into its proper alignment or position. It may involve one component (e.g., He adjusted the gasket to fit properly.) or a series of components (e.g., He adjusted the poor idle -- might mean he set the ignition timing, adjusted the carburetor screws, changed the choke setting, cleaned or replaced the spark plugs, etc.) Also see tweak.

adjustable: A characteristic of something that can be changed, removed, or give different properties.

adjustable cup: The left-hand cup in a bottom bracket of a bicycle, used in adjusting the bottom bracket bearings and removed during bottom bracket overhaul. The other cup is the fixed cup.

adjustable shock: See adjustable shocks.

adjustable shocks: shock absorbers which can compensate for varying needs of stiffness or softness. Manual types require that you physically make the adjustment from one level to another. Automatic types are controlled by a computer as it senses particular changes in road condition.

adjustable spanner: British term for adjustable wrench.

adjustable variable exhaust port: A device used on two-stroke engines which automatically alters or varies the exhaust port size.

adjustable wrench: A crescent wrench or pipe wrench. A tool which has a fixed jaw and a movable jaw which is controlled by a spiral gear. It is used to install or remove bolts and nuts of various sizes. The wrench itself comes in a variety of lengths and jaw sizes. A crescent wrench has smooth jaws while a pipe wrench has serrated jaws. British term is "adjustable spanner."

adjuster: A device for moving something into the correct position or into a different position such as a seat adjuster.

adjuster cam: A device for moving the shoes on drum brakes closer to the drum itself so that there is less travel when the brakes are applied.

adjusting gage: See adjusting gauge.

adjusting gauge: A tool used to determine the small distance between two parts so that they can be brought within specifications.

adjusting screw: A small screw usually found on carburetors or brakes which change the way something operates, such as increasing or decreasing the amount of fuel entering the engine; or changing the idle speed; or tightening up the brakes; or changing the setting on rocker arms.

adjusting shim: A thin washer or plate which reduces or increases the clearance between two components (depending upon where they are placed). While some valves are adjusted by screws on the rocker arm, others are set by inserting a shim to make the same adjustment.

adjusting sleeve: A small cylinder on the end of the tie rod which shortens or lengthens the rod to make changes in the toe-in and toe-out.

adjustment: [1] changing or modifying the position or alignment of two components. [2] the distance of travel that a component has.

Adler: The brand name of a vehicle. With required application the 1925-48 models are classic cars.

A-drier: See A-dryer.

A-dryer: A paint dryer which has the heating elements below the paint drying line.

adsorption: The bonding that takes place when a gas or vapor comes into contact with a solid. The opposite is desorption.

adsorption canister: See activated carbon canister.

advance: [1] The act of changing the ignition timing so that the spark occurs earlier in the cycle. The opposite is retard. [2] It may refer to the device which makes this adjustment. See centrifugal advance, spark advance, and vacuum advance

advance capsule: See vacuum advance.

advance curve: As the speed of the engine increases the ignition advance also increases. On paper, a pattern is drawn as a curve to represent this relationship.

advanced: [1] A condition in which something occurs early. [2] A product which is on the cutting edge of technology and shows the latest in new ideas and concepts.

advanced rim taper: A rim where both bead seats are tapered 5°.

advance weight: One of two small weights located in a centrifugal advance assembly.

AEA: Acronym for "Automotive Electric Association."

AERA: Acronym for "Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association."

aeration: A foaming of a liquid because air has been introduced into the fluid. When it occurs in certain liquids, it decreases the efficiency of the liquid.

aerial: British term for antenna.

aerodynamic: the efficient flow of air around an object.

aerodynamic drag: The resistance of the air to forward movement, sometimes called "air resistance." This is a factor of the shape of the vehicle (drag coefficient and frontal area), the objects which stick out (i.e., mirrors, mufflers, bumpers), the amount of turbulence at the rear of the vehicle, the nature of the vehicle's skin surface, and the amount of air going through the vehicle for cooling and ventilation. The faster you go, the greater the air friction (air friction = velocity x velocity). The faster you go, the greater the amount of power needed to overcome this drag (power = velocity x velocity x velocity).

aerodynamics: The study of the flow of air as it passes over and around a moving object as well as the forces which the air makes on the object. An airplane, for instance, needs positive lift to get it airborne and negative lift to help it land. Thus the shape of a land vehicle (car, bicycle, etc.) either promotes positive or negative lift. Race cars may use spoilers and wings (air foils) to control lift. In vehicle design, the airflow is monitored in a wind tunnel. As well, aerodynamics also studies the most efficient shapes for increased speed and fuel economy.

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