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antipercolation valve: See anti-percolation valve.

anti-percolation valve: A device for venting vapors from the main discharge tube, or the well, of a carburetor. The vented vapors are not released into the atmosphere, but rerouted into an evaporative emission canister where they are stored until the next time the vehicle is started. Thus it provides a richer mixture needed for starting. Also see percolation.

anti-rattle spring: A component in disc brakes shaped like the letter "X" and made of spring steel. It applies radial pressure to the brake pads to prevent rattling. Also called "spreader spring"

antiroll bar: See anti-roll bar.

anti-roll bar: Sometimes called the "anti-sway bar," "stabilizer bar," or even (incorrectly) "roll-bar." It is usually a round bar which connects the left wheel suspension assembly with the right side. It may be found at the front and/or rear. Its main function is to keep both wheels rolling at the same rate when meeting bumps; but it also affects handling. A front anti-roll bar increases understeer and a rear bar increases oversteer.

antiroll device: See brake anti-roll device.

anti-roll device: See brake anti-roll device.

anti-rust treatment: See rustproofing.

antiscuffing: The ability of a precision insert bearing to resist scuffing or scratching the shaft journal in the event that the oil surface skin is destroyed.

antiskid: See anti-skid.

anti-skid: (ASBS) A computer controlled automotive device which senses when one or more of the wheels are locking up during braking. It eases up on the amount of hydraulic pressure to that wheel. It must be remembered that a wheel cannot be steered unless it is rolling; so if the wheel is locked up, there is no steering control. By the use of electronic computers, the brakes rapidly alternate from full power to none so that both maximum braking and maximum steering control is allowed. If you jam on the brakes, you will feel a pulsing sensation. Sometimes called "anti-lock brakes."

anti-spin regulation: (ASR) The control or prevention of wheelspin under power, normally by means of electronic sensing and in conjunction with anti-lock brakes.

anti-spin regulation traction control system: (ASC) The system which prevents wheelspin. See anti-spin regulation.

anti-spray flap: See mudflap

antisquat: See anti-squat system.

anti-squat: See anti-squat system.

anti-squat system: squat is the action of the rear end of the vehicle to point downward during hard acceleration. The suspension in cars is designed to remove this tendency. Contrasts with anti-dive system

anti-squeal shim: A shim (metal plate) placed behnd the brake piston or the brake pad to reduce noise when the brakes are applied.

anti-sway bar: See anti-roll bar

anti-theft system: Any device (mechanical or electrical) which tends to reduce the theft of a vehicle. It may involve an alarm system, ignition lockouts, steering locks, steering wheel locks, transmission locks, and/or wheel locks

anti-vibration mounting: Because the engine, transmission, differential, and other components tend to vibrate when in motion, noise increases and there is possible wear at the points of contact with the frame members. Rubber blocks are used to cushion the vibration at the mounting points.

anvil: [1] A heavy iron block on which something is placed for forging or hammering. [2] The lower wheel of a wheeling maching which shapes metals.

A-panel: The side panel used to fill the gap between the rear edge of the front fender and the front edge of the doors.

APEC: See "Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation."

aperture panel: A large side panel of a vehicle making up the rear fender, door frame, and side window frame

apex: The top of a triangle. In racing, it is the point or area closest to the inner corner.

apex seal: A wedge shaped device found on the tips of the triangular rotor in rotary (Wankel) engines. Its purpose is to prevent the escape of compressed gas or combustion gases. It may also release engine heat.

API: Acronym for "American Petroleum Institute," the organization that classifies oil.

APIA: Acronym for "Association of Automotive Manufacturers and Importers" (Romania).

A pillar: See A-post.

A-pillar: See A-post.

Apollo: The 1963-66 models are milestone cars.

A post: See A-post.

A-post: When you look at the side of a car, the post that is attached to the windshield and supports the roof is called the "A-post" or "A-pillar." There are two to each car. Generally the middle post is the B-post and the back post is the C-post.

appliance: British term for a fire engine

application: [1] the use to which something is put. [2] the process of putting something on something else.

applicator: A tool for putting something on something else, e.g., a spreader or brush

apply: To put something on something else

apron: [1] The paved area directly below the racing surface that separates the track from the infield. [2] The panel under the vehicle's doors or the panel acting as an air dam at the front of a vehicle [3] A kick panel.

AQL: Acronym for acceptable quality level

aquaplaning: Also called "hydroplaning." A dangerous tendency for a tire to ride on a thin film of water, thus creating a loss of driver control until tire contact with the road surface returns.

aquatread: A tread pattern of a tire designed to dissipate water lying on the road and provide good traction in the rain.

aqueous solution: A water-based solution

arbor: A rotating shaft in a lathe or drill

arc: The discharge of electric current across a gap of two electrodes.

arch: See wheel arch

arcing: [1] The action of electricity when it leaps the gap between two electrodes. Usually causes premature wear of breaker points. [2] A faulty paint spraying technique where the spray gun is not moved along the panel surface at a uniform distance. Instead it is moved toward the panel when starting and moved away toward the end of the panel. The result of this technique is an uneven application of paint.

arc welding: Welding by using an electric current to melt both the metal to be welded and the welding rod or electrode that is being added.

arm: A part attached to or projecting from something. See a-arm, ball joint rocker arm, breaker arm, control arm, crankarm, high lift rocker arms, idler arm, leading arm, long and short arm suspension, pitman arm, rocker arm, semi-trailing arm, stay, steering arm, throttle arm, trailing arm, and transverse arm.

armature: [1] In a relay, regulator, horn, etc., it is the movable part of the unit. [2] In a starter or generator, it is the portion that revolves between the pole shoes, made up of wire windings of copper on an iron core or axle. When it revolves, an electric current is induced.

armature brake: A mechanical or electrical component in a starter used to stop the armature movement after the starter motor has been switched off.

armature shaft: The primary shaft on which the armature is mounted in a starter or generator.

armor-plated: panels and glass that are extra thick to be bullet-proof.

armour-plated: panels and glass that are extra thick to be bullet-proof.

armrest: A projection upon which the occupants can rest or support their arms. Usually located on the door panel and sometimes in the center of the front seats or the center of the rear seat.

armstrong: A colloquial term for manual steering. Without power assist, steering will need a strong arm, thus the name.

Armstrong-Siddeley: The 1925-1948 models with required application are classic cars.

Arnolt: See Arnolt Bristol.

Arnolt Bristol: The 1952-62 models are milestone cars.

arrester: A device which prevents a certain action. For example, a spark arrester is a special pipe mounted in the end of the exhaust pipe which prevents any burning gasses from coming out with the possible danger of igniting any combustibles in the area (i.e., setting the forest on fire).

articulated: Jointed. An articulated rod is made of two sections with a moveable joint which permits its shape to go from perfectly straight to right angle. See articulated bus and articulated truck

articulated bus: A large bus with an accordion-like section in the middle of the body which allows the bus to turn sharply around corners as it articulates at that part of the bus.

articulated truck: A large truck with two sections to allow it to turn sharply around corners.

asbestos: A heat resistant and non-burning fibrous mineral widely used for brake shoes, clutch linings, etc.

asbestos-free: Something that has no asbestos -- especially brake and clutch linings

ASBS: See anti-skid braking system.

ASC: See anti-spin regulation.

ascending stroke: See up-stroke

: See automatic slip-control differential

ASEAN: Association of South East Asian Nations.

ash frame: A frame of a car made of wood from the ash tree and covered with aluminum panels.

ashtray: A device for holding cigarette ashes.

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation: (APEC) An organization established in 1989 to promote trade and investment in the Pacific Basin. APEC now comprises eighteen countries located in and around the Pacific Ocean: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States.

ASME: Acronym for "American Society of Mechanical Engineers."

aspect ratio: [1] The relationship in a tire or wheel between the distance from the rim to the tread and the tire's width (i.e., ratio of section height to section width). Thus, in a P185/80R13 tire, 80 is the aspect ratio, showing the height is 80% of the width. A lower aspect ratio describes a shorter, wider tire. [2] In a wing, it is the relationship of its span (horizontal length) to its chord (height). Also see ULP.

aspiration: The process of sucking or inhaling the air-fuel mixture into a combustion engine.

aspirator valve: A check valve in an air injection system

ASR: See anti-spin regulation

assemble: The action of putting something together from a number of component parts

assembly: The finished union of a number of parts to make a component

assembly line: The production line where a vehicle is put together from its component parts. Often one team will work on just the engine of each vehicle while another team works on another part, etc.

Association of South East Asian Nations: (ASEAN) An organization of states (including Brunei, Myanmar, Burma, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) founded in 1967 to present an united front that addresses the political, economic, and strategic dynamics of the region.

assy: Abbreviation for assembly.

ASTM: Acronym for American Society for Testing and Materials

Aston-Martin: The 1927-1939 models with application and all others from 1925-48 are classic cars.

Aston Martin: The 1948-63 models are milestone cars. All the DB4, DB5, DB6 from 1964-67 are milestone cars.

asymmetric: A pattern in which one side does not correspond to the other side.

asymmetrical: A pattern in which one side does not correspond to the other side.

asymmetrical beam: A headlight system in which one beam is of greater intensity than the other.

asymmetrical power distribution: A system in a four-wheel vehicle in which more power is transmitted to the front wheels than the rear wheels or more to the rear wheels than the front wheels

asymmetrical tread: The tread of a tire which has different shapes/patterns and sizes of grooves in the same tire. Often they are divided into three distinct patterns: the outside shoulder, the center zone, and the inside shoulder. The outside shoulder tread will have larger shoulder elements with very few sipes to provide increased cornering stability. The center tread zone enhances steering control. The inside shoulder tread zone provides additional traction because the shape of the tread elements, sipes, and larger shoulder slots help disperse water and slush. Obviously these tires must be mounted only one way so that the outside pattern is actually on the outside of the wheel

asymmetric rim: A wheel rim where the well is located outside the centerline of the wheel. Opposite of symmetric rim

ATB: See all-terrain bike.

ATC: Acronym for automatic temperature control

ATDC: See after top dead center.

ATE: Acronym for automatic test equipment

ATF: See: automatic Transmission Fluid and transmission fluid.

atmospheric corrosion: A gradual oxydation of metal as a result of acid rain and other corrosive substances in our polluted air.

atmospheric pressure: Pressure or weight exerted by the atmosphere on all things exposed to it. At sea level it is about 1 kg. per square centimetre or 14.72 pounds per square inch (psi).

atom: A tiny particle of matter made up of electrons, protons and neutrons. Atoms or combinations of atoms make up molecules. The electrons orbit around the center or nucleus made up of the protons and neutrons.

atomize: The extent to which a spray gun breaks up paint into a fine mist, fog, or spray.

atomizer: A device for producing a fine spray such as used on a paint spray gun.

atomizing pressure: The pressure needed to atomize a liquid like paint.

atramentizing: A corrosion protection process in which steel is coated with phosphate using a zinc phosphate solution at 90° C (194° F).

attachment: A fitting or accessory to be used in conjunction with a tool, such as a grinding disc for use with an electric drill.

attack: [1] Chemical corrosion of metal. [2] To damage something by corrosion.

attack angle: The angle of the rear spoiler where it is most effective against lift.

attendant parking: Parking which is left to a valet and supervised by an attendant

attenuation: A reduction of noise or emission

attrition: A process of wearing out an object by friction.

ATV: Acronym for "All Terrain Vehicle."

Auburn: All 8 and 12-cylinder models from 1925-1948 are classic cars.

Austin Healey: The 100-6 models from 1956-59 are milestone cars. The 3000 models from 1959-67 are milestone cars. The 100/100M model from 1953-56 are milestone cars.

Austro-Daimler: The 1925-1948 models are classic cars.

authorized dealer: A company which sells and services a particular brand of vehicle and is appointed or recommended by a manufacturer.

auto: [1] Abbreviation for automatic transmission. [2] Abbreviation for automobile

auto bonnet: A British term for a car cover

autochoke: A term for automatic choke

autoclave: A sealable high-pressure container used for polymerization and in tire production

autocross: A timed competition of low-to-medium speed driving, with one driver at a time navigating a small course defined by traffic cones. Drivers compete against one another for the fastest timed lap (sometimes multiple laps) through the course.

autocycle: An obsolete moped which is a form of a light motorcycle with a small engine that uses pedals to start the engine and provide some extra help getting up hills.

auto dealer: a retail outlet that carries one (or in some cases in the U.S., a number of) manufacturer's product line and sells to general consumers and fleet operators. The outlet will also provide service and sell parts for the brand of vehicle that it carries. In some instances, a dealer may dual for another manufacturer's product line.

autodealership: a retail outlet that carries one (or in some cases in the U.S., a number of) manufacturer's product line and sells to general consumers and fleet operators. The outlet will also provide service and sell parts for the brand of vehicle that it carries. In some instances, a dealer may dual for another manufacturer's product line.

autoignition: The rapid burning of the air-fuel mixture as a result of a flame or hot surface, not from a spark plug.

autojumble: A British term for a "swap meet" where parts for old cars are displayed for sale in various stalls.

automated guided vehicle system: (AGVS) Vehicles equipped with automatic guidance equipment which follow a prescribed path, stopping at each machining or assembly station for manual loading and unloading of parts.

automatic: [1] Colloquial term for automatic transmission. [2] Anything that operates without the direct control of the driver. See automatic choke, automatic gearbox, automatic level control, automatic temperature control, automatic transmission, automatic transmission fluid.

automatic advance: A mechanism which adjusts the ignition advance by means of centrifugal weights or by a diaphram controlled by intake manifold vacuum

automatic air-conditioning: An air-conditioning system which automatically maintains a preset temperature. See automatic temperature control

automatic air-recirculation system: A heating and ventilation system which automatically switches to the recirculation mode when the pollutant levels of the air inside the vehicle exceed certain levels; but after a certain period of recirculation, opens the intake air doors again to let some fresh air in, even if its quality is still questionable.

automatic car wash: See car wash

automatic choke: A device attached to the carburetor that automatically reduces the amount of air entering the carburetor by sensing changes in engine temperature. It is usually controlled by a coil spring which changes length as the engine is warmed or cooled.

automatic closing system: A system which automatically closes the doors, windows, sunroof, trunk, and hood.

automatic frequency control: FM stations tend to drift a little, so radios have incorporated the frequency control to automically maintain the desired frequency

automatic gearbox: See automatic transmission.

automatic level control: A component of the suspension which raises or lowers either (or both) the front or rear of the vehicle when there is a change in the amount of load in the vehicle.

automatic muting: An automobile radio which cancels noise output when you turn the station dial.

automatic seat belt: See inertia reel seat belt

automatic slip-control differential: (ASD) An electronically controlled, automatic locking differential developed by Merceds-Benz

automatic speed control: See cruise control

automatic temperature control: A system which regulates the heater and air conditioner so that the temperature inside the vehicle meets the preset temperature.

automatic test equipment: (ATE) An electronic equipment for testing ignition, wiring, fuel injection systems, etc.

automatic transmission: A mechanism of the drivetrain which takes the power from the engine and transfers it to the driveshaft or wheels. Without using a clutch, it uses a torque converter and fluid coupler to change the gear ratio. It automatically effects gear changes to meet varying road and load conditions. Gear changing is done through a series of oil operated clutches and bands.

automatic transmission fluid: (ATF) A very thin viscosity liquid designed for use in automatic transmissions to transfer the movement of the torque converter to the driveshaft. However it is also recommended for use in the forks of motorcycles. When poured into the throat of an automobile carburetor, it helps to remove a build-up of carbon on the cylinder head and the domes of pistons.

automatic volume control: (AVC) An automobile radio which automatically limits the maximum volume to a preset level.

automatic wear adjuster: A device that automatically compensates for the wear of brakes or clutch

automatic wire stripper: A tool which removes the outer insulation from a wire by automatically adjusting to the size of the wire thus avoiding damaging the wires.

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Page Updated Sun May 20, 2001 8:08pm EDT