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

CA: API classification for diesel engine oil widely used in the late '40s and '50s.

CAAM: Acronym for "China Association of Automobile Manufacturers".

Cab: 1. A taxi or car for hire. 2. The closed part of a truck (or even a car) where the driver sits.

Cab chassis: A truck chassis which includes the driver compartment.

Cable: A cord generally made of strands of thin wire. Electrical cables are covered with a protective non-conducting material. Control cables are housed within an outer sleeve. See jumper cables.

Cable activated: A device which is controlled by a cable. As a lever or pedal is engaged, the device is correspondingly moved. The longer the cable the less efficient is the system. Cables tend to stretch and fray with use.

Cable lock: A thick cable with a lock at one end and which can be wrapped around a bicycle frame and a post to protect the bike from being stolen.

Cables: See cable.

Cabriolet: Similar to the sport coupé, it has a provision for converting to an open-type body (i.e., convertible). A rumble seat is a common but not mandatory feature. Also called a "drophead coupé."

CAD: Acronym for "computer aided design".

Caddy: An euphemistic name for Cadillac.

Cadillac: The 1925-35 models are classic cars. The 12-cylinder models are classic cars. The 16 cylinder models are classic cars. The 1938-41 60 Special models are classic cars. The 1936-48 all series #67, #70, #72, #75, #80, #85, #90 are classic cars. Also see history of Cadillac.

Cadillac Eldorado: The 1953-58, 67-70 Eldorado models are milestone cars. Also see the history of Cadillac Eldorado.

Cadillac Eldorado Brougham: The 1957-58 models are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac Eldorado.

Cadillac 60 Special: The 1948-49 models are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.

Cadillac 61 Coupe Fastback: The 1948-49 models are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadill ac.

Cadillac 62: The Sedanet and Convertible DeVille for 1948-49 are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.

Cadillac 75: The Sedan/Limo for 1946-70 are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.

CAFE: Acronym for "Corporate Average Fuel Economy".

Cafe racer: An early sportbike motorcycle which originated in Europe. They had a low windshield and the rider was bent forward to optimize air flow. Its name came from those who raced from one restaurant (cafe) to another.

Cage: 1. On a front derailleur of a bicycle, it is a pair of parallel plates that push the chain from side to side; on a rear derailleur, it is a set of plates in which pulleys are mounted to hold and guide the chain from cog to cog. 2. Any device for holding or securing something, e.g., a bottle cage on a bicycle. 3. When referring to bearings, it is the part which holds the balls or rollers in place. 4. When referring to a vehicle, it is the safety enclosure called a "roll cage."

CAJAD: Acronym for "Canadian Association of Japanese Automobile Dealers" on http://www.cajad.com/.

Calcium chloride: A chemical (salt) which is added to water in a liquid ballast.

Calendering: A thin layer of rubber inside the tire casing which covers the carcass cords to protect them from moisture and to protect the tube from chafing by the cord body. In tubeless tires, calendering consists of a layer of air proof butyl rubber.

Calibrate: As applied to test instruments it is the procedure of adjusting the dial needle to the correct zero or load setting.

California wheel: A name given to a spoked wheel produced by particular manufacturer. Although the wheel is popular in the East and Midwest of United States, it is not common in California or other Western states.
Caliper: 1. The apparatus on disc brakes which hold the disc pads and straddles the disc. When actuated the pads press against the disc to stop or slow the vehicle. 2. On bicycles, the brake arms that reach around the sides of a wheel to press brake pads against the wheel rim. 3. An adjustable measuring tool that is placed around (outside caliper) or within (inside caliper) an object and adjusted until it just contacts. It is then withdrawn and the distance measured between the contacting points.

CAM: Acronym for "computer aided manufacturing".

Cam: 1. A designed bump on a shaft or disc which causes a rocking motion in an adjacent part. 2. A metal disc with irregularly shaped lobes used in the camshaft to activate the opening and closing of the valves and in the distributor, to force the points to open. 3. A colloquial name for the camshaft. 4. A name for the breaker cam.

Cam angle: See dwell.

Camaro: A series of pony cars from the Chevrolet division of General Motors. It is often misspelled as "Camero" because of a mispronunciation. The 1967-69 SS/RS V-8 and Z-28 models are milestone cars.
Camber: A wheel alignment adjustment of the inward or outward tilt on the top of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Tipping the top of the wheel center line outward produces positive camber. Tipping the wheel center line inward at the top produces negative camber. When the camber is positive, the tops of the tires are further apart than the bottom. Correct camber improves handling and cuts tire wear. Camber is measured in degrees.

Cambered axle: An axle that has a slight arch which curves upward at the center so that the wheels can tilt outward at the top. In this way it is better than an axle which might sag under load.

Camber thrust: The side force generated when a tire rolls with camber. Camber thrust can add to or subtract from the side force a tire generates.

Cam chain: A timing chain which controls the overhead camshaft.

Camelback: Uncured retread rubber in crescent shape, available in various widths and depths according to size and type of tire being retreaded. See die size.
Cam follower: The unit that contacts the end of the valve stem and the camshaft. The follower rides on the camshaft and when the cam lobes move it upward, it opens the valve. Also called "valve lifter" or "tappet."

Cam ground piston: See cam-ground piston.

Cam-ground piston: A piston with a skirt that is ground slightly egg-shaped or oval-shaped. The widest diameter of the skirt is at right angles to the piston-pin axis. When it is heated, it becomes round. The design allows for a closer fit in the cylinder so that there is a reduction of blowby gas, cylinder scuffing, and piston slap.

Cam lobe: See cam lobes.

Cam lobes: The bumps on a cam that contact and activate such devices as the lifters, which operate the valves, and the rubbing block, which causes the points to open and close, as the cam spins with the distributor shaft.

Campaigning: Racing a particular vehicle for an entire season.

Cam profile: The shape of each lobe on a camshaft. These shapes determine when the valves open or close.
Camshaft: A shaft with cam lobes (bumps) which is driven by gears, a belt, or a chain from the crankshaft. The lobes push on the valve lifters to cause the valves to open and close. The camshaft turns at half the speed of the crankshaft. Also see double-overhead cam, overhead cam, race camshaft, and three-quarter race camshaft.

Camshaft gear: A gear that is used to drive the camshaft.

Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement: (FTA) Implemented in January 1989 to eliminate all tariffs on U.S. and Canadian goods by January 1998 and to reduce or eliminate many non-tariff barriers.

Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council: (CARS) A not-for-profit organization established to serve the human resource and training needs of the Canadian car and truck repair and service industry.

Canadian cross border shopping: cross border shopping describes the purchasing by Canadian consumers of products in the United States. Of particular interest is the decision by these buyers to obtain their products in the U.S., even though similar products are available in the Canadian market.

Canadian Environmental Protection Act: (CEPA) act where the goal is pollution prevention and protection of Canadians from toxic substances.

Candle: See candle power.

Candle power: A measurement of the light producing ability of a light bulb.

Canister: A small metal box or can.

Cantilever: An arm that projects from a source and supports cables. See cantilever brake.

Cantilever brake: rim brake on bicycles with pivoting arms mounted on fork blades or seatstays at or below rim level.

Cantilever brakes: See cantilever brake.

Cap: Cleaner air package system of reducing the amount of unburned hydrocarbons in the automobile exhaust. Also see bearing cap, distributor cap, hubcap, and pressure cap.

Capacitance: The property which opposes any change in voltage in an electrical circuit. The property of a nonconductor by which it stores electrical energy when separated surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of potential. Capacitance is measured by the ratio of the charge induced to the potential difference and is proportional to the area of the conducting plates and the dielectric constant of the nonconducting material, and inversely proportional to the separation of the plates (mks unit: farad).

Capacitive discharge: (CD) A type of ignition system. It can be either all-electronic or breaker point controlled. The primary power is drawn from the engine's battery and put into the CD power supply, where it is changed from 12 volts direct current to about 300 volts of pulsating direct current that is stored in a capacitor (condenser). The release of this energy through the coil is governed by a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR). When the SCR switch is closed, the voltage stored in the capacitor is supplied to the coil, which acts as a voltage step-up transformer boosting firing voltage to around 30,000 volts to fire the plugs.

Capacitor: A device which gives capacitance, usually consisting of conducting plates or foil separated by layers of a dielectric. A potential difference applied across the plates induces a separation of charge centers in the dielectric, thus storing electrical energy. See condenser.

Capacitor controlled electronic ignition: See electronic ignition system and capacitive discharge.

Capacity: 1. The ability to contain or hold something. 2. Maximum production attainable under normal conditions. With regard to normal conditions, the company's operating practices are to be followed with respect to the use of production facilities, overtime, workshifts, holidays, etc. Also see ampere hour capacity, breathing capacity, carrying capacity, cubic capacity, energy, fuse, passenger capacity, ply rating, top off, and work capacity.

Capital expenditures: expenditures to acquire or add to capital assets that will yield benefits over several accounting periods. Included are cost of procuring, construction, installing new durable plants, machinery and equipment where for replacement, addition or for lease or rent to other companies including subsidies.

Capping: Installing a new tread on a tire carcass. See retreading.

Captive finance company: A leasing or finance company which is affiliated with an automobile manufacturer or distributor.

Captive import: an imported motor vehicle or part manufactured by another automaker usually for sale under the brand name of the importer.

Car: A wheeled vehicle such as an automobile or a section of a train. The word is an abbreviation of "carriage" -- a device to carry people or goods.

Carb: An abbreviation for "carburetor."

Carbon: The hard, or soft, black deposits found in the combustion chamber, on the plugs, under the rings, on and under the valve heads, etc. Although it is not a metal, it is a good conductor of electricity.

Carbon black: A by-product of the petroleum industry used as a pigment and to give body in the manufacture of rubber products, both natural and synthetic. Carbon is the black residue from burning petroleum.

Carbon fiber: Threadlike strands of pure carbon that are strong and flexible. Carbon fiber can be bound in a plastic resin matrix to form a strong composite. It is light-weight and stronger than steel. Can also be spelled "carbon fibre." .

Carbon fibre: See carbon fiber.

Carbon monoxide: (CO) A deadly, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas found in the engine exhaust. Toxic even in relatively small concentrations. Formed by incomplete burning of hydrocarbons. Thus at its greatest with a rich mixture.

Carbon tetrachloride: A liquid often used in fire extinguishers. The fumes are toxic -- avoid inhaling.

Carbonize: Building up of carbon on objects such as spark plugs, pistons, heads, etc.
Carburetor: Optionally spelled carburetter or carburettor. A device that vaporizes fuel and mixes it with air in proper quantities and proportions to suit the varying needs of the engine. A filter screens the air which is drawn into the carburetor. Here the gasoline mixes with the air and this fuel vapor enters the combustion chamber through the intake valve where it is compressed and burned. Also see air-valve carburetor, double-barrel carburetor, downdraft carburetor, dual carbs, four-barrel carburetor, sidedraft carburetor, single-barrel carburetor, and updraft carburetor

Carburetor adapter: An adapter that is used to fit or place one type of carburetor on an intake manifold that may not be originally designed for it. Also used to adapt four-barrel carburetors to two-barrel manifolds.

Carburetor barrel: The tube-like part of the vehicle through which air flows and is mixed with vaporized fuel. The choke butterfly valve is located at the top of the carburetor barrel, and the throttle valve is located at the bottom. Midway through, the barrel narrows, and this part is called the "venturi." Carburetors can have one, two, or four barrels.

Carburetor circuit: A series of passageways and units designed to perform a specific function idle circuit, full power circuit, etc.

Carburetor circuits: See carburetor circuit.

Carburetor icing: The formation of ice on the throttle plate or valve during certain atmospheric conditions. As the fuel nozzles feed fuel into the air horn it turns to a vapor. This robs heat from the air and when weather conditions are just right (fairly cool and quite humid) ice may form. Also see icing.

Carburetter: See carburetor.

Carburettor: See carburetor.

Carcass: The primary structure of a tire body with its cords, plies, rim wires, etc. apart from the tread itself. Structurally the carcass should hold air and provide strength to the tire, but would not wear well without the tread.

Cardan: See cardan joint.
Cardan joint: A type of universal joint named after the Italian Cardan who developed the concept in the 16th century. In the 17th century, Robert Hooke of England developed and patented the conventional universal joint. Sometimes it is called the "Cardan universal" or the "Hooke universal." It has two yokes at right angles to each other.

Cardan universal: See cardan joint.

Cargo net: A type of bungee net usually found in the trunk of a car to secure packages from moving around.

Carriage: 1. A horse-drawn vehicle for people to ride in. 2. A railroad vehicle for passengers.

Carriage bolt: A bolt that has a smooth dome head so that no screwdriver or wrench can remove it from the dome-side.

Carrier: See carrier bearing. Pinion carrier, or planet carrier.

Carrier bearing: The bearings upon which the differential case is mounted.

Carrier bearings: See carrier bearing.

Carrier, pinion: See pinion carrier.

Carrier, planet: See planet carrier.

Carrosserie: French term for coachwork.

Carrozzeria: Italian term for coachwork.

Carrying capacity: The maximum load that a tire is allowed to carry with a particular wheel and rim. Also called "load capacity."

CARS: Acronym for "Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council" on http://www.cars-council.ca/.

Case: See differential case.

Case harden: The action of hardening the surface of steel.

Case-hardened: A piece of steel that has had the outer surface hardened while the inner portion remains relatively soft.

Casing: The outside shell of something. See tire casing.

Casing factor: That portion of the load supported by tire casing stiffness instead of air pressure.

Cast: To shape molten metal by pouring it into a mold. A model or result made by pouring metal into a mold. See cast iron and casting.

Cast iron: An alloy of iron and more than 2% carbon. It is used for engine blocks and transmission and differential cases because it is relatively cheap and easy to mold into complex shapes.

Casting: a process technology that delivers a liquid molten metal into a purpose-built mould. After cooling, the solid metal surface has the shape of the mould cavity.

Castle: See castellated nut.

Castle nut: See castellated nut.

Castellated: See castellated nut.

Castellated nut: A nut with several lugs protruding from one end making it look like the turrets on the top of the wall of a castle. This nut is used on a shaft with a hole drilled in it. It is secured to the shaft by passing a cotter pin through an opening in the nut and through the shaft hole.
Caster: A wheel alignment adjustment that positions the wheels like the casters on a chair or shopping cart, so the tires follow naturally in a forward straight line. In a truck or older car, the top of the kingpin is either forward (negative) or toward the rear of the vehicle (positive). On a turn, the wheels will tend to straighten out when the steering wheel is released. If the car has independent front suspension, the upper ball joint is set forward or rearward in relation to the lower ball joint. Caster is measured in degrees. Also see trail distance

Caster wobble: A condition generally produced in the front wheels when they are attached to the ends of a beam axle. It is particularly noticeable on rough roads and the shimmy at the steering wheel makes it difficult to control the vehicle. You have probably seen this condition in a shopping cart that has caster wheels that wiggle or fluctuate back and forth and will not roll in a straight line.

Casting: Pouring metal into a mold to form an object. Also see die casting.

Castor: British spelling of caster.

Cast spoke assembly: That part of the vehicle consisting of the brake drum and wheel spider, having 3, 5 or 6 spokes.

Cast spoke type: A type of dual mounting wheels where two demountable rims are mounted directly on the spoke wheel and drum assembly held apart by a spacer band and locked in place by clamps and nuts which attach to studs in the spoke face.

Catalytic: See catalytic converter and three-way catalytic converter.

Catalytic converter: A pollution-control device found on the exhaust system of all cars since its introduction in 1974 which acts like an afterburner to reburn unburned gas in the tail pipe. It looks like a small muffler and is usually made of stainless steel. It contains platinum, rhodium, or palladium which is a catalyst for the chemical reaction needed to burn off any unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by turning them into water vapor, carbon dioxide and other less toxic gases. Also see three-way catalytic converter.

Catback: A performance exhaust system upgrade which consists of new pipes from the catalytic converter to the tail pipe which increases horsepower. These new pipes are larger, thus, more exhaust can exit the system. The faster the exhaust can exit, the more horsepower you gain.

Cathode: In an electric circuit the negative terminal.

Caution: A period in racing in which track conditions are too hazardous for racing due to an accident or debris on the racing surface. The cars remain in their racing positions behind the pace car until it is determined that it is safe to resume the race.

Caved: Dented inward as in When the car hit me, it caved in the door.

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