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Cavitation: A condition in which a partial vacuum forms around the blades or impeller wheels of a pump, reducing the pump's output because part of the pump blades lose contact with the liquid. It can be a problem in fuel and water pump, fluid couplings, and torque converters. When severe, it can result in the erosion of the pump blades and other internal surfaces.

CB: diesel engine oil introduced in 1949.

CBU: Acronym for "Completely Built-Up".

CC: 1. Cruise control. 2. A type of diesel engine oil introduced in 1961. 3. (cc) Cubic centimeter.

CCCA: Acronym for "Classic Car Club of America."

CCFA: Acronym for "Comité Des Constructeurs Français d'Automobiles" (France) on http://www.ccfa.fr/.

CCS: Acronym for "controlled combustion system" of reducing unburned hydrocarbon emission from the engine exhaust.

CD: 1. Diesel engine oil introduced in 1955. 2. See capacitive discharge. 3. (Cd) A measurement of drag coefficient.

CDI box: Acronym for "capacitive discharge Ignition" device sometimes controlled by a computer. It is designed to help the spark plug fire at a rate consistent with the rpms of the engine.

CDV: Acronym for "Car-Derived Van" (e.g., Renault Kangoo).

Cell: A compartment or chamber in a battery which contain positive and negative plates suspended in electrolyte. A six-volt battery has three cells, a twelve-volt battery six cells.

Cell connector: The lead bar or strap connecting battery cell groups.

Celsius: Thermometer on which the boiling point of water is 100 deg and the freezing point is 0 deg. The term replaces the word centigrade. To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 then multiply the result by 5 and divide by 9. To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9, then divide by 5. Now add 32 to the result.

CEMA: Acronym for "Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association".

Cement: An adhesive rubber compound dissolved in solvent used to provide building tack and cured adhesion for tires. May be brushed or sprayed on the buffed surface. Also called "contact cement."

Census value added: residual representing the difference between the value of goods and industrial services produced and the direct material costs associated with the production of goods.

Center bore: See wheel center bore.

Center differential: A differential which is used in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to distribute the power to both the front and rear differentials.

Center of buoyancy: The position in a floating object where the upthrust appears to act.

Center of gravity: (CG) That point in an object, if through which an imaginary pivot line were drawn, would leave the object in balance. In the vehicle, the closer the weight to the ground, the lower the center of gravity. Cornering, acceleration, and other forces act upon the vehicle's center of gravity, thus affecting body roll and other handling characteristics.

Center of pressure: An aerodynamically determined point at which wind force on the side of a vehicle is assumed to be concentrated for analytical purposes. It is a function of the shape and aerodynamic drag (resistance) of an automobile's body shell, determines the effect of side winds on a vehicle's direction of travel, and is a concept similar to the center of gravity.

Center steering linkage: A steering system using two tie rods connected to the steering arms and to a central idler arm, the idler arm is operated by a drag link that connects the idler arm to the pitman arm.

Centigrade: Thermometer on which the boiling point of water is 100 deg and the freezing point is 0 deg. The term is no longer in use and is replaced by the word celsius.
Centrifugal advance: A device found on the distributor which, through the action of centrifugal force on two weights, advances or retards the ignition spark to correspond with changes in engine speed and load.

Centrifugal clutch: A clutch that uses centrifugal force to expand a friction device on the driving shaft until it is locked to a drum on the driven shaft.

Centrifugal force: That force which tends to keep moving objects travelling in a straight line, when a moving vehicle is forced to make a turn, centrifugal force attempts to keep it moving in a straight line, if the vehicle is turning at too high a speed, centrifugal force will be greater than the frictional force between the tires and the road and the vehicle will slide off the road.

Centripetal force: A force which acts towards a central point, such as Earth's gravity.

Century: A bicycle ride of 100 miles (160.9 km). See metric century.

CEPA: Acronym for "Canadian Environmental Protection Act."

Ceramic: A product made from clay or glass. Currently some manufacturers are trying to develop ceramic cylinders because of its ability to retain its shape when heated in contrast with metal which expands when heated. Also see ceramic filter.

Ceramic brake pad: A brake pad constructed with ceramics to reduce wear and heat.

Ceramics: See ceramic.

Ceramic filter: A filtering device using a porous ceramic as the filtering agent.

Cetane rating: A method of rating diesel oil by measuring the time lapse between fuel injection and ignition to determine how easy it is to ignite and how fast it will burn.

CFM: Acronym for "Cubic Feet per Minute." This is the rating of the volume of air moved.

CG: Acronym for center of gravity.

Chain: Linked metal rope that connects the chainwheel to the back wheel, sized differently for different types of bikes. Also see cam chain, derailleur chains and timing chain.

Chain breaker: A tool for removing the pins in a roller chain so that the links can be removed.

Chain drive: A system of transferring power from one shaft to another by means of sprockets and an endless chain. This is the system used on a bicycle; but it is also used on an engine to control the timing of valve opening (called "timing chain" or "cam chain").

Chainring: A sprocket attached to the right crankarm of a bicycle to drive the chain. Also called "chainwheel."

Chainring nut spanner: A special bicycle tool used to loosen the slotted nuts that fasten a chainring to a crankarm.

Chain scrubber: A device attached to a chain which rubs away the grime while the chain is moving.

Chainstay: One of the two tubes of a bicycle frame that run from the bottom bracket back to the rear dropouts.

Chainstays: The two tubes of a bicycle frame that run from the bottom bracket back to the rear dropouts.

Chainwheel: A sprocket attached to the right crankarm of a bicycle to drive the chain. Also called "chainring."

Chain whip: A tool consisting of a metal bar and two sections of chain, used in changing cogs on a freewheel. Sometimes called "chain wrench."

Chain wrench: A locking pliers which employs a chain to wrap around an object like a pipe to secure or remove it. See chain whip.

Chalking: The appearance of a white powder of a paint surface as it weathers and ages.

Chamber: 1. A compartment which is basically empty or hollow. 2. A pressure chamber used to vulcanize pre-cured tread stock to the buffed casing. Also see combustion chamber and pre-combustion chamber.

Chamfer: To bevel or taper the edge of an object especially the sides of a hole.

Changeover: 1. The refitting of equipment to either neutralize the effects of the just completed production or to prepare equipment for production of the next scheduled item, or both. 2. The removing of new original equipment tires in exchange for a different make, size, or type.

Channel: 1. To lower the vehicle body around the frame. 2. A route or groove through which anything passes.

Channelled: Vehicle body lowered down around the frame.
Chapman strut: A type of rear suspension using a lower lateral link and a long spring-shock strut to determine wheel geometry. The basic principle is the same as that of the front MacPherson strut and it is so named because Colin Chapman first used it on the original Elite; it is also used on the Elan models, the new Elite, and the Datsun (Nissan) Z-car.

Charcoal: The amorphous form of carbon obtained by the destructive distillation of animal or vegetable matter in a limited supply of air. In automotive use, it is used to purify air or exhaust gases.

Charge: 1. The action of passing an electric current through a battery to restore it to the active (charged) state. Normally the vehicle's generator or alternator takes care of this. If the vehicle is not used much, an external charger is needed to charge the battery. 2. Refers to the mass of air and fuel that enters a cylinder during the intake stroke. 3. A refund amount of money. See core charge.

Charging: See battery charging.

Charging circuit: See charging system.

Charging system: A system that, using a fan belt driven by the engine, enables the alternator (or generator) to generate electrical current, which is stored in the battery and delivered to the electrically operated pars of the vehicle chassis: The parts of the vehicle which are left when the body and fenders are removed.

Chase: To repair damaged threads on a bolt or nut.

Chassis: Generally, chassis refers to the frame, engine, front and rear axles, springs, steering system, and fuel tank. In short, everything but the body or cab and fenders. Because most modern automobiles (apart from trucks) do not have a separate chassis, the body is sometimes called the chassis. Also see cab chassis and cowl chassis.

Chassis cab: A truck with a cab but no bed. To this system various bodies (ambulance, moving van, flat beds, etc.) can be added by aftermarket suppliers.

Chassis dynamometer: See dynamometer.

Checkered flag: The black and white flag to signal the end of the race.

Check valve: A one-way valve that opens to permit the passage of fluid or air in one direction and closes to prevent passage in the opposite direction.

Checking: 1. Short, very fine crack lines that appear in the paint film. 2. Small cracks in the surface of rubber (e.g., tires) caused by aging and oxidation.

Checkup: The process of discovering the reliability of a vehicle or its components. "Give my engine a checkup." Sometimes it means "tune-up."

Chemical cure: Vulcanization at room temperature or above, activated by chemical agents without the application of heat from an outside source.

Chenard-Walcker: The 1925-1948 models with required application are classic cars.

Cherry: A colloquial term for a vehicle that has been kept in, or restored to, perfect condition. Also called "mint" or "like new."

Cherry condition: A colloquial term for a vehicle that has been kept in, or restored to, perfect condition. Also called "mint condition."

Chevrolet: The 1955-57 Bel Air V-8 Hardtop and Convertible are milestone cars.

Chevrolet Camaro: The 1967-69 SS/RS V-8 and Z-28 models are milestone cars.

Chevrolet Corvette: The 1953-70 models are milestone cars. See also a history of the Corvette .

Chevrolet Nomad: The 1955-57 models are milestone cars.

Chevrolet type: A dual mounting wheel type consists of one cone locking nut on each stud that holds both wheels in place against the hub.

Chilled iron: cast iron possessing a hardened outer skin.

Chipping: The action of tearing away small bits or flakes of paint or of rubber from the tread of a tire. When larger pieces of rubber tear away, it is called chunking.

Chock: A wedge used to prevent a wheel from rolling -- especially when replacing a tire/wheel.

Choke: A butterfly valve or plate located near the top of the carburetor that limits or restricts the amount of air allowed to enter the carburetor, thus enriching the fuel-air mixture and enabling the vehicle to start and run more easily when cold. Automatic chokes have a thermostatic coil or thermostatic spring that activates a butterfly valve at the top of the carburetor barrel. Older cars have manually operated chokes. Some vehicles use an enrichner instead of a choke. Also see automatic choke.

Choke stove: A flapper near the top of the carburetor which regulates the amount of air entering the carburetor. See choke.

Choke stove: A heating compartment in or on the exhaust manifold from which hot air is drawn to the automatic choke device.

Chop: Lowering the height of some area of the vehicle roof, hood, etc.

Chopped wheel: Lightened flywheel.

Chopper: 1. A motorcycle which has been modified so that it has lengthened and raked front forks and a lowered seat. Often the original fuel tank is changed to a smaller size. The handlebars are also lengthened. 2. To travel by motorcycle.

Christmas tree: A device, using a series of lights, to start cars on the timed 1/4 mile drag run.

Chrome ring: A piston ring with a chrome face. See piston ring, chrome.

Chrysler: The 1926-30 Imperial 80, 1931 Imperial 8 Series CG, 1932 CG and CH, 1933 CL, 1934-6 CW with required application are classic cars. The 1970 300 Hurst is a milestone car. The 1955-65 300 Letter Series are milestone cars. The 1946-50 Town and Country models are milestone cars.

Chug: 1. The short explosive sound of an engine going steadily and rather slowly. 2. To make the sound of chug. 3. To drive slowly and steadily.

Chunking: The action which occurs when large pieces of rubber from the tread of tire breaks away. When small pieces break away, it is called chipping.

CID: Acronym for "cubic inch displacement."

Cigar lighter: A device which heats up an element when engaged. In turn, the lighter can ignite something flammable like a cigarette. The socket can also be used to power other electrical components requiring 12 volts.

Cigar lighter: A device which heats up an element when engaged. In turn, the lighter can ignite something flammable like a cigarette. The socket can also be used to power other electrical components requiring 12 volts.

Circle: See base circle, turning circle, and wheel bolt hole circle.

Circuit: 1. A source of electricity (battery), a resistance unit (headlight, etc.) and wires that form a path for the flow of electricity from the source through the unit and back to the source. The path of electrical current through an electrical system. See starting system. 2. The path of the fuel in the carburetor. See carburetor circuits.

Circuit breaker: A protective device that will make and break the flow of current when current draw becomes excessive. Unlike the fuse, it does not blow out but vibrates on and off thus giving the driver some light to stop by. Also see cutout.

Circumferential break: An injury to the tread or sidewall of a tire which encircles the tire.

Circumferential crack: A crack in the grooves of the tread which may be evident around the whole tire.

Cisitalia: The 1946-49 GT (Pininfarina) models are milestone cars.

Citroen: The 1955-64 models D8 and ID 19 are milestone cars.

CKD: Acronym for "Completely-Knocked Down".

Cladding: Excessive decorative elements applied to a vehicle.

Clamshell: A shape which has a bottom and top but is hinged at one end so that it can be opened to expose its interior.

Clapboard: A narrow board which is thicker at one edge than the other edge and used to protect from the weather.

Classic car: A vehicle that is generally considered to be one of the finest models ever built. Unlike antique cars, classic cars do not have to be extremely old. Mustangs and VW bugs built in the late 1960s are considered to be classics by many people; however, they are really milestone cars. Classic cars are defined by the Classic Car Club of America and are considered to be certain models during the years 1925-1948. They include the following built during those years: A.C.; Adler*; Alfa-Romeo; Alvis Speed 20, 25, and 4.3 litre; Amilcar*; Armstrong-Siddeley*; Aston-Martin*; Auburn; Austro-Daimler; Ballot*; Bentley; Benz*; Blackhawk; BMW (327, 328, 327/328, 335); Brewster*; Brough Superior*; Bucciali*; Bugatti; Buick (1931-32 series 90)*; Cadillac (1925-35, all 12-cyl and 16-cyl, 1938-41 60 Special, 1936-48 all series 67, 70, 72, 75, 80, 85, 90); Chenard-Walcker*; Chrysler (1926-30 Imperial 80, 1931 Imperial 8 Series CG, 1932 CG and CH, 1933 CL, 1934-6 CW)*; Cord; Cunningham; Dagmar (25-70 model only); Daimler*; Darracq (8-cyl. cars and 4-litre, 6-cyl. cars only); Delage (Model D-8, not 4-cyl.)*; Delahaye (Series 135, 145, 165 not 4-cyl.)*; Delaunay Belleville (6-cyl. cars only); Doble; Dorris; Duesenberg; DuPont; Excelsior*; Farman*; Fiat*; FN*; Franklin (All models except 1933-34 Olympic Six); Frazer Nash*; Graham-Paige (Custom body only)*; Hispano Suiza; Horch; Hotchkiss*; Hudson (1929 Series L); Humber*; Invicta; Isotta-Fraschini; Itala; Jaguar (1946-48 2.5 Litre, 3.5 Litre Mark IV, not 4-cyl.); Jensen*; Jordan (Speedway Series 'Z' only); Julian*; Kissel (1925-26 all models, 1927 8-75, 1928 8-90 and 8-90 White Eagle, 1929 8-125 and 8-90 White Eagle, 1930 8-125); Lagonda (all except Rapier); Lanchester*; Lancia*; LaSalle (1927-1933); Lincoln (All L, K, KA, and KB, 1941 168H, 1942 268H); Lincoln Continental; Locomobile (All models 48 and 90; 1927 8-80; 1928 8-80; 1929 8-80); Marmon (All 16-cyl.; 1925 74; 1926 74; 1927 75; 1928 E75; 1930 Big 8; 1931 88 and Big 8); Maserati*; Maybach; McFarlan; Mercedes*; Mercedes-Benz (All 230 and up, and K, S, SS, SSK, SSKL, Grosser and Mannheim)*; Mercer; MG (1935-39 SA, 1938-39 WA)*; Minerva (All except 4-cyl); Moon (Custom bodies only)*; N.A.G.*; Nash (1930 Twin Ignition 8, 1931 Series 900, 1932 Series 990, Advanced 8, Ambassador 8)*; Packard (All sixes and eights 1925-34, all 12-cyl. models, 1935 Models 1200-1208, 1936 Models 1400-1408, 1937 Models 1500-1508, 1938 Models 1603-1608, 1939 Models 1703-1708, 1940 Models 1803-1808, 1941 Models 1903-1908, 1942 Models 2004-2008 plus 2023, 1946-47 Models 2106 and 2126, all Darrin-bodied)*; Peerless (1926-28 Series 69; 1930-31 Custom 8; 1932 Deluxe Custom 8); Peugeot*; Pierce-Arrow; Railton*; Raymond-Mays*; Renault (45 HP)*; Reo (1931-33 Royale 8-31, Royale 8-35, Royale 8-52, and Royale Custom 8 and 1934 N1, N2, and 8-52); ReVere; Riley*; Roamer (1925 8-88, 6-54e, 4-75; 1926 4-75e and 8-88; 1927; 1928; 1929 8-88; 1929 8-125; 1930 8:125); Rochet-Schneider*; Rohr; Rolls-Royce; Ruxton; Squire; SS and SS Jaguar (1932-1940 except 4-cyl.); Stearns-Knight; Stevens Duryea; Steyr*; Studebaker (1929-33 President); Stutz; Sunbeam (8-cyl. and 3-litre twin-cam only); Talbot (all 105C and 110C); Talbot Lago (all 150C); Tatra*; Triumph (Dolomite 8 and Gloria 6 models only); Vauxhall (25/70 and 30/98 only); Voisin; Wills Sainte Claire; Willys-Knight (Series 66)*. The items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate that these models require application to be a classic car.

Classic Car Club of America: P.O. Box 443, Madison, NJ 07940. Organization which defines which cars are true classics.

Claxton horn: A horn which makes a particular sound "Ah-oo-gah." See horn.

Cleaner: A product to purify or remove unwanted substances. Also see air cleaner, air cleaner horn, oil bath air cleaner, and paper air cleaner.

Clearance: A given amount of space between two parts such as between piston and cylinder, bearing and journal , etc. See bearing clearance piston ring side clearance, and valve clearance.

Clear coat: A clear paint covering used on modern vehicle bodies.

CLEPA: Acronym for "Comité de Liaison de la Construction d'Equipements et de Pièces d'Automobiles" (i.e., European Association of Automotive Suppliers).

Climate change: the international concern that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere are changing the climate in ways detrimental to our social and economic well-being.

Clincher: A tire whose edges hook under the curved-in hooked edge of a special rim, not commonly found anymore on bicycles and often confused with the common wired-on tire.

Clincher tire: A tire whose edges hook under the curved-in hooked edge of a special rim, not commonly found anymore on bicycles and often confused with the common wired-on tire.

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