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

Clipless pedal: See clipless pedals.

Clipless pedals: Road bike pedals that use a releasable mechanism like that of a ski binding to lock onto cleated shoes and do not use toe clips or straps.

Clockwise: Rotation to the right like the direction of clock hands. In most cases it is the direction to secure a nut to a bolt. It is the opposite to counterclockwise.

Close coupled sedan: See close-coupled sedan.

Close-coupled sedan: Similar to the sedan, this body style is shorter and thus usually accommodates only five passengers. The rear quarter windows were eliminated.

Closed cooling system: See coolant recovery system.

Closed crankcase ventilation: A system in which crankcase vapors are discharged into the engine intake system (usually through the intake manifold) and pass through the engine cylinders rather than being discharged into the atmosphere.

Closed loop system: A self-adjusting system which keeps conditions stable and is controlled by negative feedback.

Cloud point: The temperature at which diesel oil tends to thicken and cloud up (i.e., become cloudy).

Cluster gear: The cluster of gears that are all cut on one long gear blank. The cluster gears ride in the bottom of the transmission. The cluster provides a connection between the transmission input shaft and the output shaft. Also called "counter gear."

Cluster panel: The reverse side of the instrument panel or dash where all the wiring or circuit board is located.
Clutch: A device that disconnects the engine from the transmission, to allow the vehicle to change gears, and then allows the engine and transmission to resume contact and turn together at a new speed. Also see centrifugal clutch, clutch diaphragm spring, clutch pilot bearing, clutch housing, clutch disc, clutch pressure plate, clutch explosion, clutch lever, clutch pedal, clutch pedal free travel, clutch release bearing, clutch semi-centrifugal release fingers, clutch shaft, clutch solenoid, clutch throw-out fork, cone clutch, double clutching, multiple disc clutch, freewheeling, multiple disc clutch, one-way clutch, overrunning clutch, riding the clutch, roller clutch, and sprag clutch.

Clutch diaphragm spring: A round dish-shaped piece of flat spring steel. It is used to force the pressure plate against the clutch disc in some clutches.

Clutch disc: A spinning plate located at the end of the driveshaft facing the engine flywheel and covered with a friction material such as asbestos. When the clutch is engaged, the disc is squeezed between the flywheel and the clutch pressure plate, causing the engine and the transmission to turn at the same speed.

Clutch explosion: clutches have literally flown apart (exploded) when subjected to high rpm, a scatter shield is used on competition cars to protect the driver and spectators from flying parts in the event the clutch explodes.

Clutch housing: A cast iron or aluminum housing that surrounds the flywheel and clutch mechanism. Also called "bell housing."

Clutch lever: A hand-operated blade located on the left side of the handlebar of a motorcycle. When the clutch lever is pulled in, it disengages the clutch so the engine and the crankshaft can turn independently of the transmission and the rider can change gears. Also see clutch release finger.

Clutch pedal: A foot-operated pedal located on the floor of the vehicle to the left of the brake pedal on cars with manual transmission. When the clutch pedal is depressed, it disengages the clutch so the engine and the crankshaft can turn independently of the transmission and the driver can change gears.

Clutch pedal free travel: The specified distance that the clutch pedal may be depressed before the throw-out bearing actually contacts the clutch release fingers.

Clutch pilot bearing: A small bronze bushing, or in some cases a ball bearing, placed in the end of the crankshaft or in the center of the flywheel depending on the vehicle, that is used to support the outboard end of the transmission input shaft.
Clutch pressure plate: That part of a clutch assembly that through spring pressure, squeezes the clutch disc against the flywheel thereby transmitting a driving force through the assembly. To disengage the clutch, the pressure plate is drawn away from the flywheel via linkage.

Clutch release bearing: See throw-out bearing.

Clutch release finger: A flat piece of metal shaped like a curved finger. Through the movement of the throw-out fork, the throw-out bearing pushes against the clutch release fingers or levers to release pressure against the pressure plate. Also called "clutch release lever."

Clutch release lever: See clutch release finger.

Clutch semi-centrifugal release finger: See clutch semi-centrifugal release fingers.

Clutch semi-centrifugal release fingers: Clutch release fingers that have a weight attached to them so that at high rpm the release fingers place additional pressure on the clutch pressure plate.

Clutch shaft: The shaft that takes power from the clutch into the gearbox. Also called the "drive pinion."

Clutch solenoid: In some automotive air conditioners, a solenoid that operates a clutch on the compressor drive pulley. When the clutch is engaged, the compressor is driven and cooling takes place.

Clutch starter interlock: A device which disengages the starter once the engine has started.

Clutch throw-out fork: The device or fork that straddles the throw-out bearing and that is used to force the throw-out bearing against the clutch release fingers.

CO: Acronym for "carbon monoxide." 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.

Coach: An enclosed two-door type body with permanent back panels and top, it is similar to the coupe, but the seating is different. A full width cross seat in the rear accommodates three passengers. Two separate seats in the front fold out of the way to admit rear passengers. There is no trunk, but trunk racks are frequently provided.

Coachwork: Although it is strictly the body of an automobile, it is particularly the comfort and luxury appointments as distinguished from the operational chassis thus it would include the interior, seats, upholstery, dashes, fenders, etc. -- everything but the mechanicals and the chassis. The French call it Carrosserie, the Germans call it Karosserie, and the Italians call it Carrozzeria.

Coast: To proceed, usually downhill, on a bicycle without pedalling; or in a motor vehicle without the aid of the engine. Also see freewheel.

Coaster: A vehicle, usually a bicycle, which has no means of propulsion (you can't pedal it and it is without any engine).

Coaster brake: A braking system on a bicycle in which the rider stops pedalling forward (thus coasting) and pedals backward to engage the brake within the hub of the rear wheel.

Coat: A covering of paint or similar substance. See anodize, clear coat, cross-hatch coat, finish coat, fog coat, gel coat, mist coat, prime coat, single coat, tack coat, and undercoat.

Coating: A protective covering usually of paint. Also see polymer coating and undercoating.

Cobble: To put something together in a rough or clumsy manner. This is usually done as a temporary measure until more permanent repairs can be made.

Cobbled: The action of putting something together in a rough or clumsy manner. This is usually done as a temporary measure until more permanent repairs can be made.

Code hopping: A technology which prevents thieves with scanners from either picking up your encoded remote-control signal or from randomly firing numerous codes at your vehicle in order to stumble upon the one that will disarm your security system.

Coefficient of drag: See drag coefficient.

Coefficient of friction: A measurement of the amount of friction developed between two objects or surfaces in physical contact when one of the objects is drawn across the other. If a book were placed on a table and a measuring scale used to pull the book, the amount of weight or pull registered on the scale would be the coefficient of friction. This coefficient of friction is dependent upon both surfaces in contact. It is large if the surfaces are rough and small if they are smooth.

Cog: Any toothed gear. A sprocket attached directly to the rear wheel hub on a single-speed bike and mounted on a freewheel on a multi-speed bike.
Cog belt: A toothed belt normally of fibreglass-reinforced rubber for driving the camshaft from the crankshaft. In cars, cog belts are primarily used with overhead camshafts but are sometimes used to drive pumps.

Coil: 1. Metal bands or strands of wire wrapped in a circular fashion. 2. A pulse-type transformer for increasing the voltage to fire the spark plugs. See exciter coil, field coil, ignition coil, and pick-up coil. thermostatic coil choke.

Coil spring: A section of spring steel rod wound in a spiral pattern or shape. Widely used in both front and rear suspension systems. Like large metal bed springs, these coils cushion and absorb the shocks and bumps as the vehicle is driven. They are usually found near the front wheels, but some cars have them in the rear as well. Often the shock absorbers run up the center of the coil springs.

Coin holder: A device which retains coins for easy access.

Cold air: Air that is below the prevailing ambient temperature.

Cold air induction: The induction system forces cold air into the combustion chamber. Because cold air is more dense than warm air, it contains more oxygen molecules. With more oxygen, fuel will burn more effectively and thus increase horsepower.

Cold cap: A process in retreading a tier where the tire is placed in a pressure chamber in a temperature range of 195°-212° until bonding of the pre-cured tread rubber is achieved. Also see hot cap.

Collapsed piston: A piston whose skirt diameter has been reduced due to heat and the forces imposed upon it during service in the engine. Also see piston collapse.

Collision insurance: Insurance coverage that pays to repair damages to your vehicle when it is involved in an accident.

Column: See steering column.

Combustion: The intense burning of the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Some used to think that the fuel-air mixture exploded; but further investigation has shown that it rapidly burns. See combustion chamber, combustion chamber volume, combustion space, compression ignition, external combustion engine, internal combustion engine controlled combustion system, hemispherical combustion chamber, internal combustion chamber, pre-combustion chamber, wedge combustion chamber.
Combustion chamber: The volume of the space in the cylinder above the piston with the piston at top dead center (TDC) in the compression stroke. The head of the piston, the cylinder walls, and the head form the chamber. Combustion of the fuel-air mixture begins here when ignited by a spark plug. The design and shape of the combustion chamber can affect power, fuel efficiency, and emissions of an engine. Also see hemispherical combustion chamber and wedge combustion chamber.

Combustion chamber volume: volume of combustion chamber (space above piston with piston on TDC) measured in cc (cubic centimetres).

Combustion space: See combustion chamber.

Commercial tire: A tire which is designed for truck and industrial use.

Commutator: A series or ring of copper bars that are connected to the armature windings. The bars are insulated from each other and from the armature. The brushes (as in the generator or starter) rub against the whirling commutator.
Compensating jet: A fuel tube or pipe in the carburetor, into which air is admitted through one or more holes to compensate for a tendency of the main nozzle to deliver too rich a mixture as the air velocity through the carburetor increases. Also called "air bleed."

Compensating port: A small hole in a brake master cylinder to permit fluid to return to the reservoir.

Compensator valve: A valve in automatic transmissions designed to increase the pressure on the brake band during heavy acceleration.

Compliance: A slight resiliency, or "give," designed into suspension bushings to help absorb bumps. Good compliance allows the wheels to move toward the rear a little as they hit bumps but does not allow them to move laterally (sideways) during cornering.

Component: 1. One of the parts that make up the whole system or device, as in The brake pad is a component of the brake system. 2. A raw material, ingredient, part or subassembly that goes into a higher level assembly, compound, or other item.

Component assembly: A combination of two or more parts or sub-components to form an assembly.

Component design: the activity for the design of specific components including responsibility for material, cost, weight, reliability, durability, function, appearance, and serviceability.

Components: The various parts that make up the whole system or device.

Composite: Any material that consists of two or more substances where one or more of them are high strength fibers and another is an adhesive binder. The most common composite is fiberglass, which consists of thin glass fibers bonded together in a plastic matrix. The structural properties of composites can be altered by controlling the orientation and configuration of the high-strength components.

Composite headlight: A headlight system which is unlike the sealed beam headlight. When the bulb fails, you can replace just the bulb, not the whole unit. Because the lens is contoured to the shape of the vehicle, there are many different shapes. Thus each lens is low production and can be very costly to replace.

Compound: 1. Two or more ingredients mixed together. 2. An abrasive paste or liquid that smooths and polishes the painted surface. Also see rubbing compound.

Comprehensive insurance: Insurance coverage that pays for damages to your car, its accessories, spare parts against loss or damage caused by an accidental collision, fire, theft, vandalism, typhoon, earthquake, and flooding. It will also pay expenses to have the disabled vehicle towed to the repair shop and expenses to return the vehicle back to you when the repairs are completed. It also covers for the death and bodily injury of the insured or driver; loss or damage to someone else's property as a result of the accident; legal liabilities to the death or bodily injury of the third party arising from the accident; legal liabilities to the damage to property of the third party arising from the accident; loss or damage to the property of the spouse(s) or the child(ren) of the insured or driver; and medical expenses of the insured or driver's injury caused by the accident.

Compression: 1. Applying pressure to a spring, or any springy substance, thus causing it to reduce its length in the direction of the compressing force. 2. Applying pressure to a gas, thus causing a reduction in volume. 3. One of the essential factors in a internal combustion engine (fuel, air, proper proportion of mixture, compression, timing, spark). It is the squeezing of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder of a spark-ignition engine or the squeezing of the air in a diesel engine. Compression makes the process of combustion more effective and increases engine efficiency. Also see primary compression and secondary compression.

Compression check: Testing the compression in all the cylinders at cranking speed. All plugs are removed, the compression gauge placed in one plug hole, the throttle cracked wide open and the engine cranked until the gauge no longer climbs. The compression check is a good way in which to determine the condition of the valves, rings, and cylinders.

Compression gauge: A gauge used to test the compression in the cylinders. A poor compression reading can indicate that there is leakage through the valves or the piston rings. In two stroke engines, it could indicate that there is poor primary compression because of a leak in the crankshaft seals.

Compression ignition: combustion of a fuel-air mixture without spark. In the diesel engine, air is drawn into the cylinder and compressed to a temperature sufficiently high that fuel oil injected at the end of the compression stroke burns in the cylinder without a spark to initiate combustion. A prank played on new employees is to send them on a search for the spark plugs for a diesel engine -- they don't exist.

Compression ratio: When the piston is at the bottom of its travel (BDC), the volume of cylinder is measured (suppose the volume is X). Then the piston is placed at the top of its travel (TDC) and the volume of the cylinder is measured (suppose this volume is Y). The compression ratio is a comparison of these two values expressed as X:Y. Then the values are mathematically changed so that the second number is always 1. Thus you hear of ratios like 10.5:1 or 9.5:1 or 8:1. The higher the compression ratio, the more mechanical energy an engine can squeeze from its air-fuel mixture. Higher compression ratios, however, also make detonation more likely.

Compression ring: A ring which surrounds the piston and fits in a grove in the piston. It is designed to seal the burning fuel charge above the piston. Generally there are two compression rings per piston and they are located in the two top ring grooves. They also help to transfer heat from the piston into the cylinder walls and subsequently to the water jacket surrounding the cylinder.

Compression spring: An open-coil, helical spring that offers resistance to a compressive form.
Compression stroke: The second stroke of the four-stroke cycle, in which the piston moves upward from bottom dead center to top dead center, compressing the fuel-air mixture.

Compressor: A mechanism in a refrigerator or air conditioner that pumps vaporized refrigerant out of the evaporator, compresses it to a relatively high pressure and then delivers it to the condenser.

Computer: A device which calculates information and sends the results to a specific destination. In automobiles, computers are used to regulate fuel flow, control the air conditioner, display speed, time, ETA, etc.

Computer brake control: See anti-skid.

Concentric: Two or more circles so placed as to share a common center.

Concept car: A vehicle that is not currently in production, but is still in the design stage. Some are merely paper drawings, but others are clay mock-ups. The ideas in the concept cars sometimes appears in production models.

Concept vehicle: a current production vehicle modified for installation of new design concepts for evaluation of environmental functional feasibility.

Concho: A chrome trim disk for saddlebags and leathers.

Concours: Also called "concours d'elegance." This is the term used to describe a show where cars in superb condition are judged against a standard of excellence established by the sponsors, with awards given to winners. Show cars compete in a concours.

Concours d'elegance: See concours.

Cond: Abbreviation for "condition," as in excellent cond..

Condensation: Moisture, from the air, deposited on a cool surface. The reverse of evaporation.

Condense: Turning a vapor back into a liquid.

Condenser: 1. A small metal cylinder which is usually located in the distributor. It is installed between the breaker points and coil to prevent arcing at the breaker points by absorbing or storing the excess current. A condenser (also called a "capacitor") has the ability to absorb and retain surges of electricity. It is constructed of two metal plates separated by an insulator. 2. The unit in an air conditioning system that cools the hot compressed refrigerant and turns it from a vapor into a liquid. Also see steam engine.

Condition: See air conditioner, cherry condition, conditioner, mint condition, and original condition.

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