Glossary of Terms

Key automotive terms glossary with clear definitions. Your comprehensive reference for understanding automotive terminology.

123 terms found
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Prevents wheels from locking during braking, allowing steering control.
Accelerator/Gas Pedal
Increases engine power for acceleration when pressed.
Air-Fuel Ratio (AFR)
The ratio of air to fuel in an engine's combustion process, optimizing performance and emissions.
Alternator
Generates electrical power to charge the battery and power the electrical system.
Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)
Tracks the camshaft's position for accurate ignition timing.
Compression Ratio
The ratio of cylinder volume at the bottom versus the top, influencing power and efficiency.
Crankcase
The lower part of an engine housing the crankshaft, often holding lubricating oil.
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)
Monitors crankshaft position and speed for ignition timing.
Direct Injection
Fuel injection method where fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber.
EGR Valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Recirculates exhaust gases to the intake, reducing emissions.
Engine Tuning
Modifying engine parameters to enhance performance, efficiency, or power.
Fuel Injector
Sprays fuel into the combustion chamber for efficient mixing and combustion.
Fuel Rail
Supplies fuel to injectors, ensuring consistent pressure and distribution.
Gasket
A seal between surfaces, preventing leaks of fluids or gases.
IAT Sensor (Intake Air Temperature Sensor)
Measures incoming air temperature, affecting fuel mixture adjustments.
Ignition Coil
Converts battery voltage to high voltage to ignite the fuel-air mixture.
Knock Sensor
Detects abnormal combustion, allowing the ECU to adjust timing.
Lambda Sensor/Oxygen Sensor (O2 Sensor)
Monitors oxygen levels in exhaust, enabling air-fuel ratio adjustments.
MAP Sensor (Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor)
Measures intake manifold pressure, helping control fuel injection.
MAF Sensor (Mass Air Flow Sensor)
Measures air volume entering the engine, aiding fuel injection.
Piston Ring
Provides a seal between the piston and cylinder wall, preventing oil and gas leakage.
Throttle Body
Controls air intake, influencing power output and responsiveness.
TDC (Top Dead Centre)
The highest point a piston reaches, crucial for timing.
Turbocharger
Device using exhaust gas to force more air into the engine, boosting power.
Vacuum Advance
Adjusts ignition timing based on engine load, improving efficiency.
Valves
Controls intake of air/fuel and exhaust gases, ensuring efficient engine operation.
Wastegate
Valve regulating exhaust flow to the turbocharger, preventing excessive boost.
Yaw Rate Sensor
Measures a vehicle's rotation around its vertical axis, key for stability control.
Axle
Central shaft supporting a vehicle's wheels, allowing rotation and bearing weight.
Clutch
Mechanism engaging and disengaging power transmission from the engine to the drivetrain.
Differential
Gear mechanism allowing wheels to rotate at different speeds, crucial for smooth turns.
Drivetrain
Components delivering power from the engine to the wheels, including transmission, driveshaft, and differential.
Halfshaft
Transfers power from the differential to the wheel in both front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Differential limiting speed difference between wheels, improving traction during cornering.
PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter)
Diameter of a circle through the center of wheel bolt holes, specifying wheel fitment.
Powertrain
Components generating power and delivering it to the wheels, including engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Prop Shaft/Drive Shaft
Rotating shaft transmitting power from the engine or transmission to the wheels.
Torque Converter
Device in automatic transmissions transferring engine torque, allowing smooth acceleration.
Universal Joint/U-Joint
Joint allowing shafts to transmit power at an angle, essential in the drivetrain.
Additive Manufacturing
Builds parts layer-by-layer, often referred to as 3D printing.
Aluminium Alloy
Lightweight metal used for its strength-to-weight ratio in automotive components.
Body-in-White (BIW)
Stage in manufacturing where the car body is assembled but lacks trim.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
Software for creating precise 2D/3D models and simulations in automotive design.
Casting
Molten metal poured into molds to create complex shapes, often used for engine parts.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
Programmed machinery for high-precision manufacturing.
Die Casting
Molten metal forced into molds for precise shapes.
Forging
Shaping metal with compressive forces, producing high-strength parts like crankshafts.
Galvanisation
Zinc coating applied to prevent rust on steel or iron parts.
Injection Molding
Process where melted plastic is injected into a mold, used for creating plastic parts.
Laser Cutting
Precision method using lasers, applied to metal and plastics.
MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas Welding)
Welding process using a gas-shielded arc, common in bodywork and fabrication.
TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding)
Welding process known for strong, clean welds, ideal for precision work.
Purging
Removes air and contaminants from a weld area to prevent oxidation.
Sheet Metal Forming
Bending, stretching, and pressing metal sheets into automotive parts.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
Laser-based manufacturing process, often used for prototyping.
Spigot Bearing/Pilot Bearing
Bearing in the crankshaft that supports the transmission input shaft.
Viscous Coupling
Transfers torque between axles in AWD vehicles, engaging through fluid viscosity.
Yield Strength
The stress point where a material begins to deform plastically.
Anti-Roll Bar/Sway Bar
Connects opposite wheels to reduce body roll during cornering.
Ball Joint
Spherical joint allowing smooth suspension and steering articulation.
Camber
Wheel angle relative to the vertical axis, affecting tire wear and handling.
Caster Angle
Steering axis angle, influencing stability and steering self-centering.
Corner Weighting
Balancing weight on each corner, improving handling.
Cross-Drilled Rotors
Brake rotors with holes for cooling, often used in performance applications.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
System adjusting power and brakes to prevent loss of control.
Jounce
Upward suspension motion during compression.
MacPherson Strut
Common suspension with a shock absorber and spring, used in front suspensions.
Ride Height
Distance from chassis to ground, impacting aerodynamics and handling.
Roll Centre
Point around which a vehicle's body rolls, affecting handling and stability.
Shock Absorber/Damper
Reduces oscillations for smoother ride and better handling.
Slip Angle
Angle between tire direction and actual movement, affecting handling.
Sprung Weight
Vehicle mass supported by the suspension, impacting ride quality.
Suspension Geometry
Angles and distances in suspension, affecting handling and comfort.
Turn Radius
Smallest circular turn a vehicle can make, affecting maneuverability.
Unsprung Weight
Vehicle mass not supported by the suspension, including wheels and brakes.
Aerodynamics
Study of airflow over vehicle surfaces, impacting drag, lift, and stability.
Back Pressure
Resistance to exhaust flow, affecting performance and fuel efficiency.
Coefficient of Drag (Cd)
Measures a vehicle's resistance to airflow, affecting speed and efficiency.
Downforce
Aerodynamic force pushing a vehicle down for better traction and handling.
Force
Physical influence that can cause movement or deformation, per Newton's laws.
Friction
Resistance between moving surfaces, essential for grip and braking.
Fuel Octane
A measure of a fuel's resistance to knocking during combustion.
Inertia
Tendency of objects to resist changes in motion.
Kinetic Energy
Energy an object possesses due to motion, important for stopping distance.
Newton's Laws of Motion
Principles governing object motion, essential to vehicle dynamics.
Regenerative Braking
In EVs, captures kinetic energy during braking to recharge the battery.
Torque
Rotational force, key to understanding engine power and acceleration.
Traction
Frictional force allowing tires to grip the road surface.
Weight Transfer
The shift in vehicle weight during acceleration, braking, and cornering, impacting stability.
Xenon Light/HID Light
High-intensity discharge lights using xenon gas, enhancing visibility at night.
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
Yearly interest rate on loans or credit, used in vehicle financing.
Depreciation
Reduction in vehicle value over time due to factors like mileage and age.
Equity
Difference between vehicle value and loan balance.
Extended Warranty
Additional coverage for repairs beyond the standard warranty period.
Finance Term
Length of a loan agreement, typically 36–72 months.
Lease
Contractual vehicle use over a set period without ownership.
Residual Value
Estimated value of a leased vehicle at the end of the lease term.
Subprime Loan
Loan offered to buyers with lower credit scores, often at higher rates.
Trade-In Value
Value offered by a dealer for a trade-in vehicle.
Upsell
Sales technique encouraging additional or higher-tier purchases.
Vehicle History Report
Document detailing a vehicle's past, including accidents and ownership.
A-Pillar
Vertical support between the windshield and front side window, providing structural strength.
Bonnet/Hood
Hinged cover over the engine compartment, allowing access to the engine.
Boot/Trunk
Rear storage compartment for luggage and other cargo.
Chassis
Structural frame supporting all vehicle components, including body, engine, and suspension.
Diffuser
Component on the rear underside of a vehicle, improving airflow and enhancing downforce.
Exhaust Manifold
Collects exhaust gases from cylinders and directs them to the exhaust pipe.
Fan Belt/Drive Belt
Belt driving components like the alternator, water pump, and power steering.
Ground Clearance
Distance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the ground, impacting off-road capability.
Radiator
Cools engine coolant by dissipating heat, regulating engine temperature.
Wheel Arch/Fender Arch
Curved part of the body surrounding the wheels, protecting from debris.
Wing Mirror/Side Mirror
Mirror mounted on the exterior to provide side and rear visibility.
Windscreen/Windshield
Glass panel at the front of the vehicle, offering visibility and protection.
Apex
Innermost point of a corner, ideal for optimal line and speed.
FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile)
Governing body for international motorsports, setting regulations.
Grid
Starting lineup of vehicles, based on qualifying results.
Heel-and-Toe
Driving technique for smoother downshifts by using both brake and throttle.
Lap Time
Time taken to complete one circuit of a track, used to gauge performance.
Nitrous Oxide (NOS)
Gas injected into engines for a power boost by providing more oxygen.
Pit Lane
Trackside area for vehicle repairs, refueling, and tire changes during races.
Pole Position
Front starting position on the grid, awarded to the fastest qualifier.
Quarter Mile
Distance of a drag race measuring 1/4 mile, used to gauge acceleration performance.
Telemetry
Data transmission from the vehicle to the team for real-time performance monitoring.