Accessories
Can refer to add-on options not normally included on standard models. Can also refer to items operated by either the car's engine or by battery power including power steering, electric windows and air conditioning.
All-Wheel Drive
A system by which all four wheels are driven at the same time. Some are fully operational at all times, while others only drive the front or rear wheels under normal conditions. Then, when the drive wheels start to slip, the computerized control unit transfers power to the other wheels. While some consider AWD the same as four-wheel drive, usually they are not. 4WD vehicles can usually be placed in two-wheel drive, whereas AWD vehicles cannot.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
During an emergency or panic stop, ABS uses electronic sensors place near each wheel to judge whether the wheels are skidding, or locked up while braking. If they are, the system momentarily releases the brakes to allow the tire to regain traction, and in most cases helping the driver keep control of the vehicle. The split-second grab and release of the brakes when ABS is activated often causes the brake pedal to pulsate.
Anti-Roll Bar
(Also called "Sway bar" and "Stabilizer bar.") A steel rod or tube that connects the right and left suspension components to the frame. Reduces body roll during cornering, which increases cornering stability. Most vehicles have front anti-roll bars and some have a rear one.
Brake Assist
Even though current ABS systems are great at bringing a vehicle to a stop, many drivers don't press hard enough on the brake pedal in a panic stop to get the most out of the system. Therefore, several carmakers have incorporated a system that automatically applies the full brake force during an emergency stop to slow the vehicle as quickly as possible.
Catalytic Converter
About the size of a small muffler, the Catalytic Converter is mounted under a vehicle as part of the exhaust system. It's filled with special metal material that converts the engine's tailpipe emissions into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
CFC-Free Air Conditioning
Today's cars use R-134a refrigerant in place of CFC-type compounds that can harm the earth's upper atmosphere or ozone layer.
Coil springs
One of several kinds of springs used in vehicle suspension systems. Made from single piece of tempered steel wound into a cylindrical coil shape. Often
used in cars or car-based SUVs.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Unlike conventional automatic transmissions, a CVT has no gears to be changed. Instead, it uses a steel belt or chain strung between two cone-shaped pulleys that vary in diameter depending on how quickly the driver wants to accelerate. This action provides a continuously variable transmission ratio that renders a hydraulic torque converter unnecessary and improves power application and fuel economy, while helping to reduce emissions.
Crossover
Any vehicle that combines the utility and rugged nature of an SUV with the ride and handling of a car. Think of them as tall wagons or short SUVs.
Crumple Zones
These are areas at the front and rear of a vehicle that are designed to deform during a crash in order to absorb as much energy as possible and keep the occupants safe.
Curb Weight
This is the weight of an empty vehicle not including any passengers or cargo.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
A system that runs the headlights at a reduced power so that oncoming drivers can better see your vehicle. Especially helpful in foggy or shaded situations.
Double Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Two camshafts that are mounted inside each cylinder head rather than older engine designs that featured only one camshaft mounted in the engine block. In a DOHC setup, one camshaft actuates the exhaust valves and the other works the intake valves.
Double Wishbone Suspension
This system features dual arms, an upper and a lower, both shaped like an A. The spindle that the wheel and tire mounts to is sandwiched between the arms. Often used in independent suspension setups.
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Braking system that electronically distributes braking between front and rear wheels under stopping conditions not aggressive enough to activate the ABS braking system. Helps reduce stopping distances.
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
An electronically operated fuel delivery system that feeds gasoline or diesel fuel into an engine. Almost every new car, truck and SUV today uses EFI.
Four-Wheel Drive
A system by which all four wheels are driven at the same time. Usually has a two-wheel drive setting that only drives the rear wheels. Often comes with a low-range gear setting and locking differential for ultimate off-road or poor weather traction. Found mostly in pickup trucks and full-frame SUVs. See also: all-wheel drive and rear differential lock.
Ground Clearance
The distance between the lowest component on your vehicle and the ground.
Horsepower and Torque
Horsepower is the rating of engine performance that allows an engine to maintain and increase the speed of a vehicle. Torque is what gets the vehicle moving in the first place. Vehicles like trucks that are required to tow heavy loads often have higher torque outputs compared to their peak horsepower figures. On the other hand, cars tend to have higher horsepower numbers than torque outputs because they are lighter and easier to get moving.
Independent Suspension (IRS)
A suspension setup where all four wheels move independently of each other. Formerly used almost exclusively on cars, IRS can now be found on some SUVs.
Knock Sensor
An electronic listening device that senses early signs of pre-ignition (also known as pinging or knocking) inside an engine's cylinders. The computerized system then delays when the ignition spark is delivered to the cylinder to reduce the possibility of engine damage.
Leaf Spring
One of several different kinds of springs used in vehicles. Composed of a series of flat steel plates sandwiched together to form a long, thin spring. Typically used in trucks and full-frame SUVs due to the superior strength of the spring.
Limited Slip Differential
Splits drive evenly between two drive wheels to maximize traction. Prevents one wheel from spinning while the other sits stationary. Unlike locking differential, a limited slip differential is ideal for paved roads.
Load-Sensing Proportioning and Bypass Valve
Varies braking force from front to rear depending on whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded based on information received from load sensor. Helps maximize braking performance and reduce tire lockup.
Micron Air Filter
Also known as a cabin filter. Much like the air filter in you home furnace, the Micron filter removes dust, pollen and other airborne particulates from air that's coming into your vehicle through the air conditioning, heater or vent system.
Multi-Valve Engine
Any engine with more than one intake valve and one exhaust valve. It's common for new engines to have 3, 4 or even 5 valves. Additional valves help an engine more efficiently take in the charge of fuel and air, while expelling the spent charge faster, thus increasing power and fuel economy, while reducing exhaust emissions.
NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness)
An auto industry term that refers to any kind of annoying occurrence that can negatively affect the ride and quiet of a vehicle.
Rack-and-Pinion Steering
A series of parts that connect the steering wheel shaft with the tires. Turning the steering wheel rotates a pinion, which meshes with a rack or lateral gear. The rack converts this rotating movement into a side-to-side motion. Each end of the rack is hooked to steering linkages that are in turn connected to the wheels. Rack-and-pinion setups are more precise than recirculating ball-type units.
Rear Differential Lock
An electro-mechanical system that locks both rear axles together providing them with equal drive power. For use in limited traction situations such as off-roading. Not for use on dry paved roads.
Seatbelt Pretensioners with Force Limiters
Safety innovation that instantly takes the slack out of the shoulder safety belt during a frontal impact to increase the effectiveness of the belt at restraining the occupant. The system then gradually releases the belt tension to lessen the impact forces transferred to the occupant.
Torque Converter
A fluid coupler used in automatic transmissions to transmit power from the engine to the transmission. The torque converter enables the engine to idle while the transmission is in gear without the engine stalling. It also helps the vehicle take off smoothly from a stop.
Traction Control
An electronic system that senses slippage at the drive wheels and reduces engine power or applies the brakes to regain traction.
Unibody
Incorporates the body and frame into one unit. Frame structure is welded to the bottom of the vehicle's body. Unlike most pickup trucks and heavy duty. SUVs that use a separate body and frame, a unibody affords better sound isolation and a more rigid structure.
Valet Trunk-Locking System
A system that allows you to lock the trunk separately from the rest of the vehicle giving someone such a parking valet to operate your vehicle without being able to access the trunk.
Variable Power-Assisted Steering
Describes a steering system that's either electrically or hydraulically boosted according to engine or road speed. Assist is stronger at low speeds such as turning a sharp, slow corner. At highway speeds when less help turning the steering wheel is needed, assist is reduced.
Variable Valve Timing
Computerized mechanism that selects the optimum intake and exhaust valve opening and closing points during an engine's cycle. Optimizes low-rpm power output and fuel economy, while reducing emissions.
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
An electronic system that monitors vehicle speed and direction then compares this data with the driver's steering, braking and acceleration inputs. This information is then used in conjunction with traction control and anti-lock braking systems to help driver maintain control of vehicle during difficult driving situations such as an icy road.
Ventilated Disc Brakes
In place of disc brake rotors machined from solid steel, ventilated rotors have an air gap machined into the rotor that helps dissipate heat that can accumulate in the rotor under severe braking such as stop and go city driving, or constantly applying the brakes will descending a steep grade
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