Car Glossary

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Automatic Transmission

An automatic transmission automatically manages gear changes based on factors like vehicle speed, engine load, and driver input, providing convenience and comfort.

Automatic Gear Shift (AGS) Technology

This technology, pioneered by Maruti Suzuki, offers a two-pedal driving experience, allowing for effortless switching between manual and automatic modes.

B-Pillar

The B-pillar is a vertical structural component in a vehicle’s body, located between the front and rear doors, which plays a crucial role in the vehicle’s safety and structural integrity.

Key Functions of the B-Pillar:

Structural Support: The B-pillar provides critical support to the roof of the vehicle, helping it maintain its shape and strength, particularly during rollovers or collisions. It’s designed to absorb impact forces and maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment.
Crash Safety: In the event of a side collision, the B-pillar acts as a reinforcement to protect passengers by preventing the side doors from collapsing into the cabin. It helps to preserve the space around the occupants, reducing the risk of injury.
Vehicle Rigidity: Along with the A-pillar (front) and C-pillar (rear), the B-pillar contributes to the overall rigidity and stability of the vehicle’s frame. This helps improve handling and performance, particularly in terms of chassis strength.
Mounting Point for Door Hinges and Latches: The B-pillar is the mounting location for the door hinges and latches on the front and rear doors. This ensures that the doors open and close properly while also playing a key role in keeping them securely shut in the event of a crash.
Passenger Safety: In modern vehicles, the B-pillar often includes features like side-impact airbags or reinforcements for other safety systems, further improving occupant protection in the event of an accident.

Catalytic Converter

Catalytic Converter:

A catalytic converter is a key component of a vehicle’s exhaust system that helps reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases produced during combustion into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in meeting environmental standards and reducing a car’s environmental impact.

Chassis

The car chassis is the foundational framework of a vehicle that supports all of its critical components, including the engine, suspension, wheels, and body. It serves as the “skeleton” of the vehicle, providing the structure on which the rest of the car is built. The chassis is a vital part of a car’s overall performance, safety, and durability.

Coupe

A coupe (pronounced “koop”) is a type of car body style characterized by a two-door configuration, a fixed roof, and typically a sporty, sleek design. While the exact definition can vary depending on the manufacturer or market, there are certain features that generally define a coupe.

Disk Brake

Disc brakes are a type of braking system used in most modern vehicles to slow down or stop the vehicle by using friction. Unlike drum brakes, disc brakes use a flat, circular disc (also called a rotor) that is gripped by brake pads to create the friction needed to slow the vehicle down.

Engine Control System (ECS)

The Engine Control System (ECS), also referred to as the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Engine Control Module (ECM), is an essential part of modern vehicles that manages the engine’s operation for optimal performance, efficiency, and emissions control. The ECS uses a combination of sensors, actuators, and software algorithms to monitor and regulate various engine functions in real-time, ensuring that the engine operates efficiently under different driving conditions.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD or 4x4)

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD or 4×4)

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD or 4×4) is a drivetrain configuration that sends power to all four wheels of a vehicle, as opposed to just the front or rear wheels. This system is designed to improve traction and stability, especially in challenging driving conditions such as off-road environments, slippery roads, or when towing heavy loads.

Ground Clearance

Ground clearance

Ground clearance (also called ride height) is the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle’s undercarriage (usually the chassis or the differential) and the ground. It plays a critical role in a vehicle’s ability to navigate rough or uneven terrain and is an important specification for vehicles designed for off-road use, like SUVs, trucks, and certain performance cars.

Head Unit

A head unit (also known as a stereo unit, radio receiver, infotainment system, or car stereo) is the central control system in a vehicle’s audio and multimedia setup. It is typically located in the dashboard and serves as the interface for managing entertainment, navigation, communication, and other in-car features. The head unit acts as the command center for a vehicle’s audio and connectivity functions, allowing drivers and passengers to control everything from music playback to phone calls to navigation.

Heads-up display (HUD)

Heads-up Display

HUD stands for Head-Up Display, which is a technology used in vehicles to project important information onto the windshield or a separate transparent screen in the driver’s line of sight. The primary goal of a HUD is to allow drivers to view crucial data without having to look down at the dashboard or take their eyes off the road, thus improving safety and convenience.

Hill Hold

Hill Hold (also called Hill Hold Assist or Hill Start Assist) is a safety feature in modern vehicles designed to help drivers start their car on an incline without rolling backward. It temporarily holds the brake for a short period after the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing the driver to transition smoothly from the brake to the accelerator without the fear of the vehicle rolling backward.

Instrumentation

Instrumentation in a vehicle refers to the collection of devices, displays, and sensors used to monitor and present important information about the car’s performance, systems, and environment. The primary purpose of instrumentation is to provide the driver with real-time feedback, helping them make informed decisions while driving and ensuring the vehicle is operating safely and efficiently.

Jack

A jack in automotive terminology refers to a tool used to lift a vehicle off the ground, allowing the driver or mechanic to perform maintenance tasks such as changing a tire, inspecting the undercarriage, or replacing components like brakes or suspension parts. Jacks are essential tools for car maintenance and repairs and come in various types depending on the vehicle and the type of work to be done.

Keyless ignition

Keyless ignition refers to a system in modern vehicles that allows the driver to start and stop the engine without physically inserting a traditional key into the ignition switch. Instead, the driver uses a key fob or a smartphone app to wirelessly communicate with the vehicle’s system.

Key Fob: The key fob, which is a small electronic device, is programmed to transmit a unique signal to the vehicle. When the driver enters the car with the fob, the vehicle detects the signal, allowing the engine to start with the push of a button or turn of a dial.
Push-Button Start: Once inside the car, the driver presses a button (often labeled “Start/Stop”) to start or stop the engine, as long as the key fob is within a certain proximity, usually inside the car.
Smartphone Integration: In some newer vehicles, the key fob can be replaced by a smartphone app, which uses Bluetooth, NFC, or a similar technology to communicate with the car. The driver can unlock, start, and sometimes even control certain functions of the car through their phone.

Lane Assist

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Lane Assist

A Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system is an advanced safety feature in many modern vehicles designed to alert the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without the use of turn signals. This system helps prevent accidents caused by distracted driving, drowsiness, or a loss of attention on the road.

Make or Model

Make of Model

A car make refers to the manufacturer or brand of a vehicle, while a car model refers to a specific version or variant of a car produced by that manufacturer.

Nightvision

Night Vision

Night vision in cars is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) designed to enhance a driver’s ability to see in low-light conditions, particularly at night. This system uses infrared technology to detect heat signatures and display a live video feed of the road ahead, often highlighting pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, or obstacles that are not visible to the naked eye in low-light environments. Night vision can be a valuable safety feature, especially in poor visibility conditions such as fog, rain, or after dark.

OEM

Original equipment manufacturer

OBDS

On-Board Diagnostics, is a standardized system in vehicles that allows for the monitoring and reporting of a vehicle’s health, performance, and emissions. It provides critical data about the engine, transmission, exhaust, and other important systems. The system is primarily used for diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance, but it can also be used for monitoring vehicle performance and detecting issues before they lead to more serious problems.

Park Assist

Park Assist is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that helps drivers park their vehicles safely and accurately. This system uses sensors, cameras, and sometimes radar to detect nearby obstacles and assist with parking, reducing the risk of collisions and making parking in tight spaces easier.

Power Steering

Power Stearing

Power steering is a system in modern vehicles that makes it easier for the driver to steer the car, especially at low speeds, by reducing the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel. Without power steering, drivers would need significantly more physical effort to turn the wheel, particularly when parking or at low speeds. Power steering is a critical component for improving the overall driving experience, safety, and comfort.

Quality Check

Quality Check (QC)

A Quality Check (QC) is a process used to ensure that products, services, or systems meet specific quality standards and are free from defects before they are released to the customer or market. In the context of manufacturing, business operations, or any product/service-based industry, quality checks are essential for maintaining consistency, safety, and customer satisfaction.

RDS

Radio Data System

The Radio Data System (RDS) is a communications protocol used to transmit additional information along with regular FM radio broadcasts. It allows FM radio stations to send data (like song titles, artist names, traffic information, and station identifiers) to receivers in real-time. RDS is commonly found in car radios, home stereos, and other audio systems, enhancing the overall listening experience by providing more than just audio content.

SLS

Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS)

Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS) is an advanced type of vehicle suspension system designed to maintain a consistent ride height regardless of the load or weight inside the vehicle. This system automatically adjusts the suspension to keep the vehicle level, ensuring that the car’s body stays parallel to the ground, even when it’s carrying extra weight or when road conditions change.

Shoulder Room

Shoulder room refers to the amount of horizontal space available for a person’s shoulders inside a vehicle. It is a key measurement in vehicle interior dimensions, particularly when evaluating comfort for the driver and passengers. Shoulder room is the distance between the interior side panels (such as the door or center console) of the vehicle at shoulder height, typically measured from one side of the car to the other.

Skid Plate

A skid plate is a protective metal or composite plate mounted to the underside of a vehicle, typically in areas that are vulnerable to damage from rocks, debris, or rough terrain. Skid plates are especially common on off-road vehicles, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles that are designed to navigate challenging landscapes, but they can also be found in some performance cars or vehicles used in industrial or military applications.

Sun Roof

A sunroof is a movable panel in a vehicle’s roof that can be opened to allow light and air into the cabin. It’s a popular feature in many cars, especially in warmer climates or luxury vehicles, providing an enhanced driving experience with increased ventilation, natural light, and a feeling of openness.

Tachometer

A tachometer is an instrument used to measure the rotational speed of a shaft or engine in revolutions per minute (RPM). It provides real-time feedback about how fast the engine is spinning. Tachometers are commonly found in the dashboard of vehicles and are especially important for performance-oriented cars, motorcycles, and industrial machinery.

TCS

Traction Control

Traction Control is a vehicle safety system designed to prevent wheel spin (loss of traction) by automatically adjusting engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels. It helps maintain traction on slippery or uneven surfaces, such as wet, icy, or loose roads, reducing the risk of skidding or loss of control.

Timing Belt

A timing belt is a critical component in an internal combustion engine that ensures the precise timing of the engine’s valves and pistons. It is a toothed or ribbed belt made of reinforced rubber or a composite material, and it synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft(s). This synchronization ensures that the engine’s valves open and close at the correct times in relation to the position of the pistons, allowing for proper combustion and efficient engine operation.

Underbody

Under-Body

The under-body of a vehicle refers to the lower part of the vehicle’s frame, chassis, and components that are located beneath the main body and cabin. It includes critical elements such as the suspension, exhaust system, fuel tank, transmission, drivetrain, and brake components. The under-body is exposed to harsh conditions while driving, such as road debris, dirt, salt, moisture, and other environmental factors, which can contribute to wear and corrosion over time.especially important for performance-oriented cars, motorcycles, and industrial machinery.

Upholstery

Upholstery refers to the materials (such as fabric, leather, foam, padding, and springs) used to cover and cushion the seats, interior panels, and other surfaces in a vehicle, as well as furniture. In the context of automobiles, upholstery is an essential component that contributes to both the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the vehicle’s interior.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique, 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to each motor vehicle at the time of manufacture. It serves as the “fingerprint” of a vehicle, providing essential information about the car, such as its manufacturer, model, engine type, place of origin, and other important details. The VIN is used for tracking the vehicle’s history, ownership, and any potential issues, such as accidents, theft, or recalls.

Vehicle Type

Vehicle type refers to the classification or category of a vehicle based on its design, purpose, or features. Different vehicle types are often defined by regulatory standards, such as those set by government agencies (e.g., the Department of Transportation or the International Organization for Standardization), as well as by the vehicle’s intended use and specifications.

Ventilated Seats

Ventilated seats (also known as cooled seats) are a comfort feature found in many modern vehicles, especially in luxury cars and higher-end trims of mass-market models. These seats use a system that circulates air through perforated seat surfaces to cool and reduce the discomfort of hot, sticky seats, particularly in hot or humid conditions.

Wheelbase

Wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels of a vehicle. It is one of the key measurements in a vehicle’s overall design and has a significant impact on the vehicle’s handling, stability, ride quality, and interior space.

Wheel Covers

Wheel covers (also called hubcaps) are protective and decorative components that cover the central part of a vehicle’s wheel. They are typically made of metal, plastic, or a combination of materials and are designed to fit over the wheel’s hub to provide protection and enhance the vehicle’s appearance. While wheel covers are often seen as an aesthetic feature, they also serve a functional purpose by protecting certain parts of the wheel from dirt, moisture, and road debris.

Yoke

The yoke is part of the steering mechanism in some vehicles, particularly in older cars or large vehicles like trucks. It’s a U-shaped bar that is used to transfer the steering input to the steering rack or gearbox.

Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)

A Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) refers to a vehicle that produces no tailpipe emissions or air pollutants during operation. This includes fully electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

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