AUTOMOTIVE GLOSSARY

1. A/C compressor
An engine-driven pump in the air conditioning system that increases the pressure of the
refrigerant.
2. AdBlue
A brand name of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) that is trademarked and overseen by the German
Association of the Automotive Industry, a trade group that represents both German car
manufacturers and automotive suppliers.
3. Air conditioning
The cooling and dehumidification of a vehicles cabin air.
4. Airbags
A cushion that deploys and fills with air when a major impact occurs to reduce a vehicle
occupants chances of coming in contact with the vehicles interior surfaces.
5. Antifreeze
A mixture of water and ethylene glycol that has both a higher boiling point and a lower
freezing point than plain water.
6. Beltline
The horizontal line defined by the lower edges of a vehicles windscreen, rear and side
windows and pillars.
7. Biodiesel
A fuel that is a mixture of petroleum-based diesel and plant-based diesel.
8. Blind spot
The area behind and to the side of a vehicle that is hard to see in either the side or rear view
mirrors.
9. Body
The outer panels that shroud the mechanical and electrical workings of a vehicle.
10. Bore
The diameter, in inches, of the cylinders in the vehicles engine.
11. Brake
Stopping device of a vehicle.
12. Brake pedal
A device used to control a vehicles brakes.
13. Bumpers
A supplemental device designed to protect a vehicles frame and/or body from collision
damage.
14. C-pillar
The roof support structure on either side of the rear window on a typical sedan or coupe.
15. Cabin
The enclosed space for the pilot and companions.
16. Carbon dioxide
A naturally occurring "greenhouse gas" that is also a byproduct of the combustion of fossil
fuels and that consists of two oxygen atoms bonded to a single carbon atom.
17. Carburetor
A device used on older internal combustion gasoline engines that is mounted on the engines
intake manifold and supplies fuel to the engine.
18. Child seat
An additional seat and harness specifically designed for the safety of small children and
designed to work with a vehicles built-in restraint system.
19. Closer
An experienced dealership salesman or sales manager who attempts, towards the end of the
negotiation process, to either improve the deal for the dealership or to persuade a hesitant
buyer to commit to the purchase.
20. Clutch
A mechanism for connecting or disconnecting a shaft that drives a mechanism, such as in a
car to shift gears.
21. Clutch pedal
A pedal located on the floor of the vehicle to the left of the brake pedal that, when depressed,
disengages the clutch from the flywheel.
22. Compass
A digital or analog display that indicates the direction a vehicle is facing.
23. Console
A storage area located in a vehicles dash or headliner, between seats or underneath the seats.
24. Coolant
Also known as "antifreeze." A mixture of water and ethylene glycol that has both a higher
boiling point and a lower freezing point than plain water.
25. Crankcase
The housing that encloses the crankshaft, connecting rods, and allied parts.
26. Credit score
A number (referred to as a "score"), prepared by a company in the business of scoring
individuals creditworthiness or in accordance with algorithms it has established, that
represents a judgment as to the individuals creditworthiness and which is based on an
analysis of data reflected in his or her credit report and other personal information.
27. Credit union
A financial institution that is owned by its account holders, membership of which is based on
specified criteria (for example affiliation with an employer or union).
28. Cruise control
A device that, when engaged by the driver, automatically controls a vehicles speed.
29. Curb weight
The total weight of a vehicle, including a full tank of fuel, all fluids and standard equipment,
but without any cargo or passengers.
30. D-Pillar
The rear most roof support structure on an SUV, minivan or wagon.
31. Deceleration system
 An emissions device on a manually shifted vehicle that bleeds vacuum from the intake when
the vehicle is in gear with the throttle closed. This causes the fuel injectors to close during
conditions of deceleration and results in reduced emissions.
32. Depreciation
The amount by which a vehicle (or any physical item) loses its value over time. In vehicle
lease transactions, the projected depreciation of the vehicle is used to determine the vehicles
projected residual value and the monthly lease payments.
33. Diesel engine
A vehicle with an engine that uses diesel fuel and compression ignition.
34. Disc changer
An in-dash or remote-mounted CD or DVD/CD player that can store and read multiple discs
and play them through the vehicles audio system.
35. Disposition fee
An amount charged by the leasing company at the end of a lease that is intended to cover the
cost of retrieving and selling the vehicle if the lessee chooses not to buy it. The lessee is billed
for this charge after the vehicle is returned.
36. Diverter valve
On an engine equipped with an air pump, a valve activated during deceleration that allows
air from the air pump into the intake to dilute the air/fuel mixture (in an attempt to reduce
emissions).
37. Down payment
A cash payment credited against the purchase price of a vehicle, which reduces the amount
to be financed. In a lease transaction, this amount is often referred to as the "capital
reduction."
38. Drive belt
A belt that transfers the rotation of the engine through the crankshaft pulley to drive various
devices, such as the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor or power steering
pump.
39. Drive shaft
A sturdy metal tube with universal joints on either end that connects the engine to a
differential on a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle.
40. Drive system
The type of drive system: two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
41. Driving lights
Auxiliary high-beam driving lamps.
42. Easy entry
A device that automatically retracts a vehicles power seats and/or steering column when the
engine is switched off.
43. Electric battery
The type of battery used to power the electric motor in a hybrid or electric vehicle: lead-acid,
flooded, gel, lithium ion, absorbed glass mat, Zebra Na/NiCL2 or NiZn traction.
44. Electric motor
 The type of electric motor in a hybrid or electric vehicle used to power the drive wheels:
permanent magnet motor or other traction motor.
45. Electric vehicle
A vehicle that is run entirely on electricity, using batteries, capacitors and one or more
traction drive systems.
46. Emergency brake
An electronically controlled system that maximizes brake efficiency during panic stops.
47. Emissions score
A score from zero to 10 given by the EPA to each new vehicle that represents the amount of
total emissions produced during a laboratory driving simulation of the vehicle.
48. Engine oil
A substance that lubricates and cools the moving parts of the engine and reduces corrosion
and the formation of rust.
49. Engine size
A vehicle engine’s displacement, in liters (according to its manufacturer).
50. Thermostat
A device that senses the temperature of the engine coolant for the purpose of regulating the
engine cooling system.
51. Equity
For a vehicle that has been financed through a loan, the difference at any time between what
a vehicle is worth at that time and the amount that is then owed on the loan.
52. Ethanol
Ethyl alcohol. A commonly used vehicle fuel.
53. Finance
To borrow money (either as a loan or in the form of a lease) to obtain some or all of the funds
to acquire a vehicle.
54. Fog lights
A pair of driving lights that provides a wide, low beam in an attempt to undercut fog.
55. Front seat
The type of front seating: bucket seats, sport seats, split-bench seats or captains chairs.
56. Fuel capacity
The amount of fuel that a vehicles fuel tank can hold.
57. Fuel consumption
The rate at which an engine depletes its fuel supply.
58. Fuel filter
A replaceable metal or plastic canister that prevents particulate matter and most
contaminants in the fuel from reaching the engine.
59. Fuel system
The assemblage of parts that stores and delivers fuel for the engine, including the fuel cap,
fuel tank, fuel lines and hoses, fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel injectors or carburetor.
60. Gasoline
An easily ignited liquid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum that burns rapidly
and easily, used chiefly as a fuel for internal-combustion engines.
61. Gyro sensor
A device that enables a vehicles navigation system to determine the direction the vehicle is
facing.
62. Haldex clutch
Limited slip coupling used in vehicles with automatic all-wheel drive systems to engage and
disengage a secondary axle when needed.
63. Head unit
The central control unit for a vehicles entertainment system.
64. Headlights
A pair of bright lamps that provide visibility during darkness.
65. Headsets
A pair of small speakers that, when placed close to a passengers ears, enables the passenger
to listen to a vehicles sound system without disturbing other passengers.
66. Heater
A heat exchanger placed in the ventilation system that diffuses heat from the engines cooling
system into an airstream generated by an inline fan.
67. Height
The distance between the tallest part of a vehicle and level ground.
68. Hill holder
A device that applies brake pressure when a vehicles clutch is disengaged.
69. Hybrid
A hybrid vehicle uses two or more distinct types of power, such as internal combustion engine
to drive an electric generator that powers an electric motor.
70. Hybrid engine
A powertrain that combines an electric motor and an alternative means of propulsion and/or
power generation (for example, hydrogen). A gas/electric hybrid engine is the most common
example of a hybrid engine.
71. Hydrocarbons
Organic compounds commonly used as a fuel source consisting of only hydrogen and carbon
atoms.
72. Incentive
Any kind of financial assistance from a vehicle manufacturer that, by reducing either the net
price or the cost of financing/leasing, motivates customers to buy/lease a new vehicle. The
most common incentives are customer cash rebates, low-interest financing and leases that
are subsidized by the manufacturer.
73. Instrumentation
Digital and/or analog displays used to convey to the driver information such as dynamic
engine parameters, operating conditions, RPM, speed and water temperature.
74. Intelligent car
A vehicle that employs the latest in telemetrics, driver awareness and/or pedestrian safety
technology.
75. Invoice
 Also referred to as "Invoice Price." The price that appears on the invoice that the
manufacturer sends to the dealer when the dealer receives a vehicle from the factory.
76. Lane watch
A system developed by Honda that shows real time video of a vehicle's right side blind spot
when the turn signal is activated.
77. Lease term
The number of months that constitute the term of a vehicle lease.
78. Length
The distance from the most forward-facing point of a vehicle to the most rearward point.
79. Limited production
A product for which the manufacturer has established a limit on the number units to be
produced, without regard to the maximum number the manufacturer may be able to sell.
These vehicles typically have special interior and/or exterior trim and/or costly performance
enhancements that distinguish them from their mainstream counterparts.
80. Lip spoiler
A spoiler that is flush-mounted to a vehicles trunk lid or liftgate that allows air to flow over it
but not under it (and that is usually installed for aesthetic purposes).
81. Locks
A device or system of devices that prevents a vehicle from being entered without a key or an
electronic keyless entry remote control.
82. Luggage
A space of a vehicles trunk/cargo with all standard seats in place.
83. Transmission
A unit of gears for transferring changes of torque and speed in an automobile.
84. Model
A specific vehicle brand identified by a name or number (and which is usually further
classified by trim or style level).
85. Navigation system
A device that communicates with global positioning satellites to determine a vehicles physical
location and plot a course using stored map information.
86. Nightvision
An exterior camera that uses infrared technology to provide added visibility when driving in
the dark.
87. Oil filter
A cartridge-filled canister placed in an engines lubricating system to strain dirt and abrasive
materials out of the oil.
88. Oversteer
A handling characteristic of a vehicle that causes it to turn more sharply than the driver
intends because the rear wheels are sliding to the outside of the turn.
89. Payload
A vehicle's carrying capacity (in pounds) of occupants and cargo, and equal to the vehicle's
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus its curb weight.
90. Payoff
 Also called the "buyout amount." The amount that, at any specified time during the term of a
vehicle lease or loan, is required to be paid in order to discharge the remaining obligation.
91. Radiator
The part of a vehicles radiator and air conditioning systems made up of small-diameter tubes
with a series of thin, heat-conducting fins in between.
92. Rear brake
The type of rear brake: drum or disc.
93. Rear spoiler
94. Rebate
A cash payment offered as an incentive by the manufacturer to consumers, which is usually
applied by the consumer to reduce the net price of a vehicle.
95. Recall
A recall is a notice sent by a vehicle manufacturer to owners of a vehicle advising them that
the vehicle has or may have a serious defect that may compromise the safety of the vehicle
and that the service departments of that manufacturer's dealers will make any necessary
replacements or repairs free of charge.
96. Remote start
A feature of a vehicles electronic key fob that controls the vehicles ignition.
97. Seat belts
Harnesses designed to secure vehicle occupants during a collision.
98. Shift
To change gears from one ratio to another in driving a motor vehicle.
99. Skid plate
A shield typically attached to the bottom of a vehicles front bumper that is designed to guard
the undercarriage in the case of insufficient ground clearance.
100. SmartWay
A designation issued by the EPA for new vehicles with a score of six or higher in both air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and a combined total of more than 13.
101. Spare
A fifth wheel and tire that is stored on or in a vehicle for use when one of the four tires in use
becomes disabled.
102. Spiff
A cash incentive, contest entry or prize given by a dealership to salespersons as motivation
to sell vehicles.
103. Spoiler
An attachment to a vehicle (or component of its body) originally introduced for the purpose
of directing airflow over such device (or the entire vehicle) to decrease lift and increase
stability at high speeds, but that is sometimes used on consumer vehicles solely for aesthetic
reasons.
104. Steering rack
The steering component that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel to the
horizontal motion necessary to operate the steering linkage.
105. Stroke
 The distance, in inches, between the centerline of an engines crankshaft and the centerline of
its connecting rod journal.
106. Subprime
A loan made to a borrower with a low credit rating and that typically bears interest at a higher
rate to compensate the lender for the greater risk.
107. Sunroof
A fixed or operable opening in the roof of a vehicle that is covered with a metal or glass plug.
108. Sunshade
A removable or retractable device that limits or prevents light from passing through a
vehicles window.
109. Supercharger
A device powered by a belt, gear, shaft or chain connected to the engines crankshaft that
forces air into an internal-combustion engine in order to increase engine power.
110. Suspension
The arrangement of springs, shock absorbers, etc., in a vehicle.
111. Tachometer
An instrument that tells the driver how fast the engine is rotating, commonly including a
redline to indicate the maximum engine speed.
112. Telematics
The integrated use of telecommunications in a vehicle.
113. Telemetrics
The integrated use of telecommunications and electronic data communications in a vehicle.
114. Tire
A ring of rubber, placed over the rim of a wheel on cars, trucks, etc., to provide traction or
resistance to wear.
115. Torque
A measurement of an engine's power that indicates how forcefully it can rotate the crankshaft
at a given engine speed.
116. Track
The distance from the center plane of one wheel to the center plane of its opposing wheel.
117. Trade-in
A vehicle that is currently owned by the purchaser of a new or used vehicle from a dealer and
that is exchanged for the newly purchased vehicle in order to reduce its net price.
118. Turbocharger
Sometimes referred to as a "turbosupercharger." A device that uses an exhaust-driven
turbine to force air into an internal-combustion engine in order to increase engine power.
119. Turn signals
Flashing amber-colored lights that indicate when a vehicles driver intends to make a turn or
lane change.
120. Underbody
The area of a vehicle that is typically not visible from above and that is exposed to the road.
121. Understeer
 A handling characteristic of a vehicle that causes it to turn less sharply than the driver intends
because the front wheels are sliding to the outside of the turn.
122. Underwriting
The process of evaluating the risk exposure to a potential insured (or class or category of
insureds), whether to accept the risk and offer insurance coverage, and the premium to be
charged for that coverage.
123. Upholstery
Cloth, leather or synthetic material used to cover a vehicles seats, door panels, arm rests and
headrests.
124. Vehicle type
The type of vehicle class, examples of which are large cars, midsize cars, minivans, pickup
trucks, small cars, special purpose vehicles, sports utility vehicles, station wagons and vans.
125. Water pump
A device that circulates coolant through a vehicles cooling system.
126. Watts
A measure of the amount of power that an amplifier is capable of producing or a speaker is
capable of enduring.
127. Wheel
A circular frame or disk that can revolve or spin around an inner frame or on an axis, allowing
an object to which it is attached to move.
128. Wheelbase
The distance between the center of a vehicles front axle and the center of its rear axle.
129. Width
The width of a vehicle at its widest point.