Automotive

400 entries in this trade.

6x6

a six-wheeled vehicle with six-wheel drive (each wheel has powered drive)

8x8

an eight-wheeled vehicle with eight-wheel drive, each wheel has powered drive. (Abbreviation of 8 drive wheels on 8 wheels).

8x8x8

Abbreviation of 8 wheel steering with 8 drive wheels on 8 wheels (“an eight-wheeled vehicle with eight-wheel drive and eight-wheeled steering, each wheel has powered drive, and each axle is steerable”).

accessory battery

The standard 12V rechargeable automotive lead-acid battery or the stand-in battery for a standard 12V automotive battery found in internal combustion engined vehicles, typically used to power the typical 12V systems, the accessories, infotainment, automotive computer, and electronic systems.

active braking time

The amount of time elapsed between the moment when the braking force takes effect and the point in time at which it ceases.

AEB

Initialism of automatic emergency braking or autonomous emergency braking, a technology/methodology used in cars to prevent crashes by activating the brakes.

all-season tire

A tire designed to have long tread life in warm conditions, with rubber that remains soft down to freezing weather, for good performance in three seasons and passable performance in winter.

all-weather tire

A tire with rubber that remains soft in below-freezing conditions, but gives longer tread life in warm conditions than winter tires.

all-weather tyre

A tyre with rubber that remains soft in below-freezing conditions, but gives longer tread life in warm conditions than winter tyres

alloy wheel

A wheel made from an alloy other than steel (a lighter and more expensive one), as for example one of aluminium alloy or magnesium alloy, and (usually) styled so as to draw attention to its sportiness and desirability.

AMT

Initialism of automated manual transmission.

API donut

An information table found on cans of motor oil, conforming to U.S. standards, which indicates the weight (viscosity) and type of oil. The central circle provides the oil viscosity rating (ie. 10W50), while the upper annulus section provides the oil type (ie. SP).

auto show

A typically annual or semiannual public event for exhibition of new automobiles and new automobile designs.

automated manual transmission

A type of single-clutch automatic transmission that is closely based on the internal design and mechanical build and of a conventional manual transmission; but is computer-controlled, and does require any manual input from the driver to change gear or actuate the clutch.

autovac

A device that uses vacuum to raise fuel from the main tank to a small auxiliary tank, from which it flows by gravity to the carburetor, eliminating the (then often unreliable) fuel pump.

AVAS

Acronym of acoustic vehicle alerting system: a system in an electric vehicle that generates artificial driving sounds alerting pedestrians and other road users of the vehicle's presence.

AVGP

Abbreviation of armoured vehicle, general purpose.

B-pillar

The vertical support dividing a car's front side window from its rear or central side window.

B10

A motor vehicle fuel blend of 90% diesel and 10% biodiesel

B100

A motor vehicle fuel composed of pure biodiesel.

B5

A motor vehicle fuel blend of 95% diesel and 5% biodiesel

backplate

A rigid metal plate inside the brake drum, which supports the wheel cylinder, brake shoes, and other parts of a drum brake.

backup camera

A camera installed on the rear of a vehicle, to help in reversing and in eliminating rear end blindspots.

ball joint

A spherical bearing that connects the control arm to the steering knuckle.

basic ignition timing

The position of the crankshaft in relation to the top dead center when the piston is located at the top of the compression stroke.

BEVx

Initialism of battery electric vehicle with extender, a battery electric vehicle with a range extender, a type of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

blipper

A device that applies the throttle when downshifting, for a smoother gear transition and to avoid wheelspin.

BLIS

Initialism of blind spot information system, a warning light on a car dashboard that helps the driver avoid accidents when changing lanes.

blow-by

In an internal combustion engine, any burnt or unburnt matter escaping from the cylinder, past the (worn) rings on the piston, and into the crankcase.

bottom-end

adjectiveAutomotive

Of or relating to the lower gears on a geared engine, especially in a motor vehicle.

boxer engine

An engine with two horizontally opposed cylinder banks, commonly used in Porsche and Subaru automobiles.

bracketry

The mounting hardware used to hold one part to another, typically consisting of stamped metal pieces that make up the actual bracket, and any other bolts, nuts, rubber etc. needed to complete the mounting of the part.

brake check

verbAutomotiveinformal

To deliberately brake in an unexpected place to hinder or startle the driver behind.

brake light

A light on a vehicle's instrument panel indicating a failure or malfunction of the vehicle's brake system.

brake line

A line that conveys fluid from a vehicle's brake pedal to the brakes when they are applied.

braking time

The approximate duration of time required for a vehicle to come to a complete stop after applying the brakes.

brandmobile

A motorized vehicle that is customized to resemble a consumer product as a promotional tool for advertising and marketing.

bumper

Parts at the front and back of a vehicle which are meant to absorb the impact of a collision; fender.

bus

A motor vehicle for transporting large numbers of people along roads.

butterfly door

A car door similar to scissor door, but while scissor doors move straight up via hinge points at the bottom of the A-pillar, butterfly doors move up and out via hinges along the A-pillar.

C-pillar

The vertical support dividing a car's rear window from its rear windscreen, or, if the car has an additional window and D-pillar, the support dividing the central and rear windows.