range anxiety
nounAutomotive
The fear that a vehicle (especially a battery electric vehicle) has insufficient range to reach its destination and will therefore strand its occupants.
Automotive
603 entries in this trade.
range extender
nounAutomotive
A fuel-based auxiliary power unit that extends the range of a battery electric vehicle by driving an electric generator that charges the vehicle's battery.
rear-end
verbAutomotive
Of a vehicle, to strike (another vehicle) from behind.
rebore
nounAutomotive
The process of modifying the bore of an engine.
red light camera
nounAutomotive
An automatic traffic light enforcement camera which captures images of vehicles violating red lights.
redline
verbAutomotive
To run an internal combustion engine to its maximum or maximum recommended speed.
regen
nounAutomotive
Clipping of regenerative braking.
release time
nounAutomotive
The amount of time elapsed between the moment when the actuating time for release commences and the moment when the braking force ceases.
reluctor
nounAutomotive
A toothed ring or wheel that rotates past a variable reluctance sensor.
restripe
verbAutomotive
To change the space markings in a parking lot.
REV
nounAutomotive
Initialism of range-extended vehicle or range extender vehicle
RHD
nounAutomotive
Initialism of right-hand drive.
right-hander
nounAutomotive
A bend or turn to the right; a right-hand corner.
road rage
nounAutomotive
Uncontrollable aggressive behavior by the driver of a road vehicle, especially when caused by stress or frustration.
roadholding
nounAutomotive
The degree to which a motor vehicle maintains a stable "grip" on the road surface, without tilting, skidding, etc.
roadkill
nounAutomotive
The killing of an animal by a road vehicle.
roadster
nounAutomotive
An open automobile having a front seat and a rumble seat.
roadworthy
adjectiveAutomotive
Being able to be driven, or suitable for driving, on the open road.
roll cage
nounAutomotive
A frame built in or around the driver and passenger compartment of a vehicle to protect its occupants from being injured in an accident, particularly if the vehicle rolls over.
roll hoop
nounAutomotive
A roll bar behind the headrest of a seat in a vehicle.
rolling stop
nounAutomotive
An automobile driving maneuver in which a driver slows down, but does not completely stop, at a stop sign.
RON
nounAutomotive
Abbreviation of research octane number.
RTI
nounAutomotive
Initialism of ramp travel index, a measure of offroad performance.
run a red light
verbAutomotive
To drive past an illuminated red traffic light instead of stopping as indicated.
run on fumes
verbAutomotive
To operate a vehicle that is low on fuel.
run-flat
nounAutomotive
A pneumatic tire designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, and to allow the vehicle to continue to be driven (although usually at a reduced speed).
runaway diesel
nounAutomotive
A diesel internal combustion engine which is uncontrollable with conventional means due to an aspirated fuel leak that revs faster and faster to destruction unless stopped.
runaway truck ramp
nounAutomotive
A traffic device that enables vehicles which are having braking problems to stop safely.
RV
nounAutomotive
Initialism of recreational vehicle.
RWD
nounAutomotive
Abbreviation of rear-wheel drive.
SAE
nameAutomotive
Initialism of Society of Automotive Engineers.
scoop
nounAutomotive
An opening in a hood/bonnet or other body panel to admit air, usually for cooling the engine.
scrivet
nounAutomotive
A type of fastener made of plastic, comprising a screw and a captive nut, made for one-sided access in fastening body panels, fairings, splash shields, and so on; an instance thereof.
SDV
nounAutomotive
Initialism of software-defined vehicle / software-driven vehicle.
seat belt
nounAutomotive
A restraining belt attached to a vehicle seat and fastened around occupants in order to keep them in place and decelerate them smoothly rather than suddenly in an accident, mitigating the risk of injury from uncontrolled impact with injurious objects.
security distance
nounAutomotive
The amount of space required between two vehicles on a roadway in order to maintain a safe following distance.
self-drive
verbAutomotive
To drive autonomously; (of a motor vehicle) to drive itself without a human operator, by means of sensors and computer technology.
self-parking
nounAutomotive
A sensor-based system that allows a vehicle to park automatically.
semi-automatic
nounAutomotive
A semi-automatic transmission.
semiconvertible
nounAutomotive
A vehicle with a retractable textile roof.
service book
nounAutomotive
A booklet in which the servicing history of a vehicle is recorded.
shock absorption
nounAutomotive
The act of dampening shocks by dissipating kinetic energy.
shooting brake
nounAutomotive
A vehicle used to carry shooting parties.
short block
nounAutomotive
An engine subassembly comprising the portion of the cylinder block below the cylinder head gasket but above the oil pan (and including neither).
short bus
nounAutomotive
A minibus, such as a type-A or type-B school bus.
shoulder belt
nounAutomotive
A seat belt worn over one shoulder and diagonally across the upper body (following the lower margin of the ribcage as it descends), providing restraint for the upper torso (often coupled with a lap belt which restrains the pelvic area and prevents submarining).
sidepipe
nounAutomotive
An exhaust pipe which exhausts to the side of the vehicle.
sidescreen
nounAutomotive
A panel or window on the side of a vehicle, such as a car or aircraft, designed to protect occupants from external elements while allowing visibility.
signal timing
nounAutomotive
A technique which traffic engineers use to distribute right of way at a signalized intersection.
silo truck
nounAutomotive
A commercial truck carrying free-flowing bulk products in its own silo (a type of truck).
Singer
nounAutomotive
A motorcar from a former make of British motor car.
six-pack
nounAutomotive
A collection of six of something bundled together, especially six cans of beer or soda pop.
skid car
nounAutomotive
A car with a frame on casters attached to it (a skid frame), which lowers the effective weight of the car on its tires, allowing easy skids, simulating aquaplaning and driving on ice
skidplate
nounAutomotive
A metal plate affixed to the underside of a vehicle to prevent damage to key components in the undercarriage.
SLA
nounAutomotive
Initialism of short long arms suspension.
SMMT
nameAutomotive
Initialism of Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
snow tire
nounAutomotive
A tire with rubber that remains soft at most winter temperatures, designed to maintain grip on snow and ice (historically these tires have poor tread life on tarmac and pavement, especially in non-cold temperatures)
snowflake wheel
nounAutomotive
A replica of the original Y spoke wheel design for the Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac Escalade trucks and SUVs.
softroader
nounAutomotive
A unibody crossover SUV or vehicle designed for daily driving, light off-roading, and inclement weather, rather than extreme, technical terrain.
SORN
nounAutomotive
Acronym of statutory off-road notification.