Unless you know a lot about cars, there may be a number of terms in auto language you don't understand, or abbreviations or acronyms that you are unsure of. Listed below are explanations of some of the words you may come across when you look at buying a new car.

 

 

• 4ECT-i - 4 Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence.

The transmission computer networks with the engine computer to control hydraulic shift pressure more precisely. It also automatically adjusts for transmission wear over time.

 

• 4WD/AWD - 4 Wheel Drive/All Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive, or 4x4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously. This allows it more traction and better handling and makes it suitable for off-road purposes.

 

• ABS - Anti-Lock Braking System

A computer controlled system on vehicles which prevents the wheels from locking while braking. When the brakes begin to lock, the computer pulses the brakes and allows each wheel to brake independently, which allows the driver to maintain control under heavy braking. It may also help to shorten braking distances by allowing the driver to hit the brake fully without skidding or loss of control.

 

• ACC - Adaptive Cruise Control

This may also be known as Autonomous Cruise Control, Active Cruise Control or Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC). These systems use either a radar or laser setup to slow the car when it determines it is too close to the vehicle in front. It then accelerates back to the preset speed once it has judged it is again safe enough.

 

• ACIS - Acoustic Control Induction System

This device allows a higher speed of air intake into the car's engine, optimizing the performance.

 

• ADD - Automatic Disconnecting Differential System
  This technology disconnects the front axles and hub assemblies from the drive shaft at the differential when the vehicle is in 2-wheel drive mode, and engages the front axles back to the differential when 4-wheel drive is selected by the driver. This makes it unnecessary to get out of the vehicle to disconnect them manually.

 

• Aerodynamic Drag

This is the level of wind resistance that a car has. It is typically measured in Cd units, which means coefficient of drag. The lower this number is, the more aerodynamic the vehicle is.

 

• AFC - Air Fuel Controller

A device which determines the ratio of air to fuel being delivered to the engine.

 

• ALR - Automatic Locking Retractor

A seatbelt that automatically adjusts to fit around a person or object. It also locks when it is pulled at high speed. This is a useful safety feature of most modern cars.

 

• Alternator

An alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to operate the electrical systems in the car, such as electric windows, ignition, or other accessories. It also charges the battery when required.

 

• Approach Angle

Often a feature in off-road vehicles, the Approach Angle indicates what the steepest angle is that a vehicle can approach and drive up without damaging the body or chassis.

 

• Assist Grips

These are the handles placed on the inside of a vehicle to allow passenger leverage into and out of a car.

 

• AS - Active Steer

Active steering is a system that varies the degree that the wheels turn in response to the steering wheel. At lower speeds, this technology reduces the amount that the steering wheel must be turned, improving vehicle performance in situations such as parking. At higher speeds, the performance is such that steering becomes more responsive and provides improved directional stability.

 

• Automatic Height Control

A hydraulic system that allows a driver to raise or lower the vehicle according to the requirements of the terrain. This is useful in off-road conditions.

 

• Auto On/Auto Off Headlights

A system which evaluates the amount of daylight and automatically turns the headlights on or off as required.

 

• Axle

The axle is the shaft on which a wheel turns. It can provide torque to the drive wheels.

 

• Battery

A device which converts chemical energy into electrical energy. The battery provides the power used in a vehicle's electrical system and ignition.

 

• BHP - Brake Horsepower

This is the measure of an engine's horsepower and is taken from the back of the engine before it loses power through the gearbox, generator, differential, water pump, and other auxiliary components.

 

• Camber

The outward or inward tilt of a vehicle's tire. A tire tilted outward has a positive camber; a tire tilted inwards has a negative camber.

 

• Camshaft

 

• CAT - Catalytic Converter

A device incorporated into the exhaust system of a vehicle that reduces the amount of pollution in the automobile's exhaust. The downside to this is that it takes some of the performance away from the vehicle.

• CATS - Computer Active Technology System

Computer Active Technology Systems allow control of the vehicle's body movements and helps to eliminate body roll in situations such as cornering, accelerating, and braking. This is made possible through an on-board computer which detects body movement from sensors located throughout the vehicle, and controls the action of the active suspension. Sensors continually monitor body movement and vehicle level and supply the computer with updated data constantly.

 

• CBC - Cornering Brake Control

CBC works together with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) to negate over-steer when going around corners at speed. CBC allows optimum distribution of brake power in corners, keeping the car on track even if the brakes are applied suddenly when cornering. This results in significantly safer and gentler braking. Even during abrupt braking, the vehicle remains stable.

 

• CBV - Compressor Bypass Valve

A Compressor Bypass Valve may also be known as a Compressor Relief Valve (CRV). It is a vacuum-actuated valve which releases pressure in the intake system of a turbocharged or centrifugally supercharged car when the accelerator is lifted. The air pressure is re-circulated back into the non-pressurized end of the intake, before the turbo, but after the mass airflow sensor.

 

• cc - cubic centimeters

 

• CE - Classic Edition

 

• Chassis

The chassis of a vehicle is the frame with all the operating parts, such as the engine, the drivetrain, suspension and brakes. It does not include the body of the car - trim and accessories.

 

• ci - cubic inches

The cubic inch was used until the 1980s to demonstrate the size of engines for vehicles. It is sometimes still used when talking about Classic Cars or auto racing, but has generally been replaced by SI.

 

• Clutch

The clutch connects the transmission to the drivetrain.

 

• Combustion Chamber

The place where burning of the air/fuel combination occurs. This is located on top of the cylinders.

 

• Compression Ratio

Measure how much the air/fuel combination is compressed within the cylinder by the piston. Higher compression ratios give greater power.

 

• CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission

A Continuously Variable Transmission is a gearbox in which the ratio of the rotational speeds of two shafts, as the input shaft and output shaft of your car can be varied continuously within a given range, providing an infinite number of possible ratios. This allows for a seamless transition between gears, ensuring a smooth ride.

 

• Cylinder

A hollow tube in the engine block which contains a piston.

 

• DAC - Downhill Assist Control

Sometimes when going down a particularly steep hill, use of low gear may not be enough to ensure a low speed. DAC automatically applies the brakes to lower the speed without the wheels locking up.

 

• DBC - Dynamic Brake Control

Dynamic Brake Control is a safety feature which improves brake effectiveness in emergency stop situations. When you need to stop in an emergency, the system reinforces your applying the brakes to provide maximum braking in the shortest distance. The amount of brake application is determined by the speed and pressure with which you apply the brakes.

 

• DE - Deluxe Edition

 

• Differential

The differential is a gear assembly that enables a wheel of a vehicle to be turned at different speeds to the other wheels. This is a necessary component of a vehicle as when turning a corner, the wheel on the outside of the corner must turn more than the wheel on the inside of the corner.

 

• Distributor

A mechanical part of an ignition system that distributes electric power to the spark plugs. In new vehicles, this has been replaced by the distributorless ignition.

 

• Distributorless Ignition

This system uses an ignition coil on top of each spark plug to time spark plug firing, eliminating the need for a distributor.

 

• DOHC - Double/Dual Overhead CamShaft

A Dual or Double Overhead Camshaft (may also be known as a Twin-Camshaft) is an engine layout with two camshafts per row of cylinders. Each camshaft operates two valves, and a DOHC enables the car to have four valves per cylinder. Valves work by allowing the intake of air to the engine and providing an outlet for the exhaust. The engine can make more power if more air enters the cylinder, and it wastes less power if it is easier to pump the exhaust.

A Dual Overhead Camshaft gives the vehicle higher performance - the engine will run at a higher speed and produce more power.

 

• Drive Configuration

Shows the location of the engine within the vehicle, and which wheels power the car.

 

• Drive Shaft

The shaft which carries power from the transmission to the differential.

 

• Drivetrain

The Drivetrain takes the engine output and transfers it to the wheels to produce motion. It is composed of the transmission, the driveshaft, the differential and the axle.

 

• DRL - Daytime Running Lights

Runs the low-beam headlights during the day to increase the visibility of the vehicle to others.

 

• DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

This system continually compares vehicle speed, wheel speed, steering angle, and yaw rate with a standard of optimum driving conditions data. This system can instantly recognize a threatening instability and a danger of skidding. The DSC system can correct an unstable driving condition by applying precise braking action to the individual wheels. This technology will also cut back the engine speed to stabilize the vehicle if it determines this is necessary.

 

• DSG - Direct Shift Gearbox

The Direct Shift Gearbox is a dual-clutch gearbox. By using two clutches, fast shifts can be achieved, and the torque converter of a regular automatic transmission is eliminated.

 

• DSR - Dynamic Steering Response

Dynamic Steering Response is a safety technique which corrects the rate of hydraulic or electric power steering system to adapt it to a vehicle's speed and road conditions.

 

• DVC - Dynamic Vehicle Control

This function is comprised of a series of innovations and devices designed to create optimal driving performance to a tilting vehicle. This is possible through a feedback controlled tilting system enabling the vehicle to lean into corners always keeping it in perfect balance.

 

• EBA - Electronic Brake Assist

Often partnered with EBD, this system monitors a driver's braking and if it detects that a driver is in an emergency braking maneuver, it automatically supplements the driver's attempt to stop quickly by boosting brake power to the maximum. This helps improve the vehicle's stopping distance. EBA stops working immediately after the driver releases the brake pedal.

 

• EBD - Electronic Brake-force Distribution

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is a brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc. This is often used in conjunction with anti-lock braking systems and can apply more or less braking pressure to each wheel in order to maximize stopping power. This results in more precise and effective braking and also makes the car more stable under heavy braking.

 

• ECT - Electronically Controlled Transmission

Electronically controlled transmission is an advanced technology that through a hydraulic and electronic solenoid system enables more sophisticated control schemes. In addition to monitoring vehicle speed and accelerator position, the transmission controller can monitor the engine speed, if the brake pedal is being pressed, and even the anti-lock braking system. This results in automatic downshift when going downhill to control speed and reduce wear on the brakes, and upshift when braking on a slippery surface to reduce the braking torque applied by the engine.

• ECU - Electronic/Engine Control Unit

This may also be known as an Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Unit/Module (PCU, PCM). It is an electronic unit which controls both an engine and a transmission. They come in differing levels of complexity. Some simply control the quantity of fuel injected into each cylinder each engine cycle. More advanced units found in most modern cars also control the ignition timing, variable valve timing, and the level of boost maintained by the turbocharger (in turbocharged cars).

 

• EPS - Electronic Power Steering

An electronic motor which helps to reduce driver effort when steering. Most EPS systems also have Variable Assist to provide more assistance as the vehicle slows and less assistance in a high speed situation.

 

• ESC - Electronic Stability Control

Electronic Stability Control is a system designed to improve a vehicle's handling, particularly at the limits where the driver might lose control of the vehicle.

 

• ESP - Electronic Stability Program

The Electronic Stability Program further enhances the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS). It is designed to detect a difference between the driver's control inputs and the actual response of the vehicle. When the information differs, the system intervenes by providing braking forces to the necessary wheels to correct the vehicle. This automatic reaction improves vehicle stability, especially during harsh cornering and on low-friction road surfaces and reduces reduce over-steer and under-steer.

 

• ETCS-i - Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence

ETCS-i is used on all modern racing cars and is sometimes called drive-by-wire. When the accelerator is depressed, the engine immediately receives an electronic signal demanding more power. By replacing the more traditional but less efficient cable link between pedal and engine, ETCS-i can provide better fuel economy, faster responses and smoother acceleration.

 

• Exhaust Valves

These valves control the flow of the burnt air/fuel combination from the engine out into the atmosphere.

 

• FF - Front Engine, Front Wheel Drive

Front-wheel drive is the most common form of engine and transmission layout used in modern cars. This involves the engine driving the front wheels. It allows for more passenger or cargo room, as opposed to rear-wheel drive which traditionally was the norm.

 

• FI - Fuel Injected

This is a term used to describe injectors that squirt fuel under high pressure into the carburetor as a vapor. This makes the vehicle more economical to run and gives better performance. In modern cars, this technology is electronic and allows for precise measurement of the amount of fuel used, improving drivability, performance, economy and emissions control and is known as EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection).

 

• FPR - Fuel Pressure Regulator

The Fuel Pressure Regulator is a simple device that keeps the pressure in the fuel system to a constant 28 psi and also reduces emissions during deceleration.

 

• FR - Front engine, Rear wheel drive

An FR describes a car layout where the engine resides in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. This configuration has been used up until quite recently. It typically has a more simple design and weight distribution. The engine in the front gives the vehicle a long hood, and engine cooling is simple to arrange. Having the drive wheels at the rear allows room for the transmission in the center of the vehicle. The layout is still often used for engine outputs of more than about 200 bhp, as the weight transference during acceleration loads the rear wheels and increases grip.

 

• Fuel Pump

Delivers the fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors.

 

• GDI - Gasoline Direct Injection

Gasoline Direct Injection is a type of fuel injection used in four-stroke engines. The gasoline is highly pressurized and injected directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder by a single-piston injection pump and common rail fuel line. GDI enables ultra lean burn to improve fuel efficiency and emission levels, and allows high power output.

 

• GPS - Global Positioning System

A navigation system to help determine a vehicles' position in relation to other points via satellite. This system can also suggest appropriate routes to take to get you to a destination.

 

• HAC - Hill-Start Assist Control

Helps increase control on an uphill gradient, particularly when stopping and starting. This system helps counter the backward slipping by gently applying the brakes to all four wheels while the driver depresses the accelerator.

 

• Horsepower

An engine performance rating based on the working ability of an engine. The higher the unit of horsepower, the more power an engine has.

 

• I(as in I-4) - Inline Cylinders

An internal combustion engine with cylinders aligned in a single row.

 

• Induction System

Delivers air and fuel to the engine's cylinders.

 

• Intake Valves

Valves through which air and fuel are delivered to the combustion chamber.

 

• LDWS - Lane Departure Warning System

This is a safety device which uses warning sensors to alert drivers when the car is beginning to move out of its lane.

 

• LSD - Limited Slip Differential

This helps to improve traction by distributing torque equally and preventing one wheel from spinning or slipping. This is a useful function to have in such situations as encountered on gravel, snow or when cornering. It is used in place of a standard differential, which is a more simple mechanism.

 

• MAF/MAS - Mass Airflow Sensor

A mass flow sensor responds to the amount of a fluid flowing through a chamber containing the sensor. It is intended to be insensitive to the density of the fluid.

 

• MR - Mid engine, Rear wheel drive

This is a layout in which the rear wheels are driven by an engine placed just in front of them, behind the passenger compartment in the middle of the car. The center of mass of the engine is in front of the rear axle. This layout is utilized for its favorable weight distribution, but is only practical for use in a two-seater sports car. It has a tendency toward being heavier in the rear than the front, which allows for optimum balance to be achieved under acceleration.

 

• Multi-Valve Engine

Using multiple valves to increase the flow of air/fuel mixture to the engine and exhaust gases out of the engine.

 

• N/A - Naturally Aspirated

An engine that is not either turbo or super charged. Naturally aspirated engines usually give less power, but are significantly cheaper to produce and have better fuel efficiency.

 

• Odometer

Measures the distance a vehicle has driven.

 

• Overdrive

This enables the transmission's driveshaft to operate at a higher speed than the engine. It reduces engine wear and noise and enables greater fuel efficiency.

 

• Park Assist

A computer technology that through the use of sensors is able to detect and alert the driver to obstacles directly in the path of the vehicle.

 

• Powertrain

The engine, transmission and final drive of a vehicle.

 

• R - Racing or Rally version

 

• Radiator

The system that discharges heat from the liquid coolant in an engine into the atmosphere.

 

• RAHC - Rear Adjustable Height Control

Rear Adjustable Height Control (RAHC) hydraulically raises the rear of the vehicle by 1.6 inches and lowers it by 0.8 inches for easier loading and unloading.

Rear Adjustable Height Control (RAHC) hydraulically raises the rear of the vehicle by 1.6 inches and lowers it by 0.8 inches for easier loading and unloading.

Rear Adjustable Height Control (RAHC) hydraulically raises the rear of the vehicle by 1.6 inches and lowers it by 0.8 inches for easier loading and unloading.

Hydraulically lowers or raises the back of the vehicle for easier loading and unloading.

 

• RR - Rear engine, Rear wheel drive

An RR layout places both the engine and drive wheels at the rear of the vehicle. The center of gravity of the engine itself is actually past the rear axle. This layout is used mainly in super cars, as it improves overall handling and is suitable for high performance driving as the power goes straight directly to the wheels as opposed to through a drive train.

 

• RWHP - Rear-Wheel Horsepower

 

• S/C - Supercharged

A supercharger works in a similar way to a turbocharger. They are both forced induction systems, meaning they both work by compressing the air flowing into an engine. However, whilst a turbocharger gets power by using exhaust fumes, a supercharger uses a belt which is connected directly to an engine.

 

• SE - Special Edition

 

• SMG - Sequential Manual Gearbox

A Sequential Manual Gearbox (or transmission) is a type of manual transmission used in high-performance cars or auto racing, where gears are selected in order, and random access to specific gears is impossible.

With a traditional manual gearbox, the driver can choose to move from any gear, to any gear. A clutch pedal must be depressed before the new gear is selected, to disengage the running engine from the transmission. In auto racing or high performance driving, this process is inefficient and can be eliminated through us of an SMG.

 

• SOHC - Single Overhead Camshaft

Single overhead camshaft is a design in which one camshaft is placed within the cylinder head. In an in-line engine this means there is one camshaft in the head, while in a V engine there are two camshafts: one per cylinder bank.

 

• SRS - Supplemental Restraint Systems

Also known as an airbag, a bag that is designed to inflate with air upon collision to help diffuse the impact and protect the occupants.

 

• SUV - Sport Utility Vehicle

A sport utility vehicle, or SUV, is a passenger vehicle which combines the towing capacity of a pickup truck with the passenger-carrying space of a minivan or station wagon together with off road ability.

 

• Synchronizer

A device that ensures that the gears are rotating at the same speed before they are engaged in a gear change. This helps to eliminate grind or graunch.

 

• T/C - Turbocharged

A turbocharger is a device in your cars engine which gives it an additional power boost. It works by using a turbine powered by exhaust gas from the engine. The rotation of the turbine drives the compressor, compressing ambient air and delivering it to the air intake of the engine. More air is accommodated in the engine, which in turn allows more fuel to be added, increasing the size of the explosion in each cylinder, and thus a bigger surge of power.

Turbocharged vehicles do not have good fuel economy in general, as they consume more fuel in order to give a power surge. An average boost is around 6 - 8 pounds per square inch, which can equate to approximately 30 - 40% more power.

 

• TCS - Traction Control System

An enhancement of an anti-lock braking system, traction control systems prevent wheel spin when accelerating on wet or slippery surface.

 

• TDI - Turbocharged Direct Injection

This works through a turbocharger providing air to the engine, allowing optimum filling of the cylinder. After compression, injectors supply diesel to the engine at high pressure. This provides extra power that a diesel vehicle can often lack as a result of the fuel used.

 

• TQ - Torque

Torque is a measure of how much a force acting on an object causes that object to rotate. It is the engine force that gets a vehicle to speed - felt especially at take-off and during acceleration.

 

• V(as in V6) - V-Engine Type

An engine configuration in which the cylinders are laid out in a V formation.

 

• VIN - Vehicle Identification Number

A unique 17 digit number on a vehicle which identifies it, and acts as a security measure against fraud. They are recorded on a database and all VINs are accessible by police and vehicle inspectors.

 

• VIP - Vehicle Intrusion Protection

An alarm system to deter thieves from breaking into your car.

 

• VSC - Vehicle Stability Control

The VSC system electronically monitors speed and direction, and compares the vehicle's direction of travel with the driver's steering, acceleration and braking inputs. VSC can help compensate for loss of traction which can cause skids.

 

• VTEC - Valve Timing Electronic Control

This is a Honda technology. Other variations of this technology may be known as VVT-i, VVTL-i, MIVEC, VarioCam or VANOS depending on the car manufacturer.

In an engine, the best way to increase horsepower is to increase the engine's ability to process air. As valves have the role of introducing air into the combustion chamber and letting it back out into the exhaust system, manufacturers have advanced their technology to enable engine valves to open and close at different timings. A VTEC system works by using two sets of camshaft profiles. One is for low and mid-range rpm and one for high rpm operation. An electronic switch shifts between the two profiles at a specific rpm to increase peak horsepower and improve torque - useful in situations such as overtaking.

 

• VVT-i - Variable Valve Timing with intelligence

A Toyota version of the VTEC system, this uses a hydraulic rather than mechanical system to alter the intake cam's phasing. However, this system only works on the intake valve instead of both the intake and the exhaust valves.

 

• W(as in W16) - W-Engine Type

The W engine is an engine configuration in which the cylinder banks resemble the letter W.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

TRANSMISSIONS

 

The transmission or gearbox of a car is a system that transmits power from the engine of a car to the driving wheels. There are a few different options available on the market. The most common include:

 

Manual

A manual transmission uses a mechanical clutch which is operated by the driver. This

connects the drivetrain to the engine. When the driver wants the car to start moving, they can select the appropriate gear according to the speed of the car. When braking is required, a manual gearbox makes engine braking possible. By changing down gears, the driver slows the engine. Lower gears are used for speeding up or slowing down, higher gears are used when cruising at speed; engine revs drop and less fuel is consumed.

Manual gearboxes are generally cheaper, lighter, give better performance and have more fuel efficiency than an automatic.

 

Automatic

An automatic transmission is a gearbox that can change gears without use of a driver operated clutch. Instead, the vehicle relies on a torque converter which is placed between the engine and transmission.

Automatics are easier to use than manuals, and are fast gaining popularity. Initially automatics had many drawbacks to them, but advancements in technology have enabled a more sophisticated automatic transmission to emerge, bringing them closer to a manual in fuel efficiency and performance.

 

Tiptronic

A tiptronic is a type of automatic transmission that allows driver flexibility and control by adopting some of the advantages of a manual transmission. A tiptronic gearbox allows the driver to override the automatic mode for better control of performance. This system allows the car to operate as a sports car when on the open road, or to be driven as an automatic in congested traffic or built up urban areas.

 

Different manufacturers have different names for this technology. Other names you may recognize are:

 

Sequential Sportshift

Sportronic

Touchtronic

Autostick

Steptronic

Manual Shift Mode

E-Shift

Sport AT

Comfortronic

Q-Tronic

Command Shift

i-shift

Softip

S-Matic

MultiMatic

Geartronic

TAPshift

2Tronic

Easytronic

INVECS

HIVEC H-Matic

 

Sequential Manual Gearbox

A Sequential Manual Gearbox is a transmission which allows the driver to select the gear either directly above or below the gear which is currently in use by pulling or pushing a paddle or lever.

This type of transmission is useful in high performance and racing cars as it prevents the driver from missing a gear. It can enhance speed as navigating a clutch is not requires, and gear change is possible during acceleration. In racing, an SMG allows the driver to have their hands on the steering wheel at all times, enabling full control of the car.

Other names this technology may appear under are:

 

F1-Superfast (Ferrari)

Cambiocorsa (Maserati)

Selespeed (Alfa Romeo)

SMG (BMW)

SMT (Toyota)

 

 

Continuously Variable Transmission

This type of transmission is similar to an automatic in that it doesn't require the driver to manually shift gears. It differs in that it has infinitely variable gear ratios. This means that instead of using gears, Continuously Variable Transmissions utilize a pair of variable-diameter pulleys connected by a belt or chain that can produce an infinite number of engine/wheel speed ratios. This enables seamless acceleration without the jerk or jolt associated with gear changing. Fuel efficiency can also be enjoyed with this type of technology as the engine is able to run at peak efficiency speeds within a narrow range

Until recently, the CVT has experienced difficulty integrating into the marketplace, but with advances in technology in the latest models of car this type of transmission is more user-friendly and is becoming a common alternative to the manual or automatic transmissions.

 

WHEELS

 

There are a few different types of wheels you can have on your car. Until recently, the standard wheels found on a car have been steel. This is changing with new technologies and fashions. The type of wheel rim you have can alter a vehicle's performance and handling substantially, so if this is an important function of a car you may want to examine some of the options available:

 

Steel

Until recently steel wheels have been standard on cars. They are cheap and resilient to damage, but heavy. Steel options are being used less and less on most modern cars as alloy wheels are proving to be strong but more lightweight, which gives them more of an edge in performance.

 

Alloy

Often referred to as "mags", alloy wheels are wheels made from an aluminium or magnesium alloy metal. They improve a car's appearance, performance and handling. Often alloy wheels are designed to maximize ventilation of the braking system, preventing discs and pads from overheating and allowing for optimal braking performance. They are light and strong, and are a popular option on most modern cars.

 

Chrome

Chrome is the finish applied to the chosen wheel. Chrome wheel covers have no recognized benefit to a car, other than their shiny appearance, making them a fashion accessory to a car.

Spinners

Spinners are wheel covers that don't enhance the performance of the car, but do draw the eye to them, as they spin both when the car is in motion, and for a period even after the car has stopped moving.

 

CAR AUDIO SYSTEMS AND ACCESSORIES

 

A good sound system can make your ride more enjoyable, especially when travelling long distances. Most new cars will come with a standard stereo and CD player, but there are other options you can choose to enhance the sound and capabilities of your stereo.

 

STEREO DECKS

 

A stereo deck is also known as a head-unit or receiver, and is the control system of a car stereo. A display screen, usually with LED fronts the unit and allows you to select from its many functions. This unit usually has a detachable face which enables the control screen to be taken off and put away so it doesn't get stolen. Although it is standard for older cars to come equipped with a cassette player, you will find that most modern cars come with a CD player.

 

CD player

The most popular way of playing music in a car, a CD player can usually read a variety of types of CD, such as CD-R and CD-RW. Some models can read other types of formats, such as Mp3 or WMA.

 

CD shuttle

A CD shuttle or changer stores a number of CD's in a separate unit ready for selection and use. It enables you to change CDs by selecting a function on the deck without having to manually insert the CD whilst driving. A CD shuttle not only makes music selection safer, but also more efficient.

 

Mp3

This is a system that allows you to store burned CD music in data format, meaning that you can hold several hundred Mp3 songs on one CD. The deck will display the song title and artist for more efficient browsing. An ipod is a type of Mp3 player.

 

WMA (Windows Media Audio)

This is incorporated into Windows Media Player and compresses the songs into about half the file size, which allows you to burn twice as many songs as an Mp3 player onto one CD. The sound quality is better than an Mp3 player, and allows easier transferability of files from computer to computer.

 

SPEAKERS

 

Standard car audio systems usually have speakers installed in the doors and rear parcel shelves of a car. These speakers usually produce all of the sound range through the one unit. High-end audio systems can be installed to produce a better quality sound by way of specialized speakers. Different types of speakers include:

 

Multi-Element

Multi-elements speakers contain two different types of speakers built into one. A large cone (woofer) produces the low-range frequencies and up to 3 small cones (tweeters) handle the high-pitched frequencies.

 

Tweeters

Tweeters are high frequency components that create the high pitched sounds heard in your music.

 

Mid-Bass/Midrange

Midrange speakers are designed to pick up and reproduce the middle and some lower bass frequencies.

 

Sub Woofers

Sub woofers reproduce only the lowest frequencies, the bass, and then amplify them. Often this is a separate unit and can be located in the trunk of a vehicle.

 

AMPLIFIERS

 

Amplifiers provide the power (in watts) needed to drive the speakers. The amplifier (amp) is a key part of the audio system, but it is important to ensure that the power handling capacity of the speakers is greater than or equal to the power of the amplifier. If the power provided by the amplifier is greater than the amount of power the speakers can handle, this will cause the speakers to blow.

 

ENGINES

 

Car engines vary in design, but there are some components that are common to all engines and are used for engine classification. Engines can be classified in several ways such as the number of cylinders, the geometry of the block, or type of ignition system used.

Here are some explanations of the different types of classifications:

 

Fuel Consumption

The type of fuel burned by an engine provides a broad classification. There are two types of fuel which are generally used: gasoline and diesel oil. Gasoline car engines use spark ignition whereas diesel engines use compression ignition (no spark).

 

Engine Block Geometry

There are a few types of engine block geometry: V-type, inline, horizontally opposed, slant and W-type. Each refers to the layout of the cylinders as viewed from the front or back of the engine.

A V-type has two angled rows of cylinders, which form a "V." This formation is typically used in V6, V8, V10 and V12 configurations.

An inline engine arranges the cylinders vertically in a row, and is the most common configuration in a 3, 4, 5 or 6 cylinder car engine.

The horizontally opposed engine has the cylinders laid horizontally and opposite each other. This may also be called a Boxer engine, or a flat engine, and is a less common configuration.

A slant design is one row of angled cylinders forming a half "V."

A W-type configuration is composed of two V-type formations side by side.

 

Number of Cylinders

The number of cylinders is often used in combination with the engine block geometry (V6, slant four, inline four.) A car engine will have between 3 and 12 cylinders. The number of cylinders determines how powerful the engine is. An eight cylinder engine will be more powerful than a four cylinder engine. This is not always the case - depending on the technology in the engine. For example a turbo-charged four cylinder engine can produce more power than a standard six cylinder engine. The greater the number of cylinders in an engine will also indicate how smoothly the car will run as power strokes occur with greater frequency.

 

Ignition Type

Spark ignition and compression ignition are the two methods used for igniting fuel. Gasoline car engines use spark ignition whereas because diesel is a less combustible fuel, a method of compressing air to the point that a resulting rise in temperature causes ignition to occur with the addition of diesel is used.

 

Cooling System

Engines can be air-cooled or liquid-cooled. Liquid-cooled engines are the standard with most cars on the road. The early Volkswagen Beetle is an example of a car that is air-cooled, however most modern cars use are liquid-cooled due to strict exhaust emission standards. Liquid-cooled engines have internal channels called water jackets in the cylinder block and cylinder head, through which coolant circulates, removing heat.