anti-lock brake system

A hard grit used for sanding or grinding. It is usually in powdered form, used for the removal of material by scratching and grinding, e.g., silicon carbide powder (carborundum).

Sandpaper (a paper upon which sand or hard grit has been glued) used for sanding or grinding.

An abbreviation for air conditioning

To increase the speed of a vehicle. Opposite of decelerate.

In automobiles, this is the "gas pedal" which is attached by linkage to the throttle in the carburetor or to the fuel injection system. It regulates the amount of fuel which is sent to the engine. In motorcycles, the accelerator is located on the right-hand twist grip or an actuating lever.

Items and packages of equipment which are beyond the standard equipment supplied in a new vehicle and when ordered add extra cost on a new vehicle.

A gas composed of two parts of carbon and two parts of hydrogen. When burned in an atmosphere of oxygen, it produces one of the highest flame temperatures obtainable for welding.

A term relating to a type of paint made by polymerizing acrylonitrile.

A substance (liquid or powder) which is added to gasoline or oil and is intended to improve the characteristics of the original product.

A substance which prevents two materials sticking together, e.g., Teflon® on frying pans.

(Br) Antenna.

All products and services used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles after the vehicle has been sold.

A device which is part of the passive safety system. In the event of an accident, sensors will cause the airbag to be deployed so that your head will be pillowed by the bag instead of hitting the dash.

A system of braking which is usually found on large truck in which compressed air pushes against a brake piston or diaphragm in order to apply the brakes to stop or slow the vehicle.

A device which filters the air entering the engine to remove airborne impurities, dust, dirt, and bumblebees. Also called "air filter."

(A/C) or (Air)

[1] A device used to control temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and movement and sometimes the air purity, in an enclosed space

[2] A system of devices which causes a reduction or control of the temperature and humidity within the cab of a vehicle. It was first offered on the 1941 Packard. Two types are used in vehicles: Receiver-dryer type and accumulator type.

The opening through which air enters a component such as the carburetor, fuel injection system, radiator, heating system, or ventilation system.

A warning sound made by a security or safety device to warn off thieves, alert the driver to take some preventative measures (e.g., secure the seat belts), or warn those around the vehicle (e.g., backup warning alarm).

A mixture of two or more elements, especially where one is aluminum.

A vehicle body shell which is made entirely of steel rather than one with a wooden frame with steel panels or steel frame with aluminum panels.

A vehicle used in rough surface conditions. Also called "off-road vehicle."

A tire that can be used on roads that are bare or covered with rain, snow, or ice.

a device that converts rotational energy to AC current. Alternators provide energy for the vehicle electrical system. The alternator also recharges the battery

a term used in the twenties and rarely in the thirties for a Cabriolet (a convertible with windows)

(Br) a four door convertible sedan.

orange-colored turn signals

a car with an American nameplate or a car built in America.

A device which pulls in radio reception. A power antenna automatically rises when the radio is turned on and lowers when it is shut off. Some cars had the antenna wires imbedded in the windshield.

(Br) Aerial

the liquid located in the cooling system and engine that is used to dissipate heat. Engine coolant prevents freeze-up in winter, reduces the engine temperature in the summer, and protects the cooling system from rust and corrosion year round

for the AACA, a general description of any car that is twenty-five years or older.

A heat resistant and non-burning fibrous mineral widely used for brake shoes, clutch linings, etc. Asbestos is a health hazard and the dust created by brake systems should never be inhaled or ingested

a transmission where the gears are shifted automatically by the vehicle and controlled by a torque converter. The torque converter replaces the clutch. It connects and disconnects the engine from the drive wheels while selecting the proper gears for the speed of the car. These transmissions come in 3, 4 and 5 speeds. The more gears involved, the smoother the acceleration. With 4 and 5 speed transmissions, the highest gear is for overdrive. Overdrive reduces the revolutions per minute (RPM) and provides better gas mileage while on the highway

An axle is a shaft on which the wheels revolve.