Descriptionary

four-wheel drive a drive system that sends power to all four wheels instead of two but must be turned on by the driver, unlike all-wheel drive.

four-wheel independent suspension system a sys­tem in which the wheels are supported separately with no axles to connect them, which improves han­dling and helps to minimize road shock.

four-wheel steering a system through which the rear wheels may be used to steer along with the front.

4WD four-wheel drive.

fuel-air mixture the "mist" of gasoline and air that is compressed and ignited in the cylinders.

fuel filter a fuel line device that removes dirt and other contaminants from gasoline flowing through it.

fuel injection a system that replaces the carburetor by using an electronic sensing device to deliver a pro­portional amount of fuel to the combustion chambers according to engine speed and power needs.

fuel injector nozzles in fuel-injection systems, the nozzles that inject fuel into the combustion chambers. Also known as fuel injector valves.

fuel lines the hoses through which gasoline flows from the gas tank to the carburetor.

fuel pump the pump that draws gasoline from the gas tank into the fuel lines and on to the carburetor or fuel-injection nozzles.

fuel system collective term for the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filter, and the carburetor or the fuel injection system.

full-time four-wheel drive see all-wheel drive.

gasket a rubber, cork, paper, or metal plate seated between two parts to seal out fluids and help prevent premature wear.

gasohol an alternative fuel made of a mix of gaso­line and ethanol.

generator a device that generates electricity from mechanical energy.

GPS global positioning system; a satellite and onboard system that provides exact location of one's automobile, allowing pinpoint computerized direc­tions to any destination.

halogen headlights gas-filled headlights that are brighter and last longer than standard incandescent lights.

head gasket the seal seated between the cylinder head and the engine block.

heads-up display a projection of instrument data onto the lower windshield on the driver's side, helping to keep the driver's eyes on the road.

hemi short for hemispherical combustion chambers, located in the cylinder heads and noted for their abil­ity to generate extra power.

HIDS high-intensity discharge headlights; contro­versial headlights that use electricity to ionize xenon gas and create a blue-white glow that is brighter than that produced by halogen headlights. Opposing-side drivers sometimes complain that oncoming HIDS are blinding.

horsepower the energy required to lift 550 pounds 1 foot in one second. The pulling power of the engine.

hot-wire a method of starting a car's ignition with­out a key.

hybrid an innovative automobile powered by both gasoline and electricity.

hydroplaning also known as aquaplaning, the glid­ing or sliding of a vehicle over a thin layer of water as the tires lose traction or contact with the road.

idiot lights slang for the dashboard signals that light up to warn of impending oil depletion, overheat­ing, or other malfunctions.

idle engine speed when in neutral or when the car is not moving.

idle speed screw at the outside bottom of a car­buretor, a screw that can be turned to adjust idle speed.

ignition interlock a device that pairs a Breathalyzer with an ignition lock to prevent drunk drivers from starting a car.

ignition system collective term for the coil, battery, distributor, and spark plugs.

independent suspension a suspension system that allows two wheels connected by an axle to move up and down separately in response to road shock.

intake manifold a set of pipes through which the fuel-air mix flows from the carburetor to the cylinders.

internal combustion engine an engine in which fuel is burned internally rather than in an outside source, as in a steam engine.

jack any device used to jack a car up off the ground to facilitate mechanical repair. Types of jacks include hydraulic, scissors, and tripod.

knocking a metal knocking sound (resembling mar­bles rattling in a can) in the engine caused by a loose bearing, faulty timing, or low-octane gas. Also known as pinging or predetonation.

leaf springs rear wheel springs comprising metal plates of graduated lengths one atop the other, which flex to absorb road shock.

lowrider a car modified to ride extremely close to the ground.

lube grease pastelike oil used to lubricate a number of moving parts, especially in the steering linkage and suspension system.