Auto systems
Electrical system
battery [N-COUNT] A battery is a device that provides electricity for a machine.
blade fuse [N-COUNT] A blade fuse is a type of fuse with a plastic body that fits into a socket with two metal blades.
blow [V-T] To blow a fuse is to run an excessive electrical current through a fuse, which causes the fuse to break or melt and stop the current.
burned-out [ADJ] If a fuse is burned-out, it has broken or melted from an excessive electrical current.
charge [N-COUNT] A charge is an amount of electricity that a battery has.
distributor cap [N-COUNT] A distributor cap is the part of an ignition system that sends electricity into an engine to start a vehicle.
distributorless ignition system [N-COUNT] A distributorless ignition system is an ignition system without a distributor that typically requires less maintenance than one with a distributor.
feeler gauge [N-COUNT] A feeler gauge is a device that measures the distance between a spark plug’s electrodes.
fuse box [N-COUNT] A fuse box is the housing that contains fuses.
gap [V-T] To gap a spark plug is to adjust the space between a spark plug’s electrodes so it produces a spark that is an appropriate strength to start an engine.
negative terminal [N-COUNT] A negative terminal is the part of a battery that sends an electrical current to the positive terminal.
positive terminal [N-COUNT] A positive terminal is the part of a battery that receives an electrical current from the negative terminal.
tubular fuse [N-COUNT] A tubular fuse is a type of fuse that is housed in a glass tube.
Ignition system
alternator [N-COUNT] An alternator is a device in a car that provides a flowing electric current that changes directions.
charge [V-T] To charge a battery is to fill it with energy by passing an electric current through it.
ground [N-COUNT] A ground is a connection between the earth and an electric circuit.
ignition switch [N-COUNT] The ignition switch is the device that starts the electrical systems in the car.
jump start [N-COUNT] A jump start is the process of starting a car by connecting its battery to another car’s battery in order to provide electric power.
key [N-COUNT] A key is a piece of metal that is cut into a shape that is used to open or close a lock.
start [V-T] To start a car is to make the engine begin to work.
staler [N-COUNT] The starter is the device that makes the engine begin to work.
starter relay [N-COUNT] The starter relay sends electric current to the starter, which makes the engine begin to work.
turn over [V-PHRASAL] To turn over is to start running (an engine).
voltage regulator [N-COUNT] A voltage regulator is a device that controls the amount of electric current needed for the battery.
Fuel system
air filter [N-COUNT] An air filter is a screen that removes dirt and other particles from the air that goes into an engine.
carburetor [N-COUNT] A carburetor mixes fuel and air and supplies it to the engine. Fuel injection systems have replaced most carburetors.
cold air collection box [N-COUNT] A cold air collection box is the container for the air filter.
fuel filter [N-COUNT] A fuel filter is a screen that removes dirt and rust from the fuel system.
fuel injection [N-UNCOUNT] Fuel injection is the measured delivery of fuel to an engine.
fuel injector [N-COUNT] A fuel injector is a pump that delivers fuel at high pressure to the combustion chambers of a car engine.
fuel line [N-COUNT] A fuel line is a tube that is used to deliver fuel from the fuel tank to the engine.
fuel pump [N-COUNT] A fuel pump is a device that moves fuel from the tank to the engine.
fuel system [N-COUNT] The fuel system is the set of devices that store and bring fuel to the car engine.
fuel tank [N-COUNT] A fuel tank is a storage container for the fuel the engine needs to run.
gasoline direct injection [N-UNCOUNT] Gasoline direct injection is a system where gasoline is pumped directly into the combustion chamber of the engine.
Lubrication system
detergent [N-COUNT] A detergent is a chemical that is used to clean things.
grease gun [N-COUNT] A grease gun is a high pressure tool that pumps grease onto engine parts.
heat [N-UNCOUNT] Heat is how warm an item is.
lubricate [V-T] To lubricate is to put oil on something to make it move easily.
lubrication system [N-COUNT] A lubrication system is a group of devices that deliver oil to moving parts of an engine to avoid damage.
oil [N-COUNT] Oil is a slippery substance that is used to keep things moving easily.
oil change [N-COUNT] An oil change is the removal of old oil and replacement with new oil in an engine.
oil filter [N-COUNT] An oil filter is a screen that removes dirt from the oil.
oil pressure [N-COUNT] Oil pressure is the amount of force created by the oil pump that keeps oil on the engine parts.
oil pump [N-COUNT] An oil pump is a device that moves oil around an engine.
reduce [V-T] To reduce something is to make it less strong.
sludge [N-UNCOUNT] Sludge is a thick, oily substance that is produced when the engine burns oil.
viscosity [N-UNCOUNT] Viscosity is how thick or thin a fluid is.
Zerk [N-COUNT] A Zerk is a fitting that allows grease to be injected into an engine with a grease gun.
Exhaust system
catalytic converter [N-COUNT] A catalytic converter is an emissions control device that uses a catalyst to reduce poisonous substances such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon pollutants.
emissions [N-COUNT] Emissions are the gases that are released into the air.
emissions control [N-COUNT] An emissions control is a device implemented in the exhaust system to remove or recycle some of the harmful gases before being released into the air.
exhaust manifold [N-COUNT] An exhaust manifold is a structure of branched pipes that carries exhaust gases from the cylinders to the exhaust pipe.
exhaust pipe [N-COUNT] An exhaust pipe is a pipe in the exhaust system that carries gases from the exhaust manifold to the muffler.
exhaust system [N-COUNT] An exhaust system is a vehicle's waste-disposal system that carries exhausts from the engine and releases them into the air.
muffler [N-COUNT] A muffler is a piece of equipment attached to a car used to quiet the sounds of the gases released from the engine.
heat shield [N-COUNT] A heat shield is a device used as protection from high temperatures.
PCV valve [N-COUNT] A PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is an emissions control device located on the cylinder head cover that allows a certain amount of crankcase blow-by gases back into the cylinders to be burned again.
tailpipe [N-COUNT] A tailpipe is the pipe at the back of the vehicle that releases the gases into the air.
Cooling system
antifreeze [N-UNCOUNT] Antifreeze is a coolant that is used to lower the freezing point of water circulating through the cooling system.
boil [V-T or I] To boil is to change from liquid to gas by application of heat.
coolant [N-COUNT] A coolant is a liquid substance used to prevent overheating, rust and corrosion, and it lubricates the water pump.
coolant recovery system [N-COUNT] A coolant recovery system is a bottle or tank with two hoses coming out of the cap that acts as a reservoir for liquid coming from the cooling system and then returns the liquid once it cools down.
cooling system [N-COUNT] A cooling system is a system in a motor vehicle that keeps the engine cool.
fan [N-COUNT] A fan is an electrically driven device mounted in front of the radiator that blows air to cool the liquid that flows through the cooling system.
freeze [V] To freeze is to change from liquid to solid by application of extreme cold.
heater hose [N-COUNT] A heater hose is a rubber hose that leads from the engine block to the heater core.
lower radiator hose [N-COUNT] A lower radiator hose is a rubber hose connecting the radiator to the cylinder block where the cooled liquid leaves the radiator.
pulley [N-COUNT] A pulley is a device with a wheel that has a grooved rim in which a rope or belt can wind through. It is used to change the direction of applied force and to control the tension and slack in a belt drive.
radiator [N-COUNT] A radiator is a device used to cool the liquid in the cooling system by channeling the water through a series of air ducts.
serpentine belt [N-COUNT] A serpentine belt, or accessory belt, is a flat rubber belt that winds through pulleys and turns accessories on the front of the engine.
thermostat [N-COUNT] A thermostat is a device used to help the liquid in the cooling system warm up the engine.
upper radiator hose [N-COUNT] An upper radiator hose is a rubber hose connecting the radiator to the cylinder block where the liquid enters the radiator.
water pump [N-COUNT] A water pump is a device that circulates water through the cooling system.
Brake system
anti-lock braking system [N-COUNT] An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a system that provides better traction in slippery circumstances and allows a driver to keep steering control of a vehicle.
brake booster [N-COUNT] A brake booster, or a power booster, is a device in a power brakes system that is used to amplify force applied to the pistons and the master cylinder, making it easier to slow the vehicle down.
brake fluid [N-UNCOUNT] Brake fluid is the fluid in a hydraulic brake system that is used to stop the car.
brake line [N-COUNT] A brake line is a pipe or hose in a hydraulic brake system that connects the master cylinder to a brake. The brake line is where the brake fluid flows through.
brake pad [N-COUNT] A brake pad is a thin block that is used to apply friction to a brake disc in order to slow a vehicle down.
brake pedal [N-COUNT] A brake pedal is a foot pedal on the floor of the car that the driver uses to operate the brakes.
brake shoe [N-COUNT] A brake shoe is a long, curved piece of metal that is forced against the brake drum to slow or stop a vehicle.
brake system [N-COUNT] A brake system is the combination of interacting parts that slow a vehicle down.
caliper [N-COUNT] A caliper is a device on a disc brake that holds the brake pads. A caliper uses hydraulic force to squeeze the pads against the disc to slow down the car.
drum brake [N-COUNT] A drum brake is a type of brake that uses hydraulic pressure to force brake shoes against the inside of the drum attached to a wheel.
disc brake [N-COUNT] A disc brake is a type of brake that uses friction between brake pads and brake discs, or rotors, to stop the car.
hydraulic brake [N-COUNT] A hydraulic brake is a brake that uses brake fluid to transmit force or power to the brake pads.
master cylinder [N-COUNT] A master cylinder is the container that stores the brake fluid in a hydraulic brake system. The master cylinder hydraulically forces brake fluid through brake lines when the brake pedal is stepped on.
parking brake [N-COUNT] A parking brake, or emergency brake, is a separate brake system that is used as a backup brake system in case the regular brakes fail, and it keeps the vehicle from moving accidentally.
power brakes [N-PL] Power brakes are brakes that use a brake booster, or power booster, to increase power and make braking easier.
Steering system
pinion [N-COUNT] The pinion is the round gear with teeth that fit into the rack part of the rack and pinion steering system.
power steering [N-UNCOUNT] Power steering is a system where the engine provides power to help the drive- turn the steering wheel.
power steering pump [N-COUNT] The power steering pump is a device that moves steering fluid to apply pressure to the steering system.
rack [N-COUNT] The rack is the gear in rack and pinion steering that the pinion gear works with to turn the wheels.
rotate [V-T or I] To rotate is to turn around a center point or axis.
spindle [N-COUNT] The spindle is the metal part on which the hub and wheel bearings are mounted.
steering shaft [N-COUNT] The steering shaft is a piece of metal that connects the steering box to the steering column.
steering system [N-COUNT] The steering system is the collection of devices used to guide the movement of a car.
steering wheel [N-COUNT] The steering wheel is the round device turned by a driver to control the direction of the wheels of an automobile.
tie rod [N-COUNT] The tie rod is a steel rod that links the spindle and rack.
Suspension system
air spring [N-COUNT] An air spring is a device that uses air to absorb shock or sudden changes in weight.
ball joint [N- COUNT] The ball joint is a flexible type of connection in the suspension system where a ball shaped piece of metal connects to a cup shaped socket.
coil spring [N-COUNT] A coil spring is a spiral shaped piece of metal which expands and contracts to absorb shock on bumpy roads.
double-wishbone suspension [N-COUNT] A double-wishbone suspension is a system where the wheels are held by two wishbone (or у shaped) arms.
leaf spring [N-COUNT] A leaf spring is one of a series of metal strips placed one on top of the other that help to absorb road shocks by bending flexibly.
MacPherson strut [N-COUNT] A MacPherson strut is a metal rod that has a coil spring and shock absorber attached to it. It helps absorb shocks from rough roads.
multilink suspension [N-COUNT] A multilink suspension is a type of rear suspension system that uses at least four arms and no struts. It allows flexible adjustment of ride and handling.
shock absorber [N-COUNT] A shock absorber is a device near each wheel that reduces the effect of sudden shocks from rough roads and cuts down on bouncing.
stabilizer bar [N-COUNT] The stabilizer bar is a metal rod that connects the suspension system and helps prevent swaying on curves and turns.
strut suspension [N-COUNT] A strut suspension is a system that uses a metal bar with a coil spring and a shock absorber to absorb shock and provide a smooth ride.
suspension system [N-COUNT] The suspension system is a series of devices that support the car frame and help absorb shock from uneven roads.
torsion bar [N-COUNT] A torsion bar is a metal rod that twists when the wheels turn to keep the car stable.
Transmission system
automatic transmission [N-COUNT] An automatic transmission is a type of transmission that is controlled by the car, not the driver.
clutch [N-COUNT] A clutch is a tool that enables two revolving shafts to be joined or detach as required during shifting.
clutch pedal [N-COUNT] A clutch pedal is the lever that is pressed to allow the driver of a manual transmission to change gears.
drive train [N-COUNT] A drive train is the system that transfers power from the engine to the driving wheels.
engage [V-T] To engage something is to use it.
four-wheel drive [N-UNCOUNT] Four-wheel drive is a system in which power from the engine is transmitted to all of the wheels.
front-wheel drive [N-UNCOUNT] Front-wheel drive is a system in which the power from the engine is transmitted to the front wheels only.
gear shift [N-COUNT] A gear shift is an instrument that allows the driver to select and engage or disengage the gears in a transmission.
manual transmission [N-COUNT] A manual transmission is a type of transmission that is operated by the driver of a car.
rear-wheel drive [N-UNCOUNT] Rear-wheel drive is a system in which the power from the engine is transmitted to the back wheels only.
transmission fluid [N-UNCOUNT] Transmission fluid is the red, sweet-smelling liquid that provides hydraulic pressure in automatic transmissions.
transmission system [N-COUNT] A transmission system is a system of gears that allows cars to move at different speeds.