Automotive Technical Terms |
|
|
|
Throughout this site we use
many technical terms, and given the breadth of readership
our site enjoys, sometimes we are remiss and incorrectly
assume everyone knows what we are referring to. For those
that do not, here are some explanations of the technical
terms use. |
|
Ping:
Alternatively 'knock.' Engine
noise caused by pre-ignition (see Detonation).
|
|
Port:
Passage in cylinder head for gas
flow either from or to a combustion chamber. Flow is
controlled by the movement of the valves.
|
|
Power-to-Weight Ratio:
Ratio of a vehicle's
power to its curb weight. Generally expressed as kilowatts
per kilogram.
|
|
Power Steering:
A steering system where
engine manifold vacuum other assistance (more increasingly
via electrical motor) is applied to the steering to
decrease steering effort.
|
|
Push-Rod:
A long thin metal rod, one
end of which contacts the camshaft through follower “buckets”;
the other end operates overhead valves through rocker
arms.
|
|
Quartz Iodine Halogen:
Special type
of headlight filament that uses a quartz element in
either iodine or halogen atmosphere and produces a
light at greater intensity than incandescent globe.
|
|
Rack-and-Pinion Steering:
A simple but
effective and precise steering arrangement that consists
of a small cylindrical pinion gear that engages a flat
tooth rack.
|
|
Radial Ply:
A type of tire construction
where the plies are layered radially across the tire
Generally gives superior road holding and ride-comfort
levels.
|
|
Rear Brake Proportioning Valve:
A valve
that proportions brake pressure between the front and
rear wheels, preventing rear wheel lock-up.
|
|
Recirculating Ball Steering:
A type
of steering mechanism typically found on earlier Japanese
passenger cars. Favored by the Japanese because it
greatly reduced the steering effort required, the trade-off
being that it also provided vague steering response.
|
|
Rocker:
Pivoted laver that actuates inlet and exhaust valves by
transmitting the reciprocating motion of a push-rod or
the eccentric motion of a camshaft.
|
|
RPM:
Alternatively "Revs", refers to engine speed in revolutions
per minute.
|
|
Running Gear:
Mechaniocal components attached to frame and body shell.
Includes suspension, axles, wheels and brakes.
|
|