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automotive Glossary
Explore clear, concise definitions for automotive terms. Each entry is written for fast comprehension and quick reference.
Featured automotive Terms
Start with the most referenced concepts
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
A safety system that prevents wheels from locking up during braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
A drivetrain that employs a front, rear and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle.
Chassis
The load-bearing framework of an artificial object, which structurally supports the object in its construction and function.
Depreciation (Automotive)
The decline in a car's value over time.
Engine Displacement
The total volume of air/fuel mixture an engine can draw in during one complete engine cycle.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
A technology that improves a vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
A safety system that prevents wheels from locking up during braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
A drivetrain that employs a front, rear and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle.
Engine Displacement
The total volume of air/fuel mixture an engine can draw in during one complete engine cycle.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
A technology that improves a vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction.
EV (Electric Vehicle)
A vehicle that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion.
GAP Insurance (Auto)
Insurance that covers the "gap" between what you owe on your car loan and the car's actual cash value if it is totaled.
GAP Insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection)
Car insurance coverage that pays the difference between the vehicle's actual cash value and the amount you owe on your auto loan.
Octane Rating
A standard measure of the performance of an engine or aviation fuel.
Odometer
An instrument for measuring the distance traveled by a vehicle.
Out-the-Door Price (OTD)
The total cash price you pay to drive the car off the lot, including the vehicle price, taxes, fees, and documentation costs.
Subvented Interest Rate
A below-market interest rate (e.g., 0% or 0.9%) subsidized by the auto manufacturer to incentivize sales.
Suspension
The system of tires, tire air, springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels and allows relative motion between the two.
Tachometer
An instrument that measures the rotation speed of a shaft or disk, as in a motor or other machine.
TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
The comprehensive cost of owning a vehicle, including purchase price, fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation.
Torque
A twisting force that causes rotation. In cars, it determines how fast you can accelerate.
Transmission
A machine in a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power.
Turbocharger
A turbine-driven forced induction device that increases an internal combustion engine's efficiency and power output.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
A unique code, including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.
VIN Etching
A dealer add-on service where the vehicle identification number (VIN) is chemically etched onto the windows.