A/C compressor

An engine-driven pump in the air conditioning system that increases the pressure of the refrigerant.

A/C drain hose

A hose used to drain condensation from the air conditioner evaporator.

A-pillar

The roof support structure on either side of a vehicle’s windshield.

Accelerator pedal linkage

The linkage between the accelerator pedal and a vehicles throttle body or carburetor.

ACE filter

Active cornering enhancement filter. A device used in an electro-hydraulic suspension system to reduce body roll by adjusting the system to driving conditions.

Adaptive headlights

Headlights that turn as the driver turns the steering wheel, for the purpose of improving illumination in the direction of the turn.

AdBlue

A brand name of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) that is trademarked and overseen by the German Association of the Automotive Industry, a trade group that represents both German car manufacturers and automotive suppliers.

Air conditioner refrigerant

The liquid used in air conditioning systems, which has the property of boiling at ambient air temperatures.

Air conditioning

The cooling and dehumidification of a vehicles cabin air.

Air conditioning filter

A device that removes contaminants from external air entering the ventilation system.

Air filter

A device that filters incoming air fed to the engine.

Air filter restriction indicator

A device that identifies an impedance to the air filter system.

Airbags

A cushion that deploys and fills with air when a major impact occurs to reduce a vehicle occupants chances of coming in contact with the vehicles interior surfaces.

B-pillar

The vertical roof support structure located between the front and rear doors on a typical vehicle.

Ball joints

Movable joints in the steering linkage and suspension system of a vehicle that permit rotating movement in any direction between the parts that are joined.

Blind spot

The area behind and to the side of a vehicle that is hard to see in either the side or rear view mirrors.

Brake fluid

The fluid used in the hydraulic brake system.

Brake lines, hoses & connections

Tubes and their connections that carry brake fluid between the various components in a vehicles brake system.

Brake linings

High-friction, heat-resistant material that is attached to the brake shoes in a rear drum brake system.

Brake master cylinder

A device that stores brake fluid and hydraulically forces it through the brake lines to the brakes when the brake pedal is depressed.

Brake pads

High-friction material attached to a metal backing plate.

Brake pedal

A device used to control a vehicles brakes.

Brake pedal spring

A spring attached to the pedal assembly that provides some resistance during pedal depression and also assists in returning the pedal to an upright position.

C-pillar

The roof support structure on either side of the rear window on a typical sedan or coupe.

Clutch fluid

The liquid used in a hydraulic clutch system that helps disengage the clutch from the flywheel.

Clutch fork ball stud

The pivot point for the clutch fork in the clutch housing of a manual transmission.

Clutch lines & hoses

In a hydraulically actuated clutch, the tubes that carry fluid between the clutch master cylinder and the slave cylinder.

Clutch master cylinder

In a manual-transmission vehicle with a hydraulically actuated clutch, a small-bore hydraulic cylinder mechanically connected to the clutch pedal that actuates a slave cylinder, which in turn actuates the clutch fork that disengages the clutch when the clutch pedal is depressed.

Clutch pedal

A pedal located on the floor of the vehicle to the left of the brake pedal that, when depressed, disengages the clutch from the flywheel.

Coolant

Also known as “antifreeze.” A mixture of water and ethylene glycol that has both a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point than plain water.

D-Pillar

The rear most roof support structure on an SUV, minivan or wagon.

Differential fluid

The liquid used for lubricating gears inside the differential.

Drive belt tensioner

A self-adjusting device used for maintaining proper tension on the drive belt.

Drive belt(s)

A belt that transfers the rotation of the engine through the crankshaft pulley to drive various devices, such as the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor or power steering pump.

Drive shaft

A sturdy metal tube with universal joints on either end that connects the engine to a differential on a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle.

Engine oil

A substance that lubricates and cools the moving parts of the engine and reduces corrosion and the formation of rust.

Engine thermostat

A device that senses the temperature of the engine coolant for the purpose of regulating the engine cooling system.

Fuel capacity

The amount of fuel that a vehicles fuel tank can hold.

Fuel filter

A replaceable metal or plastic canister that prevents particulate matter and most contaminants in the fuel from reaching the engine.

LEV

Low emission vehicle. A vehicle that meets the average emissions standard within the LEV program.

Li-ion

Li-ion (Lithium-ion) battery is a type of rechargeable battery that offers better performance versus conventional rechargeable batteries such as NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium) and NiMH (nickel-metal hydride). Lithium-ion offers more power and less weight, which offers an extended driving range. However, Li-ion batteries are more fragile and can be damaged by extreme temperatures.

OEM

Original equipment manufacturer, i.e., the manufacturer of a vehicle.

PCV filter/PCV valve

Positive crankcase ventilation filter/positive crankcase ventilation valve. Devices that allow the venting of combustion gases from the crankcase to the intake system instead of into the atmosphere.

Pillar

A shaft or other structure that supports the roof of a vehicle, with the A-pillars being the structures that frame the windscreen, and each successive set of structures (moving toward the rear of the vehicle) being named after successive letters of the alphabet.

Power steering

An electric and/or hydraulic system that multiplies, for ease and comfort, the force a driver exerts on the steering wheel.

Power steering fluid

Hydraulic fluid used in a power steering system.

Power steering hoses

The flexible hoses carrying hydraulic fluid between the various components of a power steering system.

Radiator core & AC condenser

The part of a vehicles radiator and air conditioning systems made up of small-diameter tubes with a series of thin, heat-conducting fins in between.

Radiator hoses

The tubes between the radiator and the engine.

Rear defroster

A device that melts ice or frost or removes condensation from a vehicles rear window.

Roof spoiler

A spoiler that is mounted from the rearward-facing edge of a vehicles roof to the liftgate just above the rear windshield, or to the upper edge of the rear windshield itself (and that is usually installed for aesthetic purposes).

Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR)

A system used on diesel vehicles that is designed to reduce emissions.

Turbocharger

Sometimes referred to as a “turbosupercharger.” A device that uses an exhaust-driven turbine to force air into an internal-combustion engine in order to increase engine power.

Water pump

A device that circulates coolant through a vehicles cooling system.

Wheel alignment

The adjustment of various components to meet predetermined specifications for camber, caster, toe and ride height.