Category: Glossary of Car Terms

What is Timing Belt?

Timing belts are rubber belts that connect an engine’s camshaft to its crankshaft. If a timing belt breaks, these two components will go out of synch, causing potentially significant engine damage.

What is Tire Gauge?

Tire gauges are used to measure the pressure inside of a tire. You should always check tire pressure when your tire is cold (when your vehicle hasn’t been driven for about an hour).

What is Tune Up?

When an engine is tuned up, a series of parts that wear out (spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, etc.) are replaced to bring the engine back to good operating condition. In addition, timing is checked and set.

What is Timing Chain?

Timing chains are metal chains that connect an engine’s camshaft to its crankshaft. Timing chains use sprockets that eventually wear out and can cause sloppy timing. When this happens, it is time to replace the sprockets and chain. If a timing chain breaks, the camshaft and crankshaft will go out of synch, causing potentially significant…

What is Turbo?

A turbo is used to increase the volume of air that an engine can take in, resulting in more power. It is driven by the engine’s exhaust.

What is Turbo Overboost?

Overboost occurs when a turbo’s wastegate does not release excess intake pressure. This pressure instead enters the engine, causing potentially significant damage to the engine.

What is Transaxle?

Transaxles are a combination of components; the transmission and differential. Most front-wheel drive cars have transaxles. However, some rear wheel drive cars, such as some Porsches, new Corvettes and Alfa Romeos, have rear-mounted transaxles.