Category: Glossary of Car Terms

What is ABS?

Anti-Lock Braking System or Anti-Skid Brake System (ABS) uses a series of sensors, a computer and a high-pressure hydraulic pump to prevent your brakes from locking up during sudden stops on slippery surfaces.

What is Differential?

A part of a car’s driveline that takes the power from the engine and splits it between two wheels or two axles. A differential also lets two wheels on the same axle rotate at different speeds. For instance, when you go around a corner, the inside wheel turns slower than the outside wheel. Without a…

What is Engine Knocking?

When your engine knocks or pings, it is a sign that the engine is firing at the wrong time. This could be because of bad ignition timing, an incorrect grade of gas, or another ignition or fuel system fault.

What is Engine Mounts?

Engine mounts are often made of metal and rubber. Engine mounts help support the engine, and also help to prevent engine vibrations from shaking the entire car.

What is Engine Accessory?

An engine accessory is a peripheral piece of equipment that runs directly off of the engine’s power to supply energy or a fluid to another part of the car. Engine accessories include the alternator, power steering pump, air pump, air conditioning compressor, as well as many others.

What is ECT?

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) – The Engine Coolant Temperature sensor is used to detect the engine coolant temperature.

What is Engine Temperature Sender?

The engine temperature sender measures the temperature of the engine’s coolant. It sends this information to many places – the engine computer, the radiator fan, the engine temperature warning light, or engine temperature gauge.

What is Engine Block?

The engine block is where the cylinders and pistons reside. The block is the strongest part of the engine and withstands tremendous pressures while the engine is operating.

What is EPA?

An acronym for the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal government agency that establishes regulations and oversees the enforcement of laws related to the environment. Included in these laws are regulations on the amount and content of automotive emissions.

What is DOHC?

Double Over Head Cam (DOHC). A DOHC engine has two camshafts in the cylinder head – one for the exhaust valves, and one for the intake valves. This allows greater efficiency and greater power.

What is Dieseling?

A symptom whereby an engine continues to run after the ignition has been turned off. When this occurs, the firing of the engine is uneven, often causing a sound much like a diesel engine.

What is Emissions Equipment?

Emissions equipment is equipment required by the government to keep a car’s exhaust emissions to a minimum. Emissions equipment includes catalytic converters, air pumps, and oxygen sensors.