Timing refers to when the spark ignites the air/fuel mixture. Timing needs to be set exactly right for an engine to run correctly.
Category: Glossary of Car Terms
What is MIL?
A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), commonly referred to as the Check Engine Light is an indicator of malfunction of the computerized engine management system. It is found on the instrument console of most automobiles. When the MIL is lit, the engine control unit stores a fault code related to the malfunction, which can be retrieved…
What is Manual Steering?
With a manual steering system, there is no power assist to the driver.
What is Oil Filter?
The oil filter removes most particles and contaminates from your engine’s oil to protect your engine’s internal moving parts.
What is Octane?
A fuel octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking or pinging.
What is Odometer?
The odometer measures how many miles are on your vehicle.
What is Owners Manual?
The owner’s manual is the booklet supplied with all cars when they are sold new. It is usually placed in the glovebox. Your owner’s manual contains information about the equipment your car has, what kinds of fluids and lubricants to use, and how to maintain your car. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, you…
What is Oil Pan?
The oil pan is where the oil in your engine is stored.
What is ORVR?
On Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR). Nissan/Infiniti uses the ORVR system to recover the vapors from the gas tank. From the beginning of refueling, the air and vapor inside the fuel tank go through refueling EVAP vapor cut valve and EVAP/ORVR line to the EVAP canister. The vapor is absorbed by the EVAP canister and…
What is NOX?
An acronym for Oxides of Nitrogen, a primary emission produced in the combustion chamber under high temperatures when nitrogen combines with oxygen. Oxides of nitrogen contribute to the formation of smog.
What is Neutral?
Neutral (gear). Neutral is actually not a gear. When your vehicle is in neutral, the gearbox and engine are completely disconnected. Thus, your car is able to roll freely whether the engine is on or off.
What is Natural Pollutants?
Natural pollution has been present on earth since before man appeared and continues to be a factor when discussing air pollution, although it causes only a small percentage of the overall pollution problem. It is the direct result of decaying organic matter, wind born smoke and particulates from such natural events as plain and forest…
What is Manual Transmission?
A manual transmission is a transmission with a clutch. In addition, it is up to the driver to select gears.
What is OHV?
Over Head Valve (OHV). An overhead valve engine has its camshaft in the engine block. It uses lifters, pushrods and rocker arms to open and close the valves in the cylinder head.
What is Overdrive?
Overdrive is a transmission gear that allows the engine to turn at a reduced rpm for a given road speed.
What is OHC?
Over Head Cam (OHC). An overhead cam engine has its camshaft in the cylinder head, above the valves and cylinders. This allows the camshaft to directly open the valves without using pushrods.
What is Overheating?
Overheating occurs when an engine reaches too high of an operating temperature. Overheating may lead to potentially significant engine damage.
What is Oil Pump?
The oil pump takes oil from the oil pan and pressurizes it, allowing it to travel throughout the engine and lubricate the engine’s moving parts.
What is Oil Pressure Sensor?
The oil pressure sensor measures the pressure at which your engine’s oil is flowing. If the pressure becomes too high or too low, the oil pressure sensor sends a signal to the vehicle’s oil pressure warning light. If you see this light turn on, pull over as soon as possible and shut off your engine….
What is Pushrod?
Pushrods are used in engines with overhead valve (OHV) designs. The camshaft in the engine block pushes up on the lifters and then on the pushrods, which then push the rocker arms, which then open the valves.