Dictionary of Automotive Terms Abbreviations

DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Al"

Alain: See
Prost, Alain

ALAP: Acronym for As Low As Possible.

ALARA: Acronym for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Used of radiation levels or decontamination.

Alarm: A warning sound made by a security or safety device to warn off thieves, alert the driver to take some preventative measures (e.g., secure the seat belts), or warn those around the vehicle (e.g., backup warning alarm). Alarms may sound as a buzzer, a chime, or a human voice.

Also See
Back Up Alarm
Car alarm
Freezer Alarm
Voice alert system

Alarm system: A theft protection system which may do one or more of the following Sound the horn or an auxiliary siren, flash the lights, lock the hood and trunk, make the ignition inoperative, put the engine in a Limp-home mode, notify the police, and alert the vehicle owner.

Alarmed: The condition of a vehicle which is protected by an alarm system.

Albedo: See
Planetary Albedo

Alberta Motor Association: (AMA) An Automobile Association in the Canadian province of Alberta affiliated with the American Automobile Association

ALC: Acronym for Automatic Level Control

ALCL: Acronym for Assembly Line Communications Link (GM)

Alcohol

A general term for compounds formed from hydroxyl groups attached to carbon atoms in place of hydrogen atoms. The series of molecules vary in chain length and are composed of a hydrocarbon plus a hydroxyl group; CH(3)-(CH(2))n-OH (e.g., Methanol, Ethanol, and Tertiary butyl alcohol). It may be used as a fuel.
Also See
Butyl Alcohol
Denatured Alcohol
Grain Alcohol
Methyl Alcohol
Wood alcohol
A beverage which impairs a driver's skill in operating a vehicle safely. Although the law has set down limits of the amount of alcohol allowable in the bloodstream before a person is considered drunk, the effects of the slightest amount of alcohol can impair one's driving skill.

Alcohol brine: Water and alcohol solution which remains a liquid below 0°C

Alcohol content: See
Blood alcohol content

Alcohol-ethyl Hexanol: See
Octyl Alcohol-ethyl Hexanol

Alcohol fuel: Volatile liquid fuel consisting wholly or partly of alcohol, able to withstand high-compression ratios without detonation.
Also see
Neat Alcohol Fuel

Alcohol level: See
Blood alcohol level

Aldehyde: A class of organic compounds derived by removing the hydrogen atoms from an alcohol. Aldehydes can be produced from the oxidation of an alcohol.

ALDL

Acronym for Assembly Line Data Link connector a diagnostic connector.
Acronym for assembly line data link.

Alert: See
Deer alert
Voice alert system

Alert system: See
Voice alert system

Alfa-Romeo

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Alfa-Romeo

A vehicle brand of which all 1925-48 models are Classic cars. The following models are Milestone cars

All 1956-64 Giuletta Spider models
All 1959-61 Giuletta/Giulia Sprint Speciale models
All 1949 6C 2500 Super Sport models

Other models include: Milano (1988-89), Spider (1988-94), 164 (1991-95)

Alfa Romeo: See
Alfa-Romeo

Al fresco driving: Driving in a convertible with the top down.

Algae: Low form of plant life, found floating free in water and can accumulate in vehicle vents

A-licence: Basic private pilot's licence in the UK.
Also see
Class A driver's license

Align

Process of bringing two or more items into mating conjunction so that all the bolt holes and locating pins fit properly.
Process of adjusting the wheels and other devices so that they are in a straight line.

Align bore: A machining operation which corrects an engine's out-of-round and/or warped main bearing housings. It may be done with either stationary or portable equipment.
Also see
Align hone

Aligner: See
Wheel aligner

Align hone: A machining operation which corrects an engine's out-of-round and warped main bearing housings with a special honing mandrel. It must be done with stationary equipment.

Aligning cups: Devices used in mounting floating drums on the arbor of a brake drum lathe.

Aligning punch: Aligning Punch

A tool shaped like a thin rod used to make sure holes line up when assembling two or more components. Especially used on items which may move to one side before the other side can be aligned or another component installed or when the gasket is likely to slip out of place.

Aligning set: See
Clutch aligning set

Aligning tool: See
Clutch aligning tool

Alignment

When referring to wheel alignment, it is the proper adjustment of a vehicle's Front or Rear suspension for Camber, Toe-in, Toe-out, Kingpin inclination or steering axis inclination, and Turning radius or Toe-out on turns, Caster, and Ride height. Four-wheel alignment is necessary for Front-wheel drive vehicles.
The adjustment of two objects to bring them into the proper relation to each other.
The setting in line (usually straight) of successive lengths of a railway which is to be constructed
The plan of a road or earthwork
The setting in a true line of a number of points, e.g., the centers of the bearings supporting an engine crankshaft
Process of orientation of e.g., electric or magnetic dipoles when acted on by an external field. During magnetization, the alignment of domains is changed by the magnetizing field
Adjustment of preset tuned circuits to give optimum performance

Also See
Door alignment
Four-wheel alignment
Front-end alignment
Wheel alignment

Alignment gap: The distance between two adjacent auto body panels. When an alignment gap varies too much, it is a sign of poor assembly quality.

Alignment gauge: See
Wheel alignment gauge

Alignment pin: A pin or stud used to align one part with another, such as the pins used to align a cylinder head on an engine block.

Alignment stud: A pin or stud used to align one part with another, such as the pins used to align a cylinder head on an engine block.

Align ream: Machining or hand process which enlarges the inside diameter of bushings to the correct size.

Aliphatic: A class of saturated or unsaturated carbon compounds, in which the carbon atoms are joined in open chains.

Alive Memory: See
Keep Alive Memory

Alkaline battery: A storage battery which uses an alkaline electrolyte (dilute potassium hydroxide).

Alkaline degreasing: A process of removing an oily or greasy substance with the use of an alkaline solution. Often used in preparing a surface for painting.

Alkaline fuel cell: (AFC) A type of hydrogen/oxygen Fuel cell in which the Electrolyte is concentrated KOH (varies between 35 to 85 percent by weight depending on the intended operating temperature) and hydroxide ions (OH-) are transported from the Cathode to the Anode. Temperature of operation can vary from below 120°C to approximately 250°C depending upon electrolyte concentration.

Alkylate: The product of an alkylation reaction. It usually refers to the high-octane product from alkylation units. This alkylate is used in blending high octane gasoline.

Alkylation: A refining process for chemically combining Isobutane with Olefin hydrocarbons (e.g., Propylene, Butylene) through the control of temperature and pressure in the presence of an acid Catalyst, usually sulfuric acid or hydrofluoric acid. The product, alkylate, an isoparaffin, has high octane value and is blended with motor and aviation gasoline to improve the Antiknock value of the fuel.

All-alloy engine: An engine which uses a light alloy for the block, crankcase, sump, and cylinder head.

All-aluminum body: A body shell which is mostly made of aluminum.

Allan valve: Once popular slide-valve design with an internal passage designed to reduce valve travel and wear.

Allard: A vehicle brand of which the 1946-56 Series J2, K2, K3 models are Milestone cars.

All electronic ignition: See
Breakerless

All-electronic ignition: See
Breakerless

Allen key: See
Allen wrench

Allen screw: A fastening device (either a wood screw type or bolt threads) with a recessed hexagon hole in the head. Also called a hex hole screw..

All-enveloping body: A modern passenger car body style in which the fenders, headlamps, and radiator grille are one smooth body line. It contrasts with the style before World War II where the fenders and headlights were separate from the main body.

Allen wrench: An rod with six sides and often L-shaped. Used to remove certain bolts or screws and fastenings, especially set screws. Sometimes called hex wrenches or Allen key.

Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers: (AAM) See website Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Alligator: A colloquial term for a large piece of a tire on the road.

Alligator clip: Alligator clips

A small spring clip which is X-shaped. As you squeeze the two legs of the clip, the other two jaws (usually serrated) open. Used to make temporary electrical connections. Larger ones are used at the ends of Jumper cables. The British call it a crocodile clip.

Alligator hood: The engine bay hood that opens from the front and its hinge is near the firewall. Although it is the most common, older cars opened from the side. Some sports cars and large trucks open with the hinge at the front of the vehicle.

All-insulated switch: See
Shockproof switch

All-mountain bike: A Mountain bicycle designed to balance climbing and descending abilities with slightly more emphasis on descending prowess; features dual suspension with 4 to 6 inches of Travel

All-out braking: A situation where the driver uses the maximum braking effort possible. Although this seems to be the best way to stop a vehicle, in fact it may not because there may be the tendency to swerve or the brakes may overheat and lose effectiveness. It is better to pump the brakes (if ABS is not available) to control steering and get maximum braking.

Allowable working pressure: The maximum gauge pressure at which a part or system may be operated in accordance with the provisions of this standard. It is the pressure used in determining the setting of pressure limiting or relieving devices installed to protect the part or system from accidental overpressuring.

Allowance: See
Mileage allowance

Allowances: Fuel reserves, usually specified as time factors under certain conditions, as distance plus descent, or as a percentage (by weight or volume) of the cruising fuel for a given stage.

Alloy: A mixture of two or more elements, especially where one is aluminum.
Also See
Aluminum alloy
Antimony alloy
Eutectic alloy
Mag Alloy
Minilite alloy wheel
Polymer alloy
Zinc alloy

Alloy cast-iron: Cast-iron containing alloying elements in addition to carbon and the normal low levels of manganese and silicon, usually some combination of nickel, chromium, copper, and molybdenum. These elements may be added to increase the strength of ordinary irons, to facilitate heat treatment, or to obtain martensitic, austenitic, or ferritic irons.

Alloy engine: See
All-alloy engine

Alloying

The process of making an alloy
The addition of one or more elements to a pure metal to alter the pure metal's properties such as strength, elongation, weight reduction, etc.

Alloy Layer: See
Zinc-iron Alloy Layer

Alloy piston: A piston made primarily of aluminum.

Alloys: Colloquial term for Alloy wheels.

Alloy steel

A steel to which elements not present in carbon steel have been added, or in which the content of manganese or silicon is increased above that in carbon steel.
Molybdenum alloy steel used in bicycle frames.

Also see
Nickel steel
Stainless steel

Alloy wheel: Alloy Wheel

A generic term used to describe any non-steel road wheel. The usual alloys are either Aluminum or magnesium; the latter material led to the common usage of the term Mag wheel, often referring to any non-steel wheel. Also called Cast Aluminum Wheel

Also See
Minilite alloy wheel
Three-piece alloy wheel
Two-piece alloy wheel
Two-piece forged alloy wheel

All-season tire: All-season Tire

A tire that usually has a more aggressive tread pattern than a Summer tire, but not nearly as aggressive as a Mud and snow tire. Most new automobiles are sold with all-season tires.

All-steel body: A vehicle body shell which is made entirely of steel rather than one with a wooden frame with steel panels or steel frame with aluminum panels.

All terrain: For use on any kind of ground surface (not on lakes or ocean, though).

All terrain bike: All-terrain Bicycle

(ATB) A Bicycle with straight Handlebars, sturdy fat tires, and Wide-range gearing designed for off-road use. Also called Mountain bike.

All-terrain bike: (ATB) A Bicycle with straight Handlebars, sturdy fat tires, and Wide-range gearing designed for off-road use. Also called Mountain bike.

All terrain tire: A tire which has a number of lugs or knobs used to propel the vehicle over rough surfaces.

All terrain vehicle: A vehicle used in rough surface conditions. Also called off-road vehicle..

Allure libre: A self-paced long-distance bicycle ride as promoted by the Audax Club Parisien, the Randonneurs Mondiaux, and the Randonneurs USA. You can ride at your own pace so long as you finish within the time limit. This is not a race where riders are recognized for finishing ahead of other riders. The important thing is to finish the ride.

All-weather tire: A tire that can be used on roads that are bare or covered with rain, snow, or ice.

All wheel drive: See
All-wheel drive

All-wheel drive: (AWD) A variation of Four-wheel drive (4WD) designed to improve on-road Traction in unfavorable road conditions or for ultra high performance driving. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) reduces wheel slippage and provides greater Driver control over the vehicle. AWD usually does not require the Driver to actively engage the system and does not have a low range. AWD automatically splits engine Torque between the front and rear wheels as needed. All-Wheel Drive is generally an on-road system and is not designed for off-road use.

All-wheel steering: See
Four-wheel steering

Alpha brass: An alloy of copper and zinc in which there is up to 38% zinc.

Alpine gearing: A Gearing system in which a shift between Chainwheels on a Bicycle is equivalent to one-and-a-half shifts on the Freewheel.

ALT: Abbreviation for Alternator. Sometimes abbreviated as GEN

Alteration: See
Load alteration effect

Alteration effect: See
Load alteration effect

Alternating current: (AC) An electric Current that first flows one way in the circuit and then the other at regularly recurring intervals. This is the type used in homes. It contrasts with Direct current. It is also the type of current produced by a vehicle's Alternator. Since the rest of the vehicle uses direct current, the current coming from the alternator must be changed by the Rectifier.

Alternative Fuel: As defined pursuant to the EPACT, Methanol, Denatured ethanol and other alcohols, separately or in mixtures of 85% by volume or more with gasoline or other fuels, CNG, LNG, LPG, hydrogen, coal derived liquid fuels, fuels "other than alcohols" derived from biological materials, electricity, neat biodiesel, or any other fuel determined to be substantially not petroleum and yielding "substantial energy security benefits and substantial environmental benefits."

Alternative Fueled Vehicle: (AFV) Acronym for Alternative Fueled Vehicle -- a vehicle powered by a fuel other than gasoline or diesel.
Also see
Nonroad Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Alternative-Fuel Provider: A fuel provider (or any affiliate or business unit under its control) is an alternative-fuel provider if its principal business is producing, storing, refining, processing, transporting, distributing, importing, or selling (at wholesale or retail) any alternative fuel (other than electricity); or generating, transmitting, importing, or selling (at wholesale and retail) electricity; or if that fuel provider produces, imports, or produces and imports (in combination), an average of 50,000 barrels per day of petroleum and 30% (a substantial portion) or more of its gross annual revenues are derived from producing alternative fuels.

Alternative Fuels Data Center: (AFDC) A program sponsored by DOE to collect emissions, operational and maintenance data on all types of AFVs across the country.

Alternative Fuels Utilization Program: (AFUP) A program managed by DOE with the goals of improving national energy security by displacing imported oil, improving air quality by development and widespread use of alternative fuels for transportation and increasing the production of AFVs.

Alternative-Fuel Vehicle

(AFV)

As defined by the Energy Policy Act, any dedicated, flexible-fueled, or dual-fueled vehicle designed to operate on at least one alternative fuel.
A vehicle designed to operate on an alternative fuel (e.g., compressed natural gas, methane blend, electricity). The vehicle could be either a dedicated vehicle designed to operate exclusively on alternative fuel or a nondedicated vehicle designed to operate on alternative fuel and/or a traditional fuel.

Alternative fuel vehicle converter: An organization (including companies, government agencies and utilities), or individual that performs conversions involving alternative alternative fuel vehicles. An AFV converter can convert (1) conventionally fueled vehicles to AFVs, (2) AFVs to conventionally fueled vehicles, or (3) AFVs to use another alternative fuel.

Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988: (AMFA) Public Law 100-494. Encourages the development, production and demonstration of alternative motor fuels and AFVs.

alternative power plant: Hybrids, fuel cells, and other innovations designed to replace the internal combustion engine.

Alternator: Alternator

(ALT) A device which produces Alternating current (AC) by converting the engine's turning (mechanical) energy into alternating electrical current at all Engine speeds. The AC must be rectified (converted from AC to DC) by using Diodes before reaching the vehicle's Electrical system. The alternator is driven by a belt at the front of the engine. Alternators replaced the Direct-current (DC) Generators used up to the 1960's because they were less efficient especially at Idle. The electrically demanding options like air conditioning forced the use of alternators over generators.

Alternator regulator: See
Integral Alternator regulator

Alternator Starter: See
Belt Alternator Starter

Altima: Click image for books on
Nissan Altima

A model of automobile manufactured by Nissan in Japan

Altimeter

An instrument to reveal the height (or barometric pressure) above sea level.
An aneroid barometer used for measuring altitude by the decrease in atmospheric pressure with height. The dial of the instrument is graduated to read the altitude directly in feet or meters, the zero being set to ground or aerodrome level.

Altitude

The height in feet or meters above sea level. For precision in determining the performance of an aircraft, this must be corrected for the deviation of the meteorological conditions from that of the International Standard Atmosphere.
The angular distance of a heavenly body measured on that great circle which passes, perpendicular to the plane of the horizon, through the body and through the zenith. It is measured positively from the horizon to the zenith, from 0° to 90°.
The line through the vertex of a geometrical figure or solid perpendicular to its base.
The length of the line of definition #3.

Also see
Cabin altitude

Altitude compensation system: A barometric switch and solenoid used to provide better drivability over 4000 feet (1200 meters) above sea level.

Altitude compensator: See
Aneroid altitude compensator

Altitude correction capsule: A barometric pressure sensor that detects the change in altitude and sends a signal to the ECU to alter the amount of fuel required for optimum combustion.

Altitude valve: A manually or automatically operated valve fitted to the carburetor of an aero-engine for correcting the mixture strength as air density falls with altitude.
Also see
Pressure-operated Altitude Valve

Alumina: See Activated alumina

Alumina beads: Tiny beads of alumina used in some catalytic converters.

Aluminium: British spelling for Aluminum. Pronounced al-yoo-MIN-ee-um not ah-LOO-min-um

Aluminized: Something that is coated with aluminum or aluminum paint.

Aluminizing: See
Hot-dip aluminizing

Aluminum: (Al or Alum) A silver-white metal which is used in cars because of its lightness. In pure form, it does not have the strength of the same size of iron. Thus vehicle manufacturers use aluminum in an Alloy form to produce Body panels, wheels, engine Blocks, Transmission housings, Differential housings, and even Frames. British spelling adds an extra i near the end of the word aluminium and pronounces it al-you-MIN-ee-um instead of ah-LOO-min-um.
Also see
Cast aluminum wheel
Forged Aluminum

Aluminum alloy: A metal which is formed from aluminum and another metal.
Aluminum body: See
All-aluminum body

Aluminum oxide: A metallic Abrasive used to manufacture sandpaper and sanding Discs.

Aluminum wheel: Aluminum wheel

See
Alloy wheel

Alvis: Alvis

A vehicle brand of which the Speed 20, 25, and 4.3 litre models for 1925-48 are Classic cars.