DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "An"

Anaerobic sealer
A substance used to prevent bolts and screws from loosening up and backing out. Anaerobic sealers do not require oxygen for activation. The Loctite® brand is the most widely used anaerobic sealer.
Analog British spelling is analogue
  1. A display which uses a dial rather than a read-out of numbers (digital).
  2. A signal that varies proportionally with the data it measures. In a computer, an analog signal is a constantly fluctuating voltage that ranges from high to low.
Analog clock
The traditional clock with rotating hands. Contrast with Digital clock.
Analog cluster
An instrument panel display using dials. Opposite to Electronic cluster.
Analog filter
Filter suitable for use with analog signals, i.e., those which are continuous with time. Contrast with Digital filter.
Analog speedometer
speedometer

Analog speedometer

A speedometer which shows the speed by a needle on the dial of a gauge. It contrasts with a Digital speedometer
Analogue
British spelling of Analog.
Analogue cluster
See
Analog cluster
Analysis
See
Fe analysis
Finite-element analysis
Qualitative Analysis
Quantitative Analysis
Analyzer
A device for evaluating something.
Also see
Engine Analyzer
Exhaust-gas Analyzer
Exhaust Gas Analyzer
Four-gas Analyzer
Infrared Analyzer
Ndir analyzer
Non-dispersive Infrared Analyzer
Anatomic saddle
anatomic saddle

Anatomic saddle

A bicycle seat that is designed with cut out sections or bumps to accommodate your ischial tuberosities (i.e., sit-down bones).

ANC
Acronym for at no extra cost
Anchor
  1. A mounting point on the vehicle frame or unibody for a non-structural but stressed component, such as a seat or seat belt.
  2. The stationary portion of a leading/trailing drum brake on which the heels of the brake shoes ride.
Also see
Belt Anchor
Brake Anchor
Fixed Anchor
Shoe Anchor
Anchorage
The point where something is attached—such as where the seat-belt is attached to the frame.
Also see
Belt anchorage
Seat belt anchorage
Anchor bolt
  1. A bolt used to secure frameworks, stanchion bases, etc. to piers or foundations, and having usually a large plate washer built into the latter as anchorage
  2. The bolt which goes through a bracket to secure something. British term is through bolt.
Anchor clamp
A fitting attached to the overhead contact wire of a tramway or railway to support the wire, and also to take the longitudinal tension and prevent movement of the wire in a direction parallel to the track.
Anchor Drum Brake
See
Double Anchor Drum Brake
Anchor end
The end of a brake shoe that's attached to or positioned against a fixed point on the backing plate.
Anchor eyes
The semi-circular notches at the ends of some shoe webs where they contact the Shoe anchor on the Backing plate.
Anchor gate
A heavy gate, such as a canal lock gate, which is supported at its upper bearing by an anchorage in the masonry such as an Anchor bolt.
Anchor pin
  1. The stationary portion of a duo-servo drum brake on which the tops of the brake shoes rest. The secondary shoe bears against the anchor pin when the brakes are applied and the vehicle is moving forward. Conversely, when the vehicle is backing up and the brakes are applied, the primary shoe bears against it.
  2. The point in a drum brake system where the braking forces are transmitted to the axle and which prevents the brake shoes from revolving with the drum.
Anchor plate
  1. The stationary portion of a leading/trailing drum brake on which the heels of the brake shoes ride.
  2. A bracket, solidly attached to the vehicle suspension, on which a floating or sliding Caliper mounts
Also see
Caliper mounting bracket
Anchor ring
See
Toroid
Torus
Ancien
A male veteran bicycle rider who has completed a 1200 kilometer randonnée.
Ancienne
A female veteran bicycle rider who has completed a 1200 kilometer randonnée.
Ancillaries
The various components attached to the main part of the engine and driven by the engine itself -- such as the alternator, generator, power steering pump, supercharger, fuel pump, and water pump.
Anemometer
Instrument for measuring the rate of airflow or motion.
Aneroid altitude compensator
A bellows device, installed integrally with the APT system on some post-1975 Rochester Quadrajet carburetors, that automatically compensates for changes in altitude by raising or lowering the primary metering rods, thus richening or leaning out the air/fuel mixture in accordance with changes in air pressure.
Aneroid barometer
A device to determine atmospheric pressure with the use of a vacuum chamber or syphon bellows
Aneroid-type thermostat
An older style thermostat located in the engine coolant system. It has a metal expandable bulb partially filled with acetone, alcohol, or another volatile liquid. As the coolant reaches operating temperature, the liquid in the bulb will boil and expand the bulb, closing the valve to allow coolant to the radiator.
ANFAC
Acronym for Asociacion Espanola de Fabricantes de Automoviles y Camiones (Spain).
ANFAVEA
Acronym for Associação Nacional de Veículos Automotores (Brazil).
ANFIA
Acronym for Associazione Nazionale Fra Industrie Automobilistiche (Italy).
Angels
Radar echoes from an invisible and sometimes undefined origin. High-flying birds, insect swarms, and certain atmospheric conditions can be responsible.
Angle
See
Ackermann angle
Approach angle
Attack angle
Azimuth angle
Blade angle
Bragg angle
Bunching angle
Cam angle
Caster angle
Departure angle
Dwell (angle)
Front triangle
Heading angle
Ignition angle
Included angle
Knuckle Angle
Lock angle
Offset angle
Opening angle
Rake
Ramp-over angle
Rear triangle
Roll angle
Shallow angle
Slip angle
Spark angle
Spark ignition angle
Steep angle
Steering angle
Steering knuckle angle
Swivel angle
Thread angle
Thrust Angle
Tire deviation angle
Tire slip angle
Toe-in angle
Triangle-split system
Valve angle
Yaw angle
Angle bar
See
Angle iron
Angle bearing
A shaft-bearing in which the joint between base and cap is not perpendicular to the direction of the load, but is set at an angle.
Angle block
  1. A cylinder block that doesn't have a Deck at 90 degrees to the cylinders
  2. A small wooden block used in woodwork to make joints, esp. right-angle joints, more rigid.
Angle bracket
  1. A bracket projecting from the corner of a building beneath the eaves, and not at right-angles to the face of the wall.
  2. A bracket consisting of two sides set at right angles, often stiffened by a gusset. Also called gallows bracket.
Angled deck
British term for Canted deck.
Angledozer
A Bulldozer with a blade able to be set in such a way to push material to the side of the road. Usually called a Grader or Motor grader.
Angle elevation
The vertical angle measured above the horizontal, from the surveyor's instrument to the point observed.
Angle grinder
angle grinder

Angle grinder

A power tool (driven by electricity or compressed air) which has abrasive discs. The tool helps to remove old paint or rough metal surface
Angle iron
Mild steel bar rolled to an L-shaped cross-section, used in structural work. Legs may be equal or unequal and leg lengths up to 800 mm are available. Also called Angle, Angle bar, Angle steel, and L-iron.
Angle-nose pliers
Angle-nose pliers

Angle-nose pliers

A pair of pliers with long jaws that are bent at right angles to aid in gripping something which cannot be reached with regular pliers.

Angle of advance
  1. The angle in excess of 90° by which the eccentric throw of a steam-engine valve gear is in advance of the crank.
  2. The angle between the position of ignition and outer dead center in a spark-ignition engine, optimizes combustion of the fuel.
Angle of attack
The angle between the chord line of an airfoil and the relative airflow. Also called (in error) angle of incidence.
Angle of contact
The angle subtended at the center of a pulley by that part of the rim in contact with the driving belt.
Angle of Head
In countersunk heads, the included angles of the conical underportion or bearing surface, usually 82 or 100 degrees.
Angle of lock
The angle between the line through the center of the wheel seen from above when turning a corner and the same line when going straight.
Angle of thread
See Included angle of thread
Angle parking
Angle parking

Angle parking

A system of parking on the side of the street where the car is about 45 degrees from parallel with the edge of the street. The British term is echelon parking

Angle screwdriver
A tool that is shaped like the letter L and has a blade at either end.
Angle Sensor
See
Crankshaft Angle Sensor
Angle steel
See
Angle iron
Angle stone
See
Quoin
Angle valve
Type of globe valve design, having pipe openings at right angles to each other. Usually, one opening is on.
Angular motion
See
Rotation
Angular thread
See
Vee thread
Angular velocity
The angular displacement per unit time, measured in degrees per time or radians per time
Angular vibration
Side to side movement or shimmy of a tire.
Also see
Dynamic balance
Anhydrous
A compound that does not contain any water. Ethanol produced for fuel use is often referred to as anhydrous ethanol, as it has had almost all water removed.
Anhydrous calcium sulphate
Dry chemical made of calcium, sulphur, and oxygen (CaSO4)
Aniline
An oily liquid poisonous (C6H5NH2) obtained especially by the reduction of nitrobenzene and used chiefly in organic synthesis (as of dyes)
Aniline Point
The aniline point of a petroleum product is the minimum equilibrium solution temperature with an equal volume of freshly distilled aniline.
Anneal
To remove hardness from metal by heating, usually to a red color, then allowing it to cool slowly. Unlike steel, copper is annealed by heating, and then plunging it into cold water. It is the reverse of Hardening.
Annealing
Process of heat treating metal to get desired properties of softness and ductility (easily formed in to a new shape). For example heating and slow cooling of a piece of iron.
Also see
Back annealing
Box annealing
Bright annealing Full annealing
Annular
Something in the form of a ring.
Annular ball bearing
A ball bearing with a non-adjustable inner and outer race or races.
Annular combustion chamber
A gas turbine combustion chamber in which the perforated flame tube forms a continuous annulus within a cylindrical outer casing.
Annular electric brake
An electric brake design in which the electromagnet is shaped like a circle or ring (annulus) inside the brake shoes.
Annular gap
Something in a circular gap.
Annular gear
A round gear with teeth cut on the outside for engagement with a Pinion. Usually shrunk fit on to a mating diameter, e.g., starter ring on automobile flywheel.
Annulus
A hollow gear which is in the form of a ring with internal teeth.
Also see
Epicyclic gearbox
Anode
  1. In an electrical circuit it is the Positive pole. It is that part of an electrical circuit to which electrons are flowing.
  2. The electrode at which oxidation occurs. For fuel cells that create potential, it is also the electrode towards which negative ions flow.
  3. The positive terminal of an electrolytic cell
Also see
Sacrificial anode
Soluble anode
Anodic Coating
See
Hard Anodic Coating
Anodize
By electrolytic action, this is the process of Coating or plating a metal (usually Aluminum) with a thin protective film or material such as chrome. It is sometimes applied with colored dye.
Anodized
An electroplating process commonly performed on aluminum parts, which forms a thin protective film on the surface of the metal. Anodizing is sometimes accompanied by the use of a colored dye, which gives a lustrous colored finish to the aluminum parts.
Anodizing
The process by which a hard, non-corroding oxide layer is deposited on aluminum.
Also see
Hard anodizing
Integral color anodizing
Anodizing bath
A tub in which the anodizing process is performed.
Anodizing tank
A tub in which the anodizing process is performed.
ANS
Acronym for anti-noise system
ANSI
Acronym for American National Standards Institute
ANSI assembly identifier
The serial numbering scheme adopted by the ANSI to ensure uniqueness of an assembly serial number.
Ant
See
P. ant
Antagonizing screws
See
Clip screw
Antechamber
A small auxiliary combustion-chamber, used in some compression-ignition engines, in which partial combustion of the fuel is used to force the burning mixture into the cylinder, so promoting more perfect combustion.
Antenna
A device which pulls in radio reception. A Power antenna automatically rises when the radio is turned on and lowers when it is shut off. Some cars had the antenna wires imbedded in the Windshield. Also called aerial.
Also see
Adcock antenna
Artificial antenna
Balancing antenna
Beam antenna
Beavertail antenna
Power antenna
Quarter-wave Antenna
Retractable Antenna
Whip antenna
Antenna changeover switch
Switch used for transferring an antenna from the transmitting to the receiving equipment, and vice versa, protecting the receiver.
Antenna downlead
Wire running from the elevated part or conductor of an antenna down to the transmitting or receiving equipment.
Antenna load
See
Dummy load
Anthropogenic
Made or generated by a human or caused by human activity. The term is used in the context of global climate change to refer to gaseous emissions that are the result of human activities, as well as other potentially climate-altering activities, such as deforestation.
Antibackfire valve
See
Anti-backfire valve
Anti-backfire valve
(Anti-BFV) Valve used in Air injection reaction ( Exhaust emission control) system to prevent backfiring during the period immediately following sudden Deceleration by diverting the air coming from the Air pump away from the Exhaust ports. Otherwise the Exhaust gases which contain unburned Gasoline could mix with fresh air and cause unwanted backfiring.
Also see
Air bypass valve
Secondary Air Anti-backfire Valve
Anti-BFV
Acronym for Anti-backfire valve.
Anti-chip coating
A resilient coat of paint between the primer and the top coat to protect the body shell from chipping damage caused by gravel or stones.
Anticline
An area of the earth's crust where folding has made a dome like shape in the once flat rock layers. Anticlines often provide an environment where natural gas can become trapped beneath the earth's surface, and extracted.
See also
Trap
Permeability
Porosity
Anti-corrosion
A substance used to protect against rust.
Also see
Nordic Anti-Corrosion Code
Anti-Corrosion Code
See
Nordic Anti-Corrosion Code
Anti-corrosion warranty
Manufacturers usually state that all body sheet metal components are warranted against rust-through corrosion for 6 years or 160,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
Anti-corrosive
That which prevents or limits corrosion.
Anti-dazzle mirror
A mirror that can be set to reduce the glare of the lights from a vehicle following your vehicle.
Also see
Dimming mirror
Anti-dieseling solenoid
See
Idle stop solenoid
Antidive
See
Anti-dive system
Anti-dive
See
Anti-dive system
Anti-dive system
A Dive is the action of the front of the vehicle to point downward during braking. The Suspension in cars is designed to remove this tendency.
Anti-drum compound
A sticky material which is applied to the inside of panels to reduce the noise caused by vibration or drumming
Antifouling composition
A substance applied in paint form to ships' bottoms and structures subject to the action of sea water, to discourage marine growths.
Antifreeze
A chemical (usually Ethylene glycol) added to the Cooling system to prevent the Coolant from freezing in cold weather. It also inhibits the formation of rust and other deposits which may clog the Radiator and other cooling passageways. Its Resistance to freezing is better with a mix of 50-50 with water than 100% antifreeze.
Anti-friction bearing
See
Antifriction bearing
Antifriction bearing
Antifriction bearing

Antifriction bearing

A bearing containing Rollers, needles, or balls plus an inner and outer Race. The bearing is designed to roll instead of slide thus minimizing Friction between two moving parts. To avoid disintegration, the bearing must use lubrication (i.e., Wet friction)

Anti-friction metal
See
White metal
Anti-g
Resistant to the effects of high acceleration, esp. of an astronaut's equipment.
Anti-g suit
A close-fitting garment covering the legs and abdomen. When inflated, it equalizes the pressure especially around the head and heart during high-speed maneuvers. Colloquially, g-suit.
Anti-knock additive
See
Anti-knock agent
Antiknock agent
See
Anti-knock agent
Anti-knock agent
A substance like Tetraethyl lead which is added to Gasoline to raise the Octane number and reduce the gasoline's tendency to detonate, Knock, or Ping. In Unleaded gasoline, Tetraethyl lead is not used because of its environmental danger.
Anti-knock agents
See
Anti-knock agent
Anti-knock index
(AKI) The measure of the anti-knock properties of a brand and type of gasoline. It is defined as half the sum of the research octane number (RON) and motor octane number (MON). This is the number posted on the retail gasoline pumps normally indicating 87, 89, or 92 octane. Racing gasoline have AKI's from 100 to 118.
Antiknock substances
Substances like lead (IV) ethyl added to fuel to lessen its tendency to detonate or knock in an engine.
Antiknock value
The relative immunity of a volatile liquid fuel from detonation in a gasoline engine as compared with some standard fuel.
Also see
Octane number
Antilift
See
Anti-lift
Anti-lift
Lift is the action of the rear end of the vehicle to rise during braking. The Suspension in cars is designed to remove this tendency.
Antilock brake
(ABS)
See
Anti-lock brake system
Anti-lock brake
(ABS)
See
Anti-lock brake system
Anti-lock brake controller
(CAB) Chrysler Corporation's term for the electronic control unit.
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) Sometimes called anti-skid brakes. A device which senses that one or more of the wheels are locking up during braking. It monitors the rotational speeds of the wheels and reduces hydraulic pressure to any wheel it senses locking up. It is controlled by both mechanical and electronic Components. When you apply the brakes, the ABS will regulate the flow of Brake fluid being delivered to the brake Calipers. It must be remembered that a wheel cannot be steered unless it is rolling; so if the wheel is locked up, there is no steering control. By the use of electronic Computers, the brakes rapidly alternate (at a rate of 30 times per second) from full pressure to full release. This process will also alternate from the left-front wheel and the right-rear wheel and switch to the right-front wheel and left-rear wheel. In this way both maximum braking and maximum steering control is allowed during braking. Before the advent of ABS, drivers were advised to pump the brakes to maintain the same effect. However, the human foot cannot pump the brakes faster than the Computer control. Also, steady application of the brakes without ABS may cause brake failure (i.e., Brake fade) because of the excess heat. Never pump the brakes if you have ABS. When you firmly apply the brakes with ABS, you may feel a pulsing sensation and hear a banging noise. The abbreviation ABS comes from the German anti blockier system.
Anti-lock braking system
See
Anti-lock brake system
antimony
(Sb) A pure element, metal, used in alloys
Antimony alloy
A combination of antimony and another substance like aluminum used in bearings and battery plates
Antimony black
When antimony is ground to fine powder, it has a black metallic color.
Anti-noise
See
Anti-noise system
Anti-noise system
(ANS) A noise counteraction system. This is a sophisticated system which has a number of small microphones placed around the vehicle to detect driving noises. A computer microprocessor analyzes these noises and generates matching counter-frequencies which are sent to small speakers located in the passenger compartment. In this way the road noises are cancelled or erased.
Antipercolation valve
See
Anti-percolation valve
Anti-percolation valve
A device for venting vapors from the main discharge tube, or the well, of a Carburetor. The vented vapors are not released into the atmosphere, but rerouted into an evaporative emission Canister where they are stored until the next time the vehicle is started. Thus it provides a richer mixture needed for starting.
Also see
Percolation
Anti-rattle spring
  1. clutch antirattle spring clip

    clutch antirattle spring clip

    A specially shaped wire that prevents the clutch plate and spring from making noise when no pressure is applied to the plate.

  1. A device that attaches to disc brake pads to keep them from making a rattle noise when the brakes are not applied.
  2. A component in disc brakes shaped like the letter X and made of spring steel. It applies radial pressure to the brake pads to prevent rattling. Also called spreader spring.

Antiroll bar
See
Anti-roll bar
Anti-roll bar
anti-roll bar

Anti-roll bar

Sometimes called the anti-sway bar, stabilizer bar, or even (incorrectly) roll-bar. It is usually a round bar which connects the left wheel Suspension assembly with the right side. It may be found at the front and/or rear. Its main function is to keep both wheels rolling at the same rate when meeting bumps; but it also affects handling. A front anti-roll bar increases Understeer and a rear bar increases Oversteer.

Antiroll device
See
Brake anti-roll device
Anti-roll device
See
Brake anti-roll device
Anti-rust treatment
See
Rustproofing
Antisag bar
A vertical rod connecting the main tie of a roof truss to the ridge to support it against sagging under its own weight.
Antiscuffing
The ability of a precision insert bearing to resist scuffing or scratching the shaft journal in the event that the oil surface skin is destroyed.
Antiseize compound
A paste that is applied to metal parts to keep them from sticking to other metal parts, particularly threaded surfaces such as spark plug threads and wheel studs and bolts
Anti-siphon bleeds
Small holes drilled into the cluster to prevent main-system fuel from continuing to flow when the throttle is closed, stopping airflow through the carburetor.
Antiskid
See
Anti-skid
Anti-skid
(ASBS) A computer controlled automotive device which senses when one or more of the wheels are locking up during braking. It eases up on the amount of Hydraulic pressure to that wheel. It must be remembered that a wheel cannot be steered unless it is rolling; so if the wheel is locked up, there is no steering control. By the use of electronic Computers, the brakes rapidly alternate from full power to none so that both maximum braking and maximum steering control is allowed. If you jam on the brakes, you will feel a pulsing sensation. Sometimes called Anti-lock brakes.
Antiskid brake system
A non-standard term for Wheel slip brake control system
Antismog device
A special part or system designed to reduce or eliminate emission of noxious gases from exhaust of engine.
Antisolar glass
Glass which absorbs heat from sunshine and reduces glare, but transmits most of the light.
Antisound
Sound signal with same amplitude but opposite phase of some unwanted sound signal so that both signals cancel each other when superimposed.
Anti-spin regulation
(ASR) The control or prevention of wheelspin under power, normally by means of electronic sensing and in conjunction with anti-lock brakes.
Anti-spin regulation traction control system
(ASC) The system which prevents wheelspin.
Also see
Anti-spin regulation
Anti-spray flap
See
Mudflap
Antisquat
See
Anti-squat system
Anti-squat
See
Anti-squat system
Anti-squat system
Squat is the action of the rear end of the vehicle to point downward during hard Acceleration. The Suspension in cars is designed to remove this tendency. Contrasts with Anti-dive system.
Anti-squeal shim
A shim (metal plate) placed behind the brake piston or the brake pad to reduce noise when the brakes are applied.
Anti-stall dashpot
A diaphragm unit mounted on the carburetor that allows air to escape slowly from its vacuum chamber to prevent throttle plate(s) in the carburetor from closing too suddenly--and stalling the engine--during deceleration.
Antisurge valve
A valve for bleeding off surplus compressor air to suppress the unstable airflow due to Surge in a gas turbine engine.
Anti-sway bar
See
Anti-roll bar
Anti-theft system
Any device (mechanical or electrical) which tends to reduce the theft of a vehicle. It may involve an alarm system, ignition lockouts, steering locks, steering wheel locks, transmission locks, and/or wheel locks.
Anti-tipper
An arm, usually with a small wheel attached at the outer end, which is secured to the back of a wheelchair to prevent the chair from falling on its back and thereby injuring the patient.
Antitippers
See
Anti-tipper
Anti-vibration mounting
  1. Because the engine, transmission, differential, and other components tend to vibrate when in motion, noise increases and there is possible wear at the points of contact with the frame members. Rubber blocks are used to cushion the vibration at the mounting points.
  2. Rubber springs designed to absorb vibrations from engines, etc. Care needed in design and materials selection to match vibration frequency with main damping peak of elastomer.