DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ch"

CH3CCl3
Symbol for Methyl chloroform
CH3OH
Symbol for Methanol
CH4
Symbol for Methane
CH-4
CH-4

API CH-4 category

An API classification for Diesel engine oil for high speed, four-stroke diesel engines designed to meet 1998 exhaust emission standards and are specifically compounded for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. CH-4 oils are superior in performance to those meeting API CF-4 and API CG-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories. Replaced by CI-4.

Chafer
Chafer

Chafer

The area between the bead and sidewall of a tire.

Chafer strip
The area between the bead and sidewall of a tire.
Chafing plate
A bent plate for minimizing the rubbing action of ropes
Chain
Chain

Chain

Linked, flexible metal rope that connects two sprockets (e.g., the Chainwheel to the back wheel cogs, sized differently for different types of bikes.) The teeth of the sprockets fit inside the spaces between the links. Also called a Roller chain.
Also See
Band Chain
Cam chain
Camshaft Timing Chain
Derailleur chain, narrow width
Derailleur chains
Double roller chain
Drive chain
Duplex chain
Inverted-Tooth Chain
Narrow width chain O-ring chains
Primary chain
Roller Chain
Safety chains
Silent chain
Simplex chain
Snow chains
Standard width chain
Timing chain
Triplex chain

Chain Adjuster
A device for taking up the slack in the travel of a roller chain and maintaining its tension. It circles each end of the rear wheel axle and a screw at one end of the adjuster pushes against the frame, thus pulling the wheel to the rear of the unit causing the chain to be in tension.
See
Snail-cam Chain Adjuster
Chain breaker
Chain breaker

Chain Breaker

A tool for removing the pins in a roller chain so that the links can be removed.

Chaincase
An enclosed metal covering which encircles the drive and driven sprockets as well as the chain.
Chain case
See
Chaincase
Chain drive
A system of transferring power from one shaft to another by means of Sprockets and an endless Chain. This is the system used on a Bicycle; but it is also used on an engine to control the Timing of valve opening (called Timing chain or Cam chain).
Chain filter wrench
A chain wrench which encircles the oil filter to assist in its removal.
Chain guard
A metal or plastic covering for the top run of a chain. It is most often found on bicycle chains where the guard keeps your clothing from being caught in the chain or even from getting greasy.
Chain hoist
A lifting device which uses a chain and block and tackle to lift large objects like engines.
Chain locker
A compartment for the stowage of anchor chain
Chain pipe
A pipe for passage of chain from windlass to chain locker
Chain pipe wrench
Chain Pipe Wrench

Chain Pipe Wrench

A chain wrench which circles around a pipe and grips it so that the pipe can be tightened or removed.

Chain quick link
Chain Quick Link

Chain Quick Link

A fastener which holds two ends of large chain and by un-screwing the nut, the link can be removed or installed at will.

Chainring
Chain ring

Chainring

One of the Sprockets attached to the right Crankarm of a Bicycle to drive the Chain. Also called Chainwheel.

Chainring bolt
The 4 or 5 bolts that attach the chainrings to the crankarm of a bicycle
Chainring bolt circle diameter
The configuration of the bolt pattern on a chainring. Draw a circle through the center of all the bolt holes used to connect the chainring to the crankarm and measure the diameter of the circle (in millimeters). On a road crankset with two chainrings, they will both use the same bolt circle diameter. Typical bolt circle diameters are 130 or 135 mm on road bikes.
Chainring nut spanner
A special Bicycle tool used to loosen the slotted nuts that fasten a Chainring to a Crankarm.
Chainring teeth
The number and type of teeth (i.e., pointed projections which are forced between the rollers of a chain) in a chainring sprocket. A typical large road bike chainring has 53 teeth cut into its surface and it is referred to as a size 53.
Chain run
The distance between the front and rear sprockets.
Chains
See
Chain
Chain scrubber
A device attached to a chain which rubs away the grime while the chain is moving.
Chainstay
Chainstay

Chainstay

One of the two tubes of a bicycle frame that run horizontally from the Bottom bracket shell back to the rear Dropouts.

Chainstays
The two tubes of a Bicycle Frame that run from the Bottom bracket back to the rear Dropouts.
Chain stopper
A device used to secure the chain cable when riding at anchor, thereby relieving the strain on the windlass
Chain switch
See
Snow chain switch
Chain tensioner
Chain tensioner

Chain tensioner

A device which takes up the slack in a chain. Some use an idler wheel which can be adjusted (manually or automatically), others use a flat slide which pushes against the chain to keep it from bouncing around. Most modern units are spring loaded so that the tensioner automatically takes up the slack. Some require that you need to undo a locking nut to allow the spring to push against the chain. Afterward the lock nut needs to be secured again.
Chainwheel
Chainwheel

Chainwheel

One of the Sprockets attached to the right Crankarm of a Bicycle to drive the chain. Also called Chainring.

Chain whip
A tool consisting of a metal bar and two sections of Chain, used in changing Cogs on a Freewheel. Sometimes called chain wrench.
Chain wrench
Chain wrench

Chain Wrench

A locking pliers which employs a chain to wrap around an object such as a pipe to secure or remove it.
Also See
Chain whip

Chair
Motorcycle sidecar
Chalk
See
Cathodic Chalk
Chalking
The appearance of a white powder on a paint surface as it weathers and ages.
Chamber
  1. A pressure chamber used to vulcanize pre-cured tread stock to the buffed Casing.
  2. A compartment which is basically empty or hollow.
Also See
Annular Combustion Chamber
Atmospheric-suspended Power Chamber
Boron Chamber
Brake Chamber
Cannular Combustion Chamber
Climatic chamber
Combustion chamber
Exhaust chamber
Fireball combustion chamber
Float chamber
Gas chamber
Hemispherical combustion chamber
Humidity chamber
Main combustion chamber
Mixing chamber
Pent-roof combustion chamber
Plenum chamber
Power Chamber
Pre-combustion chamber
Precombustion Chamber
Pre-compression chamber
Salt spray chamber
Spherical combustion chamber
Spray Chamber
Suction chamber
Swirl chamber
Swirl Combustion Chamber
Twin swirl combustion chamber
Vacuum chamber
Vacuum-suspended Power Chamber
Wedge combustion chamber

Chamber recess
See
Combustion chamber recess
Chamber volume
See
Combustion chamber volume
Chamfer
  1. To bevel or taper the edge of an object especially the sides of a hole or a sharp corner
  2. An edge that has been beveled
Chamfered
A chamfered object is one that has a symmetrically beveled edge.
Chamois
Pronounced SHAM-mee. A soft piece of animal skin (from a deer, sheep, goat, etc.) used to absorb water after washing the surface of a vehicle. Also called a chamois leather or shammy leather.
Chamois leather
See
Chamois
CHAMP
Acronym for Certification of Higher-learning in Alternative Motorfuels Program
Champ car
When Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) was co-sponsored by FedEx, the series became known as the FedEx Championship Series for the PPG Cup. The cars in this series, previously known as Indy Cars, are called Champ Cars.
Change
To remove something and replace it with something else.
Also See
Adiabatic Change
Automatic Reel Change
Climate change
Downward change
Floor change
Oil change
Upward change
Change down
A British expression meaning to shift to a lower gear.
Change gear
The action of selecting a different gear. This expression is used more in Britain than in North America where the expression is shift gear
Change into
A British term for the action of shifting into another gear, such as change into second (shift into second gear) or change into top (shift into high gear)
Change of state
  1. Rearrangement of the molecular structure of matter as it changes between any two of the three physical states solid, liquid, or gas
  2. Condition in which a substance changes from a solid to a liquid or a liquid to a gas due to addition of heat. Or, the reverse, in which a substance changes from a gas to a liquid, or a liquid to a solid, due to removal of heat.
Changeover
  1. The refitting of equipment to either neutralize the effects of the just completed production or to prepare equipment for production of the next scheduled item, or both.
  2. The removing of new original equipment tires in exchange for a different make, size, or type.
Changeover Switch
See
Antenna Changeover Switch
Changer
See
CD changer
Change-speed gearbox
A transmission which houses a set of gears which move into various configurations of engagement in order to produce different output ratios.
Change the oil
The act of draining out the old or dirty oil from an engine and replacing it with fresh oil.
Change up
A British term meaning to shift up to another gear
Change valve
A British term for a valve in an automatic transmission which raises the oil pressure as the vehicle speed increases. In North America it is called the shift valve.
Changing
See
Charge changing
Wheel changing
Channel
  1. To lower the vehicle body around the Frame.
  2. A route or Groove through which anything passes.
  3. The hydraulic routing used by the anti-lock brake system to control the brake pressure at each wheel. A system may have one, three, or four channels
Also See
Chassis channel
Distribution channel
Glass channel
Grip channel
Run channel
Window channel
Channeled
Vehicle body lowered down around the Frame.
Channel restriction
See
Idle Channel Restriction
Channel section
A long metal U-shaped member used in the chassis.
Chap
See
Tank chap
Chapman
Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman (1928-1982), the founder of Lotus. One of the most innovative engineer in automotive racing history.
Chapman strut
Chapman Strut

Click image to supersize
Chapman Strut

A type of Rear suspension using a lower Lateral link and a long spring-shock Strut to determine wheel geometry. The basic principle is the same as that of the front MacPherson strut and it is so named because Colin Chapman first used it on the original Elite; it is also used on the Elan models, the new Elite, and the Datsun (Nissan) Z-car.
Characteristic map
A three-dimensional picture showing the relationship between various components of a vehicle. With the help of a computer, engineers can modify one component to see the effect it has on the whole operation of the vehicle.
Characteristics of materials
See
Performance characteristics of materials
Character line
The design line or bend in the side of the vehicle that separates the upper and lower sections of the fenders and doors
Charcoal
The amorphous form of Carbon obtained by the destructive Distillation of animal or vegetable matter in a limited supply of air. In automotive use, it is used to purify air or Exhaust gases.
Also See
Activated carbon
Activated charcoal
Charcoal canister
Another name for Activated carbon canister

Charcoal filter
A filtration system using Activated carbon to remove impurities.
Charcoal trap
See
Activated carbon canister
Charge
  1. The action of passing an electric Current through a Battery to restore it to the active (charged) state. Normally the vehicle's Generator or Alternator takes care of this. If the vehicle is not used much, an external Charger is needed to charge the Battery.
  2. The definite quantity of electricity usually found in a storage battery.
  3. Refers to the mass of air and fuel that enters a Cylinder during the Intake stroke.
  4. A refund amount of money.
    Also See
    Core charge
  5. Amount of refrigerant placed in a refrigerating unit.
  6. A specific amount of refrigerant by volume or weight
Also See
Air charge temperature
Battery charge
Bound Charge
Catalyst charge
Cylinder charge
Electric charge
Fuel charge
Intake charge
Normal Charge
On-the-road Charges
Refrigerant Charge
Stratified charge
Trickle charge
undercharge
Charge air
The air/fuel mixture.
Charge air cooling
An Intercooler

Charge-air recycling
A device on a turbocharger which maintains the speed of the compressor when there is no boost so that the boost is more instantly available on demand.
Charge capacity
The input (feed) capacity of the refinery processing facilities.
Charge changing
In a two-stroke engine, the removal of exhaust gases through the exhaust port in order to introduce a new load of fuel-air into the transfer port. Also called charge exchange process
Chargecooler
A radiator that cools and therefore recondenses the intake air that has been compressed and heated by the turbocharger thus allowing a greater amount of air into the engine. With more air in the combustion chamber, the ECM can deliver more fuel and make more power. This radiator can be either cooled by air or by water. Also called Intercooler

Charged
See
Cross Charged
Dry charged battery
Charged battery
See
Dry charged battery
Charge engine
See
Stratified charge engine
Charge exchange process
Another name for Charge changing

Charge indicator
See
Battery charge indicator
Charge losses
In a two-stroke engine, the exhaust gases are expelled out the exhaust port and the fresh charge is brought in through the transfer port. Sometimes some of the fresh charge is also forced out with the exhaust gases. There is therefore a loss of some of the fresh air-fuel charge.
Also See
Scavenging losses

Charger
Common name for a Battery charger.
Also See
Battery Charger
Fast charger
Trickle charger
Turbocharger
Charges
See
On-the-road charges
Charge temperature
See
Air charge temperature
Charge Temperature Sensor
See
Air Charge Temperature Sensor
Manifold Charge Temperature Sensor
Charging
See
Battery charging
Bulk Charging
Piston charging pump
Slow charging
Charging board
Specially designed panel or cabinet fitted with gauges, valves, and refrigerant cylinders used for charging refrigerant and oil into refrigerating mechanisms.
Charging characteristic
When a battery is being charged, the charger will reveal how much voltage and/or amperage is being required to bring the battery up to full charge.
Charging circuit
See
Charging system
Charging current
The amount of electric current being supplied to the battery from the alternator or from a battery charger.
Charging efficiency
  1. In a vehicle's electrical charging system, its efficiency is the ratio of energy output to energy input, i.e., how well does the alternator work to supply voltage to the electrical components and still charge the battery.
  2. In a two-stroke engine, it is the ratio of the amount of the fresh charge that remains in the cylinder after the two ports are closed and the actual volume.
Charging hose
A small diameter hose constructed to withstand high pressures. It is connected between the air conditioning system and the manifold set
Charging piston
In a two-stroke engine, this is a secondary piston which precompresses the fresh charge and sends it into the cylinders
Charging point
A place where a battery can be charged -- especially for battery-powered electrical vehicles. Also called Battery charging station

Charging pressure
See
Boost pressure
Charging pump
See
Piston charging pump
Charging rate
The amount of electrical current which is delivered by the charging system. It is usually measured in amperes.
Charging station
A usually portable unit equipped with a manifold gauge set, charging cylinder, vacuum pump, refrigerant supply, auxiliary gauges, various valves and the plumbing necessary to hook everything together. Used for servicing air conditioning systems.
Also see
Battery charging station
Charging stroke
See
Induction stroke
Charging system
A system that, using a Fan belt driven by the engine, enables the Alternator (or Generator) to generate electrical Current, which is stored in the Battery and delivered to the electrically operated pars of the vehicle Chassis The parts of the vehicle which are left when the body and Fenders are removed.
Charles's law
Volume of a given mass of gas at a constant pressure varies according to its temperature.
Charpy test
An impact resistance test in which the specimen is supported as a horizontal beam and broken by a single swing of a pendulum with the impact line midway between the supports and directly opposite the notch for notched specimens.
Chart
See
Color chart
Psychrometric Chart
Charter Bus
A bus that is operated on a for-hire basis, usually providing round-trip service for a tour group or an outing, either on an ad hoc or scheduled basis.
Chase
To repair damaged threads on a bolt or nut with a tap or die
Chaser
See
Die chaser
Screw Thread Chasers
Chasing threads
Cutting screw threads by moving a tool along the axis of the work to be threaded.
Chassis
Generally, chassis refers to the Frame, engine, front and rear axles, springs, Steering system, Fuel tank. In short, everything but the body or cab and Fenders. Because most modern automobiles (apart from trucks) do not have a separate chassis, the body is sometimes called the chassis.
Also See
Backbone chassis
Cab chassis
Container Chassis
Cowl chassis
Mid-engine chassis configuration
Separate chassis
Chassis bracket set
When the sill panel does not have a jointing flange, a set of securing pieces are welded under the sill before straightening a bent or damaged sill.
Chassis cab
A truck with a cab but no bed. To this system various bodies (ambulance, moving van, flat beds, etc.) can be added by aftermarket suppliers.
Chassis channel
A channel section which makes up a member of the chassis.
Chassis configuration
See
Mid-engine chassis configuration
Chassis dynamometer
A test stand for a vehicle to determine its power output or emission levels, etc. when the vehicle is placed under a variety of driving conditions.
Also See
Dynamometer

Chassis frame
A frame (found on large trucks) which is made up of two long side members which are joined by several crossmembers. The suspension and axles are attached to this frame.
Chassis leg
The short channel or box section which runs along the vehicle's main axle. It is an auxiliary member, not the main side member.
Chassis lubrication
See
Central chassis lubrication
Chassis number
The serial number of an older vehicle which was originally stamped on a chassis member. Later it became known as a Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Chassis section
One of the chassis channels or boxes, whether bolted or welded to the whole.
Chassis weight
The weight of an empty truck, without occupants or load. Also called Curb Weight or Tare Weight
Chatter
  1. A noise which is caused by an irregular movement of rattling parts.
  2. The jerky movement of two components which may have moved in a systematic way under low speed; but as the speed increases, the components make irregular contact.
  3. Rough or unsatisfactory surfaces on work. It is usually caused by a slight jumping of the tool away from the work or of the work away from the tool.
Also See
Contact bounce
Contact chatter
Cheater Axle
Colloquial term for a lift axle or an air-powered axle which, when lowered, will both convert a vehicle into a multi-axle unit and provide greater load carrying capacity.
Check
  1. An inspection to determine if everything is functional.
  2. A slight slash or marking which may appear in a tire or upholstery.
Also See
Brake Check
Checking
Compression check
Door check arm
Door check strap
Heat Checks
Optical check
Check arm
See
Door check arm
Check ball
A small ball (like a ball bearing) often made of metal or plastic, found in a check valve to halt the progress of fluid in a certain direction.
Also see
Discharge Check Ball
Pump Inlet Check Ball
Check engine light
A light on the instrument panel that lets the driver know of any detectable engine management system malfunctions. Also used as an emission maintenance reminder light on some vehicles. Often when this light is on, a trouble code is stored in the computer. Also called Malfunction indicator light
Check engine warning light
An light on the dash which is illuminated when one of the engine sensors or components does not function properly.
Checkered flag
A flag with alternating black and white squares to signal the end of the race.
Also see
Black And White Checkered Flag
Checking
  1. Short, very fine Crack lines that appear in the paint film.
  2. Small cracks in the surface of rubber (e.g., tires) caused by Aging and Oxidation.
Also See
Heat Checking
Ozone checking
Check nut
A double chamfered hexagon machine screw nut
Check Piston
See
Flow Check Piston
Check point
  1. A designated spot on a component where it is possible to determine if there is a malfunction.
  2. A place on the road where vehicles are stopped during a rally.
Check routine
A series items in an inspection which traces a fault or problem or which determines if all the components of a new vehicle meets the required specifications.
Check stop
An action taken by the police to stop vehicles in order to determine if the drivers have been drinking, wearing seat belts, and conforming to the other requirements of operating a vehicle.
Check strap
See
Door check strap
Check the battery
Determine if the electrolyte is at the correct level and add distilled water to bring it up if necessary
Check the oil
Using a dipstick, determine if there is sufficient oil in the crankcase
Checkup
The process of discovering the reliability of a vehicle or its Components. "Give my engine a checkup." Sometimes it means Tune-up.
Check valve
A one-way, in-line valve that permits flow of liquids or gases in one direction only and closes to prevent passage in the opposite direction. Used to control flow of vacuum, refrigerant, coolant, etc.
Also See
Ball Check Valve
Closed type check valve
Exhaust Gas Check Valve
Open type check valve
Residual pressure valve
Residual brake pressure type check valve
Residual Pressure Check Valve
Two-way type check valve
Vacuum Check Valve
Cheese head
An obsolete term still used in the UK for a fillister head screw, i.e., a cylindrical headed screw with a straight slot and straight sides. So named because the head looks like a round block of cheese.
Chemical activation
Treatment of a substance by heat, radiation, or other activating reagent to produce a more complete or rapid chemical or physical change.
Chemical bond
When two or more chemicals are joined or mixed, electrons of one chemical interchange with the electrons of the other chemical.
Chemical brightening
The improvement of the smoothness of the surface of metal by immersing it into a solution designed to remove any roughness. Also called chemical polishing
Chemical cure
Vulcanization at room temperature or above, activated by chemical agents without the application of heat from an outside source.
Chemical curing
The setting or curing of an adhesive, coating or sealer, brought about by the addition of heat, a catalyst, or an accelerator
Chemical polishing
See
Chemical brightening
Chemical refrigeration
System of cooling using a disposable refrigerant. Also called an expendable refrigerant system.
Chemical separation
A process for extracting uranium and plutonium from dissolved spent nuclear fuel and irradiated targets. The fission products that are left behind are high-level waste. Chemical separation is also known as reprocessing.
Chemical staining
Spotty discoloration of the paint caused by air pollution in industrial areas
Chemical toilet
A portable toilet which is used in campers and motorhomes. They contain chemicals to deal with the feces and its smell until the contents are dumped.
Chenard-Walcker
A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models with required application are Classic cars.
Cheney® Clamp
A screw-type hose clamp similar to a Jubilee® clamp
Cherry
A colloquial term for a vehicle that has been kept in, or restored to, perfect condition. Also called mint or like new
Cherry condition
A colloquial term for a vehicle that has been kept in, or restored to, perfect condition. Also called Mint condition.
Chest
See
Sea chest
Chevelle
Chevelle

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Chevelle

An intermediate model automobile produced by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1973 (later called Malibu until 1983)

Chevrolet
Chevrolet

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Chevrolet

A vehicle brand which began in 1912 of which the 1955-57 Bel Air V-8 Hardtop and Convertible are Milestone cars. Models include the following:

Chevrolet type
A dual mounting wheel type consists of one cone locking nut on each stud that holds both wheels in place against the hub.
Chevron
Road marking used to separate traffic flows are highlight potential conflicts.
Chevron board
Traffic warning signs with hatch-markings indicating a sudden change in direction
Chicane
  1. A series of sharp curves on a road or racetrack that alternate from left turn to right turn but not as severe as hair-pin curves. Also called S-curves
  2. A traffic-calming measure where police weave between traffic lanes in front of the traffic to make following vehicles slow down
Chicken coop
Trucker slang for Truck weigh station as in "Are the chicken coops open this morning?"
Chicken lights
Trucker slang for Extra lights on a truck as in "Look at all those chicken lights on that northbound bulldog."
Child bike seat
Child bike seat

Child Bike Seat

An accessory which mounts behind the saddle of a bicycle and is designed to hold a small child.
Childproof lock
On the rear doors of a car, a specially designed locking device can be set to normal or to childproof. When set to childproof, the door cannot be opened from the inside.
Child restraint system
A term for a number of items which are designed to protect children from injury during an accident (such as Child seats).
Child safety
See
Integrated child safety seat
Child safety seat
See
Integrated child safety seat
Child seat
A small safety seat which is mounted on a regular car seat and is held in place by the seat belt.
Also See
Integrated child seat
Child step running board
Child Step Running Board

Clild Step Running Board

An external step which allows a child to be able to enter or leave a vehicle with a high ground clearance (a van, SUV, truck, etc.)

Chill
See
Wind Chill
Chilled iron
Cast iron possessing a hardened outer skin.
Chiller
Air conditioning system which circulates chilled water to various cooling coils in an installation.
Chill factor
Calculated number based on temperature and wind velocity.
Chimney
Vertical shaft enclosing one or more flues for carrying flue gases to the outside atmosphere.
Also See
Coil tower
Coil chimney

Chimney connector
Conduit (pipe) connecting the heating appliance (furnace) with the vertical flue.
Chimney effect
Tendency of air or gas to rise when heated.
Chimney flue
Flue gas passageway in a chimney.
Chip
  1. Small pits in the glass (windshield or headlight) or in the paint caused by small flying stones.
  2. The metal removed by a tool
  3. A collection of sample paint.
  4. To cut with a chisel.
Also see
Novachip
Chip book
See
Paint chip book
Chip coat
A rough surface pavement
Also see
Chip seal
Chip damage
See
Stone chip damage
Chip hammer
Chip Hammer

Chip Hammer

A hammer used to remove slag, etc. from metal because it has a chisel-like end on one side

Chipped Wheel
See
Potato Chipped Wheel
Chipping
The action of tearing away small bits or flakes of paint or of rubber from the tread of a tire. When larger pieces of rubber tear away, it is called Chunking.
Chipping hammer
Chip Hammer

Chipping Hammer

A hammer used to remove the slag from weld seams.
Also see
Welding hammer

Chips
See
Pulp Chips
Chip seal
A road surface where liquid asphalt is sprayed on the surface and is covered by a thin layer of gravel. It is done in warm, dry weather. It takes a few hours to set. It creates a hard driving surface. For the first few days after the chip seal, the road looks light gray with some loose rock. In time it becomes more firm and turns black. The surface is somewhat rough and provides good traction for cars, but is very rough for bicycles.
Chisel
There are two basic types of chisel. One is used for wood work (Wood chisel) while the other is for metal work (Cold chisel).
Also See
Cape Chisel
Splitting chisel
Chisler
A vehicle buyer who constantly grinds the salesman to the obtain the best possible deal that he can get.
Chloride
See
Calcium chloride
Magnesium chloride
Methylene Chloride
Polyvinyl chloride
Chloroform
See
Methyl Chloroform
Chlorofluorocarbon
(CFC)
  1. A gas compound which was used as a propellant in aerosol cans and in refrigerants.
  2. Any of various compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and flourine used as refrigerants. CFCs are now thought to be harmful to the earth's atmosphere.
CHM
Acronym for cold mixture heater--A device which helps to reduce cold engine emissions and improve driveability during engine warm-up. Also CMH.
Chmsl
(pronounced CHIM-sel) An abbreviation for center high mounted stop light an additional brake light as required by federal law whose mounting position is determined by the manufacturer using federal guidelines
Chobert rivet
A blind rivet fastener with a hollow center and dome head. It requires an insertion tool.
Chock
  1. A wedge used to prevent a wheel from rolling -- especially when replacing a tire/wheel. Also called a Wheel chock.
  2. A heavy smooth-surfaced fitting usually located near the edge of the weather deck through which wire ropes or fiber hawsers may be led, usually to piers.
Also See
Boat chock
Choke
A Butterfly valve or plate located near the top of the Carburetor that limits or restricts the amount of air allowed to enter the Carburetor, thus enriching the Fuel-air mixture and enabling the vehicle to start and run more easily when cold. Automatic chokes have a Thermostatic coil or Thermostatic spring that activates a Butterfly valve at the top of the Carburetor barrel. Older cars have Manually operated chokes. Some vehicles use an Enrichner instead of a choke.
Also See
Audio-frequency Choke
Automatic Choke
Divorced Choke
Manual choke
Radio choke
Remote Choke
Thermostatic Coil Choke
Thermostatic Spring Choke
Choke stove
A flapper near the top of the Carburetor which regulates the amount of air entering the Carburetor.
Also See
Choke

Choke control
A device or system for operating a non-automatic choke. It is usually a cable attached at one end to the choke butterfly and a knob on the dash at the other end.
Choke index
Automatic chokes have index marks. The factory setting closes the choke when the bimetal is about 21°C. If you want less or more choke at this temperature, move the choke index one mark in the direction indicated by the arrows designating a leaner or richer mixture. You will seldom need to move the choke more than one mark
Choke kick
A preset position for the choke valve set by manifold vacuum that is routed through a carburetor body passage to the choke diaphragm
Choke knob
A knob on the dash fascia which is part of the choke control system.
Choke stove
A heating compartment in or on the Exhaust manifold from which hot air is drawn to the Automatic choke device.
Choke thermal vacuum switch
(CTVS) a switch used on some GM vehicle to deny vacuum to either the front or the auxiliary choke vacuum breaks. Its purpose is to slow the opening of the choke and to provide better driveability when the engine is cold
Choke tube
  1. The part of the carburetor air horn where the choke butterfly is positioned. Also called a carburetor venturi.
  2. Throttling device used to maintain correct pressure difference between high-side and low-side in refrigerating mechanism. Capillary tubes are sometimes called choke tubes.
Choke valve
In a carburetor, it is the choke butterfly.
Chop
Lowering the height of some area of the vehicle roof, Hood, Top, etc.
Also see
Cafe Chop
Top Chop
Chopped wheel
Lightened Flywheel.
Chopper
Chopper

Chopper

  1. Once used to describe a custom motorcycle that had all superfluous parts chopped off in order to make the bike faster. A chopper today is a type of custom bike that usually has an extended fork, no rear suspension, high handlebars and a lowered seat. Often the original Fuel tank is changed to a smaller size.
  2. To travel by Motorcycle.

Chop shop
  1. A garage which specializes in turning a two-door car into a convertible by removing the steel top.
  2. An illegal garage which processes stolen cars by removing valued parts and selling them privately or by changing the serial numbers for illegal resale.
CHP
  1. Acronym for combined heat and power
  2. Acronym for California Highway Patrol
C/H Ratio
Acronym for Carbon/Hydrogen ratio
Christmas tree
  1. A device, using a series of lights, to start cars on the timed 1/4 mile drag run.
  2. The valves and fittings installed at the top of a gas or oil well to control and direct the flow of well fluids.
Chromate
  1. A salt or ester of chromic acid which is often used as a paint pigment.
  2. The action of treating metal with a solution of chromium compound to produce a protective metal chromate coating. Also called chromatize
Chromate coating
A conversion coating produced by chromating.
Chromate treatment
A solution of chromium compound is applied to metal to produce a protective coating of metal chromate.
Chromatic aberration
  1. An enlargement of the focal spot caused in a cathode tube, by the differences in the electron velocity distribution through the beam.
  2. An enlargement of the focal spot caused in an optical lens system using white light, by the refractive index of the glass varying with the wavelength of the light, resulting in colored fringes surrounding the image.
Chromatize
The action of treating metal with a solution of chromium compound to produce a protective metal chromate coating. Also called chromate
Chrome
  1. A short form for chromium.
  2. The chromium plating of metal on a vehicle.
  3. To plate with chromium.
Chrome-hardened
Steel that has been made harder by adding chromium.
Chrome-moly
A type of high-quality steel tubing; also called chrome molybdenum or cro-mo
Chrome molybdenum
A type of high-quality steel tubing. Also called chrome-moly or cro-mo
Chrome-plated
In order to prevent iron from rusting and showing bright and shiny, the iron is coated with a layer of chromium by process of electroplating (or electrodeposition).
Chrome ring
A Piston ring with a chrome face, i.e., a thin layer of chrome plate on the outer edge.
Chrome steel
In order to improve rust resistance and increase hardness, chrome is added to steel. Also called chromium steel
Chrome work
All the metal on a vehicle which has been plated with chrome.
Chromic acid
Electrolyte which is used in anodizing processes for producing non-transparent, non-metallic oxide layers.
Chromium
A very hard grey metal used in electroplating and the production of very hard steel compounds (especially stainless steel) that are also resistant to rust.
Also See
Hard chromium plating
Chromium-plated
A coating of metal with chromium to protect the metal from rust.
Chromium plating
The process of coating metal with a layer of chromium to prevent rust.
Also See
Black chromium plating
Hard chromium plating

Chromium steel
In order to improve rust resistance and increase hardness, chrome is added to steel. Also called chrome steel
Chro-mo
A type of high-quality steel tubing; also called chrome molybdenum or crome-moly
Chromodynamics
See
Quantum Chromodynamics
Chronometer
See
Box Chronometer
Chrysler
Chrysler

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Chrysler

A vehicle brand of which the 1926-30 Imperial 80, 1931 Imperial 8 Series CG, 1932 CG and CH, 1933 CL, 1934-6 CW with required application are Classic cars. The 1970 300 Hurst is a Milestone car. The 1955-65 300 Letter Series are Milestone cars. The 1946-50 Town and Country models are Milestone cars. Includes these models:

Chubby screwdriver
A British term for a screwdriver with a short handle and blade for reaching into confined spaces. In North America it is called a stubby screwdriver
Chuck
Device for holding work in machine tools.
Also see
Bell Chuck
Chug
  1. The short explosive sound of an engine going steadily and rather slowly.
  2. To make the sound of chug.
  3. To drive slowly and steadily.
Chunking
The action which occurs when large pieces of rubber from the tread of tire breaks away. When small pieces break away, it is called Chipping.