DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Mu"

Mud and snow:

(M+S) A type of tire tread which gives maximum traction in mud and snow.

Mud and snow tire:

(M+S tire) A winter tire with a deep tread and big ribs that reduce contact area on dry roads, but give a good grip on loose surfaces. It tends to fling off packed-in snow as the tire revolves.

Mud flap:

A rubber or plastic shield which is positioned behind a wheel (usually the rear wheels) to prevent mud and small rocks from being thrown up against the body of the vehicle or from being thrown at a following vehicle. Also called "splash guard"

Mudflap:

See:
mud flap

Mudguard:

Curved part over the wheels of a motorcycle to minimize splashing

Muffler:

1. A unit through which the exhaust gases are passed to quiet the sounds of the running engine. The British term is "silencer."
2. A hollow, tubular device used in the discharge line of some systems to muffle the thumping sounds made by the compressor. Sometimes used on the low side too.

Also See:
glass pack muffler
gutted muffler
steel pack muffler

Muffler, compressor:

Sound absorber chamber in refrigeration system. Used to reduce sound of gas pulsations.

Mullion:

Stationary frame member between two doors.

Mullion heater:

Electrical heating element mounted in the mullion. Used to keep mullion from sweating or frosting.

Multec:

A combined fuel injection and ignition system

Multec system:

A combined fuel injection and ignition system

Multicon connector system:

A 13-pinned electrical connection system for trailers

Multi-cut file:

See multipurpose file

Multi-disc:

See multi-plate

Multi-entry:

See multi-suction pump

Multi-focal:

(MF) multiple-focus

Multi-focal headlight:

A conventional headlight with a multiple-focus parabolic reflector

Multi-function control stalk:

A rod-shaped control mounted on the steering column near the steering wheel. A unit could operate the signal lights, headlight dimmer switch, wipers, windshield washer, cruise control, and horn

Multigrade oil:

An engine oil that meets the viscosity requirements of several different single-grade engine oil types. Also called multi-viscosity oil

Multigrip pliers:

Pliers with an adjustable head allowing different jaw widths

Multi-hole nozzle:

A two-hole, three-hole, or four-hole injector nozzle in a direct injection engine.
Also See:
pintle nozzle

Multi-inlet pump:

See multi-suction pump

Multileaf spring:

A leaf spring with several flat leaves bundled together by steel bands.

Multi-link independent rear suspension:

A special multi-link rear suspension design, developed by Mercedes-Benz for the W 201 series

Multi-link rear suspension:

A general term for independent rear suspension layouts incorporating several control arms.
Also See:
four-link rear suspension
five-link rear suspension

Multilink suspension:

A rear suspension consisting of at least four links, or "arms," and no struts. Because multilink suspensions assign specific wheel-locating duties to each element, they provide great flexibility for optimizing both ride and handling.

Multi-piece rim:

A rim type incorporating at least one demountable bead seat and/or rim flange to allow tire mounting. The opposite is a one-piece rim. The bead seats of all multi-piece rims (except flat base rims) have a 5° taper; rims incorporating the semi-drop center, the tapered bead seat or the flat base design are multi-piece rims

Multi-plate clutch:

British term for multiple-disc clutch

Multiplate clutch:

A clutch with several friction and drive plates. Its compact size makes it ideal for motorcycles

Multiple disc:

See multiple disc clutch.

Multiple disc clutch:

A clutch which has several clutch discs in its construction. The greater number of discs allows the size of the bell housing to be smaller in diameter and still maintain efficiency. A clutch with more than one driven plate, usually of the oil-immersed type; frequently used in motorcycle drive trains, in automatic transmissions of cars, in power distribution systems of 4WD vehicles, and as locking elements in limited-slip differentials.
Also See:
viscous coupling

Multiple-disc limited-slip differential:

Limited-slip differential incorporating multiple discs as locking or slip-inhibiting devices

Multiple-plate clutch:

British term for multiple-disc clutch

Multiple-point injection:

See multi-point injection

Multiple-spark coil:

See multi-spark ignition coil

Multiple-spark ignition coil:

See multi-spark ignition coil

Multiple stage compressor:

Compressor having two or more compressive steps. Discharge from each step is the intake pressure of the next in series.

Multiple system:

Refrigerating mechanism in which several evaporators are connected to one condensing unit.

Multiplex technology:

In cars, connecting lamps, wipers, horn, etc. to a single power cable via electronically controlled modules, making it easier to diagnose faults and to service the problem

Multiplier vacuum booster:

A vacuum brake power booster that installs between the master cylinder and the wheel friction assemblies. Actuated by hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder.

Multi-point fuel injection:

(MPFI) a fuel injection system that uses one injector per cylinder, mounted on the engine to spray fuel near the intake valve are or the combustion chamber. Also called multi-port injection

Multi-point injection:

(MPI) Gasoline fuel-injection system in which only air enters the inlet manifold; as the air approaches the inlet valve, an injection valve opens in the valve port, spraying fuel into the airstream.
Also See:
SPI

Multi-port injection:

A fuel injection system that uses one injector per cylinder, mounted on the engine to spray fuel near the intake valve are or the combustion chamber. Also called multi-point fuel injection

Multi-purpose file:

A flat file with faces featuring different cuts, e.g., coarse cut on one side and smooth cut on the other

Multipurpose ship:

A ship designed for carrying different types of cargoes requiring different methods of handling. See OBO ship

Multi-reed cage:

A reed valve in a two-stroke induction control which consists of several petals

Multi-spark coil:

A type of ignition coil used in static high-voltage distribution, designed as a double-spark or four-spark coil

Multi-spark ignition coil:

A type of ignition coil used in static high-voltage distribution, designed as a double-spark or four-spark coil

Multi-stage pump:

A pump with two or more stages (impellers/diffusers or other pumping elements) operating in series. Multi-stage centrifugal pumps are employed to operate against higher pressures, where several impellers are built onto one shaft in the same casing

Multi-storey car park:

A car park with many levels

Multi-suction pump:

A centrifugal pump with several impellers connected in parallel; i.e., the flow is separated into two or more partial flows. Multi-suction usually means double suction in practice

Multi-viscosity oil:

Oil meeting SAE Requirements for both low temperature requirements of a light oil and the high temperature requirements of a heavy oil. Example: (SAE 10W-30). Also called Multiweight.

Multi-viscosity oils:

Oils meeting SAE Requirements for both low temperature requirements of a light oil and the high temperature requirements of a heavy oil. Example: (SAE 10W-30). Also called Multiweight.

Multiweight:

See multi-viscosity oils.

Muntz:

A vehicle brand of which the 1950-54 Jet models are milestone cars.

Mural:

A customized designed air-brushed paintwork on the side panels of vans, cars, and motorcycles

Mush pot:

A container used to keep body lead bars in a semi-liquid state to enable them to be spread directly onto the car body

Mushroom-shaped dolly:

A dolly with a shank to allow it to be hand-held or clamped in a vice; a more or less rounded head may be fitted to one or both ends of the shank

Mushroom tappet:

A tappet shaped like a mushroom located on the underside of a pushrod operating the valves of a four-stroke engine.
Also See:
flat tappet

Mushroom valve:

See poppet valve

Mustang:

A vehicle brand of which the 1965-67 GT/GTA V-8 models are milestone cars. The 1969-70 Boss 302/Mach 1 models are milestone cars.
Click image for books on Mustang

Muting:

See automatic muting

Mutual inductance:

A condition that takes place when the current in one winding induces an EMF in another winding in the same magnetic circuit

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