DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Su"

Subaru
Subaru

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Subaru

A model of automobile manufactured in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. Includes
  • B9 Tribeca (2006-07)
  • Baja (2003-06)
  • DL (19__-89)
  • Forester (1998-2007)
  • GL (1971-94)
  • GL-10 (19__-89)
  • Impreza (1993-2008)
  • Justy (1987-94)
  • Legacy (1990-2008)
  • Loyale (1990-94)
  • Outback (2000-08)
  • RX (19__-89)
  • SVX (1992-97)
  • XT (1985-91)
  • XT6 (1988-91)

Subassembly
An assembled unit designed to be fitted to a larger unit of which it is a component; e.g., the steering gear and front suspension or the final drive and rear suspension
Sub-compact
A passenger car containing less than 109 cubic feet of interior passenger and luggage volume. A designation no longer used because even full-size cars are now about the size of what was the compact car. In 1970, for instance, a Chevrolet Impala was a full-size car, a Chevelle was an intermediate, a Nova was a compact. When cars smaller than the Nova came out (i.e., Chevette), they were called sub-compacts.
Subcooling
Cooling of liquid refrigerant below its condensing temperature.
Sub frame
A partial Frame that is sometimes bolted to the Chassis of unit-body cars. It can be used to support the engine, Transmission and Suspension instead of having these Components directly connected to the main body structure. This more expensive design generally results in better road isolation and less harshness.
Subframe
Any auxiliary framework attached to the main body of a vehicle. On a motorcycle this often refers to the rear section of the frame, which supports the seat
Subgrade
The top surface of completed earthwork on which the subbase, base, surfacing, pavement or a course of other material is to be placed.
Subgrade stabilization
Excavating and disposing of unstable materials and replacing them with more stable materials.
Sublimation
Condition where a substance changes from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid.
Submarining
A sliding under the lap belt in a frontal collision
Subplate
Subsidiary
A subsidiary is an organization operating in a particular country that is owned or controlled by a foreign company which may or may not manufacture in that country.
Subsidiary petal
A secondary petal of a dual-stage reed valve. Opposite of main petal
Subsidized lease
A subvented lease is a lease offered by manufacturers with special incentives to make it more attractive. Special incentives often take the form of a lower base interest rate, higher residual values, and manufacturer discounts. In many cases, a subvented lease will have a lower net interest rate than other leases. Subvented leases are usually only available for a limited time and the terms are not negotiable. Any negotiated change in the terms will result in a different net interest rate.
Substack
Typically a group of stacked fuel cells that makes up the base repetitive unit number of cells per full stack. Sub stacks may form an intermediate step in manufacturing and may be used to test new stack concepts prior to scale-up to full size stacks.
Substance
Any form of matter or material.
Substation
  1. A switching, transforming, or converting station which is found between the generating station and the low-tension distribution network.
  2. The apex of a subsidiary triangle in a survey skeleton
Substrate
The surface that is to be finished (painted). It can be anything from an old Finish or Primer to an unpainted surface.
Substructure
An Underbody structure
Sub-throttle
A throttle valve, mounted ahead of the main throttle valve in the intake tract, that controls airflow into the engine during Toyota Supra traction control system operation.
Suburban
Suburban

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Suburban

A model of full-size truck-van produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1935 to 2008
Subvented lease
A subvented lease is a lease offered by manufacturers with special incentives to make it more attractive. Special incentives often take the form of a lower base interest rate, higher residual values, and manufacturer discounts. In many cases, a subvented lease will have a lower net interest rate than other leases. Subvented leases are usually only available for a limited time and the terms are not negotiable. Any negotiated change in the terms will result in a different net interest rate.
SU carburetor
A widely used type of variable venturi carburetor in Britain. It was named after Skinners' Union, a long-established manufacturer of variable venturi carburetors the first SU carburetor was patented in 1905 by George Herbert Skinner who went on to found a company with his two brothers to manufacture SU carburetors
Suction
Suction chamber
The space above the piston in the piston chamber of a variable venturi carburetor
Suction cup
Suction cup

Suction cup

A round object with a concave side which, when pressed against a flat surface, will displace the air within the concave and will cause the suction cup to adhere to the surface.
Suction cup dent puller
Dent Puller

Dent Puller

A tool for removing dents from a panel. Also called Vacuum suction cup
Suction-feed spray gun
A type of spray gun with a paint pot mounted underneath
Suction lift
The vertical distance, in feet, from the liquid supply level to the pump centerline, the pump being above the liquid level. The suction lift should not exceed the recommended maximum limit and when viscous fluids are being pumped, they should be avoided altogether
Suction line
  1. A pipe on the suction side of a pumping system leading from the suction tank to the pump.
  2. Tube or pipe used to carry refrigerant gas from evaporator to compressor.
  3. The line between the evaporator outlet and the compressor inlet.
Suction pipe
A pipe on the suction side of a pumping system leading from the suction tank to the pump.
Suction pressure
  1. Pressure in low-pressure side of a refrigerating system.
  2. Compressor inlet pressure. another name for low side pressure.
Suction pressure control valve
Device located in the suction line which maintains constant pressure in evaporator during running portion of cycle.
Suction service valve
Two-way, manually operated valve located at the inlet to compressor. It controls suction gas flow and is used to service unit.
Suction side
  1. The side of a pumping system or pump at which the liquid to be pumped enters the suction line or pump casing
  2. The low-pressure part of the air conditioning system between the orifice/expansion tube, or expansion valve outlet, and the compressor inlet.
  3. Low-pressure side of the system extending from the refrigerant control through the evaporator to the inlet valve of the compressor.
Suction throttling
Suction throttling valve
(STV) A backpressure-regulated valve on some Ford and GM systems placed between the air conditioning Evaporator and Compressor which controls evaporator pressure to provide maximum cooling without Icing evaporator core.
Suction valve
Valve in refrigeration compressor which allows vaporized refrigerant to enter cylinder from suction line and prevents its return.
Suction valve grinder
Suggested
Suggested retail
Suggested retail price
Suicide door
Suicide doors
Doors that have the hinge toward the back of the vehicle. It's name came from the greater possibility of falling out of the vehicle with a door positioned this way.
Suiza
SULEV
Acronym for Super Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle
Sulfate
Sulfur
A yellowish nonmetallic element, sometimes known as brimstone. It is present at various levels of concentration in many fossil fuels whose combustion releases sulfur compounds that are considered harmful to the environment. Some of the most commonly used fossil fuels are categorized according to their sulfur content, with lower sulfur fuels usually selling at a higher price. British spelling is sulphur
Sulfur Diesel Fuel
Sulfur dioxide
(SO2) A toxic, irritating, colorless gas soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Used as a chemical intermediate, in paper pulping and ore refining, and as a solvent.
Sulfur hexafluoride
(SF6) A colorless gas soluble in alcohol and ether, and slightly less soluble in water. It is used as a dielectric in electronics. It possesses the highest 100-year Global Warming Potential of any gas (23,900).
Sulfur oxides
(SOx) Compounds containing sulfur and oxygen, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfur trioxide (SO3).
Sulphur
See
Summer coolant
A fluid of ethylene glycol and special additives that when mixed with water raises its boiling point in summer
Summer tire
Summer tire

Summer tire

A tire with narrow water drainage grooves and many Sipes. The narrow grooves provide a larger road contact area, improving traction on dry roads.
Sump
  1. A pit or low mounted container into which liquid is drained
  2. That part of the Oil pan that contains the oil.
Sump drain plug
Sump gasket
Sump guard
Sump lubrication
Sump plug
Sun
Sun and planet gears
Sun-and-planet gears
Sunbeam
Sunbeam

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Sunbeam

A vehicle brand of which the 1965-67 Tiger Convertible models are milestone cars.
Also see

Sunbeam Talbot
A vehicle brand of which the 8 cylinder and 3 litre twin cam (GB) 105 and 110(8-cyl. and 3-litre twin-cam only) are classic car
Sunbird
Sunbird

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Sunbird

A model of automobile manufactured by Pontiac division of General Motors
Sun car
A colloquial term for a Solar car
Sun gear
The center gear around which the Planet gears revolve. Also called sun wheel.
Also see
Sunroof
(sr) A panel (often translucent) in the roof of a car which may be tilted or slid open, either manually or electrically to provide extra light and/or ventilation.
Sunroof aperture panel
A panel which accommodates the sunroof guide rails and draining channels and fits below the roof panel
Sunroof deflector shield
A shield or visor that can be attached to the front of the sunroof to deflect the wind
Sunroof top
A folding canvas sunroof
Sunshield
A tinted strip of transparent vinyl attached to the top of the windshield to cut glare from the sun. Also called a windshield shadeband or tinted windshield.
Sun visor
  1. A hinged flap above the windshield that can be pulled down to shield the driver's or front seat passenger's eyes from sunlight; often contains a vanity mirror on the inside.
  2. A body accessory mounted on the outside of the windshield on pick-up trucks, RVs, and in the 1950s a short-lived fad on cars - not at all aerodynamic.
Also see
Sun wheel
SUP
See
Super
Premium gasoline with a high octane rating, typically 98
Superbike
A large engined-sport bike
Supercab
A type of pickup truck (by Ford) which has a second row of seating; but unlike a crew cab (which has four full size doors) it has a half-door that can be opened only after the main door is opened. The seating is usually a little more cramped than in a crew cab. Also called Club Cab, Extended Cab, King Cab, XtraCab, Access Cab, or Cab Plus
Super car
A car with a high Horsepower engine that will provide fast Acceleration and high speed.
Supercharge
  1. To increase the intake pressure of an internal combustion engine with a supercharger.
  2. To tune the exhaust pressure in such a manner that the pressure wave propagating back to the exhaust port of a two-stroke engine arrives there as soon as the transfer ports close, thus pushing the final amount of fresh charge that has already escaped into the exhaust back into the cylinder
Supercharged Engine
An engine that is similar to a turbocharged engine which uses a series of belts or chains from the crankshaft to turn the turbines that forces the air/fuel mixture into the cylinder heads under pressure creating a bigger explosion which generates more power. A turbocharger use the exhaust gases to turn the turbines to create the same effect.
Supercharger
An air compressor designed to force air, under pressure, into the Cylinder. Can be mounted between the Carburetor and cylinders or between the Carburetor and the atmosphere. It boosts the power of the engine.
Supercharging
A method of increasing engine power by forcing larger amounts of air into the Cylinders.
Superconductivity
The abrupt and large increase in electrical conductivity exhibited by some metals as the temperature approaches absolute zero.
Supercrew
Ford's term for a crew cab
Superheat
  1. A gas or vapor that is not in contact the generating liquid (steam not in contact with water e.g.,) that has been heated to such a degree that its temperature may be lowered or it pressure increased without the conversion of any of the gas into liquid. Also called Superheated vapor
  2. Temperature of vapor above its boiling temperature as a liquid at that pressure.
  3. The difference between the temperature at the evaporator outlet and the lower temperature of the refrigerant evaporating in the evaporator.
Superheated
Heat exchanger arranged to take heat from liquid going to evaporator and using it to superheat vapor leaving evaporator.
Superheat switch
A device that is connected in series with a thermal limiter (fuse) mounted on the rear of the compressor of GM system equipped with low refrigerant protection
Superheated vapor
A gas or vapor that is not in contact the generating liquid (e.g., steam not in contact with water) that has been heated to such a degree that its temperature may be lowered or it pressure increased without the conversion of any of the gas into liquid. Also called Superheat
Superhighway
A broad highway designed for high-speed traffic
Super randonneur
A special medal awarded to those randonneurs who successfully complete a challenging series of Brevets (200, 300, 400, and 600-kilometers) in a year. Only super randonneurs are allowed to ride a 1200-kilometer event.
Superspeedway
Any oval-shaped or circle-shaped track more than one mile long.
Super stock
Factory car (Stock) with engine, Suspension, Running gear, etc., modified to increase Horsepower and overall performance.
Super Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle
(SULEV) A California medium-duty vehicle that produces fewer emissions that an ULEV. There is no federal equivalent and therefore qualifies as a ULEV under CFF.
Supplemental brake system
An additional brake system used to assist the service brake system in retarding a vehicle.
Supplemental gas
Any gaseous substance introduced into or commingled with natural gas that increased the volume available for disposition. Such substances include, but are not limited to, propane-air, refinery gas, coke-oven gas, Still gas, manufactured gas, biomass gas, or air or inert gases added for BTU stabilization.
Supplemental restraint inflatable air-bag system
(SRS) The manufacturer's name for a system which uses airbags to restrain occupants in the event of a collision. They may be placed on the dash or doors or even in the shoulder strap. Also called passive restraint system.
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) The manufacturer's name for a system which uses airbags to restrain occupants in the event of a collision. They may be placed on the dash or doors or even in the shoulder strap. Also called passive restraint system.
Supplementary inflatable restraint
(SIR) The manufacturer's name for a system which uses airbags to restrain occupants in the event of a collision. They may be placed on the dash or doors or even in the shoulder strap. Also called passive restraint system.
Supplier
Supplier cost reduction effort
(SCORE) A United States program that urges suppliers to develop processes to cut costs. Suppliers are allowed to keep half the savings and pass on the other half to the automakers.
Supply
Supply air
That air delivered to each or any space in the system or the total delivered to all spaces in the system.
Supply Center
Supply line
A flexible conductor terminated by a brake hose coupler, for transmitting supply air or vacuum from the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle.
Supply pump
A pump that transfers fuel from the tank and delivers it to the injection pump
Supply tank
Separate tank connected directly or by a pump to the oil-burning appliance.
Supply voltage
The voltage obtained from the power supply to operate a circuit
Support
Support bracket
Support panel
Support plate
A steel plate on which the wheel cylinder and brake shoes are mounted.
Support stay
Support structure
Supports
Suppressed
Suppressed spark
Suppressed spark plugs
Suppressor
An electrical device used in car circuits to reduce and filter out radio or TV interference caused mainly by the ignition system and battery circuit
Also see
Surface
The faces of materials to be joined by an adhesive, or covered by a coating, or sealed by a sealer
Surface Area
Surface discharge plug
Surface dry
A condition in which the outer layer (surface) of the Finish dries while the underneath remain soft and not thoroughly dried.
Surface flag
Surface flag

Surface flag

Often called an oil flag, this indicates there is a problem with, or change in, the surface ahead. This commonly means there is oil on the track. It also can mean water or another substance causing a change in the racing surface. The number of stripes on this flag varies (some are yellow with two red stripes) but the meaning remains the same.
Surface gap
The spark gap of a surface gap spark plug in which the sparks glide over the insulator-filled gap
Surface gap spark plug
A type of spark plug in which the spark is fired across the insulator surface between the center electrode and the shell; there is no side electrode
Surface ignition
Ignition initiated by hot spots in the engine cylinder rather than by a timed spark
Surface-mounted speaker
A speaker mounted on top of the bearing surface. Opposite to a Flush-mounted speaker
Surface plate
Tool with a very accurate flat surface. It is used for measuring purposes and for lapping flat surfaces.
Surfacer
Surface resistance
The electrical resistance of the surface of an insulator
Surfaces
The faces of materials to be joined by an adhesive, or covered by a coating, or sealed by a sealer.
Surface spoon
A special body spoon with a relatively long, smooth working surface set at a steep angle to the handle
Surface tack
A condition occurring after filler is applied to a panel surface, characterized by the fact that the filler will not cure in certain places. This may be caused by improper mixing of the filler paste with the hardener, insufficient curing time or insufficient hardener being used
Surface Temperature Sensor
Surface treatment
Any of a number of thin seal coat-type treatments, including chip seals, microsurfacing, or novachip.
Surface-type filter
A filter design in which particles accumulate on the surface, e.g., of a folded paper element; typical design of air and cartridge-type oil filters
Surfacing
The course or courses of material on the traveled way, auxiliary lanes, shoulders or parking areas for vehicle use.
Also see
Surfacing Hone
Surfacing Spoon
An autobody tool used with a bumping hammer for driving high spots back to their normal position without disturbing or denting the surrounding surfaces. The broad face of the spoon distributes the force of the hammer blow over a larger area
Surfactant
Short form for Surface-active agent. The active agent in detergents that possesses a high cleaning ability. Used in a spray solution to improve its sticking and wetting properties when applied to plants, algae, or petroleum.
Surge
  1. A drive problem where the vehicle on its own seems to gain power for a brief moment and then back down to the previous speed. The reason the engine will not run at a steady speed and surges is probably due to very lean Air-fuel mixture (improper carburetor setting, clogged air filter, plugged main jet, etc.) or Retarded Timing.
  2. An ignition fault due to misfiring
  3. Regulating action of temperature or pressure before it reaches its final value or setting.
Surge bleeding
A bleeding method designed to remove air from wheel cylinder by creating turbulence in the wheel cylinder.
Surge line
Line on compressor map which represents the minimum stable flow at each pressure ratio, below which the compressor output is unsteady
Surge tank
Container connected to the low-pressure side of a refrigerating system which increases gas volume and reduces rate of pressure change.
Surging
See
Surround
Survey
Surveyor
SUSP
Acronym for Suspension System Module
Suspended Power Booster
Suspension
  1. The assembly of springs, Shock absorbers, Torsion bars, Joints, arms, etc., that cushions the shock of bumps on the road and serves to keep the wheels in constant contact with the road, thereby improving control and Traction.
  2. A mixture of fine, non-settling particles of any solid within a liquid or gas. The particles are the dispersed phase, while the suspending medium is the continuous phase; used engine oil, for example, is a suspension with suspended combustion residues which produce a blackish appearance.
Suspension aids
Items designed to reinforce the rear suspension when carrying heavy loads or towing trailers; they include extra, single-leaf springs, coil springs, and heavy duty spring dampers
Suspension insulator
An electricity line that extends (i.e., is suspended) from one tower to the other is held in place on the arms of the tower only by these connecting insulators
Suspension link
Any arm which links the chassis to the axle.
Suspension mounting
Sheet metal parts, bores, etc. on the underbody designed to locate the axles and springs on the body
Suspension Power Booster
Suspension raft
A patented part of a Lotus suspension system to provide precise suspension location and a comfortable ride, through the use of directional bushings.
Suspension sphere
A pressurized, nitrogen-filled ball used in hydropneumatic suspension systems
Suspension spring
A device on the Suspension system to cushion and absorb shocks and bumps and to keep the vehicle level on turns. After the stress or pressure exerted by the flexing of the spring has been removed, the spring returns to its original state. The spring does this by first absorbing and then releasing a certain amount of energy. The form of spring may be Air spring. Leaf springs, Coil springs, Torsion bars, or a combination of these.
Suspension strut
A unitary construction of spring and damper elements; depending on whether the hub carrier is mounted to the spring or the damper element, the suspension strut is referred to either as a Damper strut or as a MacPherson strut
Suspension subframe
A suspension layout absorbing noise and vibration, in which all suspension elements are mounted on an insulated, detachable suspension subframe
Suspension system
A system that cushions the passenger compartment of the vehicle from the bumps and shocks caused by the wheels moving over irregular road surfaces. Includes springs, Shock absorbers, Steering linkage, upper and lower control arms, Torsion bars, Stabilizers, etc. Sometimes called springing.
Suspension turret web
A reinforcement supporting the MacPherson strut at the lower side of the strut tower panel; this allows the strut to rest against the top strut mounting from below
SUT
An acronym for sport utility truck which includes the Cadillac EXT (a four door SUV with a truck bed at the back).
SUV
An acronym for sport utility vehicle which is shaped as a two-box style where the small box houses the engine and the large box houses the passenger compartment. They can be considered in at least six categories:
Suzuki Motor Corporation
Suzuki

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Suzuki

A Japanese manufacturer of automobile and motorcycles. Includes the following automobiles
  • Aerio (2002-07)
  • Esteem (1995-2002)
  • Forenza (2004-current)
  • Grand Vitara (1999-2007)
  • Reno (2005-07)
  • Samurai (1982-95)
  • Sidekick (1989-98)
  • Swift (1989-2001)
  • SX4 (2007-current)
  • Verona (2004-06)
  • Vitara (1999-2004)
  • X-90 (1996-98)
  • XL-7 (2001-06)
  • XL7 (2007)
It also produced the following motorcycles and scooters:
  • AN Burgman Series Scooters
  • B-King
  • Boulevard C109R
  • Boulevard C50
  • Boulevard C90
  • Boulevard M109R
  • Boulevard M50
  • Boulevard S40
  • Boulevard S50
  • Boulevard S83
  • Cavalcade (85-90)
  • DL 1000 V-Strom
  • DL 650 V-Strom
  • EN 125cc 2a
  • FR80 - Scooter
  • FX110 - Scooter
  • FXR150
  • GF 250
  • GN Series
  • GR650 Tempter
  • GS Series
  • GS500E/F
  • GSF / Bandit Series
  • GSR600
  • GSX-F / Katana Series
  • GSX-R Series
  • GSX Series
  • GSX1100S-SZ
  • GSX650 Katana
  • GSX750S-SF
  • GT Series
  • GV700/GV1200 Madura (85,86 only)
  • GZ125 Marauder
  • GZ250 Marauder
  • Hayabusa
  • Katana AY50 - Scooter
  • LS650 Savage
  • Raider 150
  • RC100
  • RC80
  • RF Series
  • RG150/RGV150
  • RG250 Gamma
  • RG500
  • RGV250
  • RV 125 Van Van
  • Satria
  • SFV650 Gladius
  • SV1000(S)
  • SV650(S)
  • SW-1
  • T series
  • TL1000R
  • TL1000S
  • TS125R
  • TS50X
  • TU250
  • VL 1500 Intruder LC
  • VL 800 Volusia
  • VS 400/600/750/800/1400 Intruder
  • VX 800
  • VZ 800 Marauder
  • XN85