Dictionary of Automotive Terms Abbreviations

DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Su"

Subaru: Click image for books on
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), and 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.

Also See
Engine subframe
Suspension subframe

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
Also See
Sub frame
Engine subframe
Suspension subframe

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: See
Distributor baseplate

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.
Also see
Antiknock Substances

Substation

A switching, transforming, or converting station which is found between the generating station and the low-tension distribution network.
The apex of a subsidiary triangle in a survey skeleton

Also see
Automatic Substation

Substrate: The surface that is to be finished (painted). It can be anything from an old Finish or Primer to an unpainted surface.
Also see
Catalyst substrate
Monolithic Substrate

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.

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: See
POA suction throttling valve
Pressure Suction
Vacuum
Valve Suction

Suction chamber: The space above the piston in the piston chamber of a variable venturi carburetor

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.
See
Vacuum suction cup

Suction cup 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

A pipe on the suction side of a pumping system leading from the suction tank to the pump.
Tube or pipe used to carry refrigerant gas from evaporator to compressor.
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

Pressure in low-pressure side of a refrigerating system.
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.; See
Low side service valve.

Suction side

The side of a pumping system or pump at which the liquid to be pumped enters the suction line or pump casing
The low-pressure part of the air conditioning system between the orifice/expansion tube, or expansion valve outlet, and the compressor inlet.
Low-pressure side of the system extending from the refrigerant control through the evaporator to the inlet valve of the compressor.

Suction throttling: See
POA suction throttling valve

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.

Also See
POA suction throttling valve
Pilot operated absolute valve

Suction valve: Valve in refrigeration compressor which allows vaporized refrigerant to enter cylinder from suction line and prevents its return.

Suction valve grinder: See
Valve grinding tool

Suggested: See
Manufacturer's suggested retail price

Suggested retail: See
Manufacturer's suggested retail price

Suggested retail price: See
Manufacturer's suggested retail price

Suicide door: See
Suicide doors.

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: See
Hispano Suiza

SULEV: Acronym for Super Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle

Sulfate: See
Calcium Sulfate
Lead 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: See
Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
Ultra-Low 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
Sulfur

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

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: That part of the Oil pan that contains the oil.

Also See
Dry sump

Sump drain plug: See
Oil pan drain plug

Sump gasket: See
Oil pan gasket

Sump guard: See
Oil pan guard

Sump lubrication: See
Wet sump lubrication

Sump plug: See
Oil pan drain plug

Sun: See
Main sun visor
Mean distance to the sun
One Sun

Sun and planet gears: See
Planetary gearset.

Sun-and-planet gears: See
Planetary gearset.

Sunbeam: Click image for books on
Sunbeam

A vehicle brand of which only the 8-cyl. and 3-litre twin-cam models for 1925-1948 are Classic cars. The 1965-67 Tiger Convertible models are Milestone cars.

Sunbird: Click image for books on
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
Planetary gear.

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.
Also see
Tilt/slide sunroof

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

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.
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
Main sun visor

Sun wheel: See
Sun gear

SUP: See
PID SUP

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

To increase the intake pressure of an internal combustion engine with a supercharger.
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.
Also See
Blower
Cabin blower
Comprex supercharger
Lobe-type supercharger
Lysholm supercharger
Pressure wave supercharger
Roots supercharger
Turbocharger

Supercharging: A method of increasing engine power by forcing larger amounts of air into the Cylinders.
Also see
Dynamic supercharging

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

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
Temperature of vapor above its boiling temperature as a liquid at that pressure.
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; See
Low refrigerant protection system.

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: See
Tier 1 Supplier
Tier 2 Supplier
Tier 3 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: See
Days' supply
Fuel supply
Petroleum 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: See
Defense Fuel 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.
Also see
Vacuum Brake Supply Line

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: See
Bonnet support
Catalyst substrate
Catalyst support
Lumbar support
Main bearing support
Metal support
Plate support
Radiator support panel
Steering support

Support bracket: See
Fender support bracket

Support panel: See
Radiator support panel

Support plate: A steel plate on which the wheel cylinder and brake shoes are mounted.

Support stay: See
Hood support stay

Support structure: See
Steering support structure

Supports: See
Main bearing support

Suppressed: See
RFI suppressed spark plugs

Suppressed spark: See
RFI suppressed spark plugs

Suppressed spark plugs: See
RFI suppressed spark plugs

Suppressor: An electrical device used in car circuits to damp out and filter out radio or TV interference caused mainly by the ignition system and battery circuit
Also see
Arc Suppressor

Surface: The faces of materials to be joined by an adhesive, or covered by a coating, or sealed by a sealer
Also see
Bearing surface
Faying Surface
Machined surface
Mating surface
Mechanical surface treatment
Selective Absorber Surface
Split-friction Road Surfaces

Surface Area: See
BET Surface Area

Surface discharge plug: See
Surface gap spark 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

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: See
Primer 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.; See
Split-friction road surfaces

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: See
Manifold Surface Temperature Sensor

Surface treatment: Any of a number of thin seal coat-type treatments, including chip seals, microsurfacing, or novachip.
See
Mechanical surface treatment

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
Micro-surfacing

Surfacing Hone: See
Cylinder 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

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.
An ignition fault due to misfiring
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
Surge

Surround: See
Door surround
Radiator grille surround
Rear light surround
Windshield surround

Survey: See
Cadastral Survey

Surveyor: See
Quantity Surveyor

SUSP: Acronym for Suspension System Module

Suspended Power Booster: See
Vacuum Suspended Power Booster

Suspension

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.
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.

Also See
Active suspension
Air Ride Suspension
Air suspension
Bar Suspension
Bifilar Suspension
Bowstring Suspension
Double wishbone suspension
Dubonnet suspension
Five-link rear suspension
Flex arm suspension
Four-link rear suspension
Front suspension
Hotchkiss suspension
Hydrolastic suspension
Hydropneumatic suspension
I-beam suspension
Independent front suspension
Independent rear suspension
Independent suspension
Leveled suspension
Long and short arm suspension
MacPherson Suspension
Moulton Hydragas suspension
Moulton Hydrolastic suspension
Multi-link independent rear suspension
Multi-link rear suspension
Multilink suspension
Oil Bath Suspension
Parallel trailing link suspension
Plunger Suspension
Progressive suspension
Rear suspension
Rising-rate suspension
SALA suspension
Semi-active suspension
Semi-independent suspension
Short Arm long Arm Suspension
SLA suspension
Sliding-pillar suspension
Swing arm suspension
Three-link suspension
Torsion bar suspension
Twin I-beam suspension
Unequal-length wishbone suspension
Walking Beam Suspension

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.

Also See
Leading arm
Semi-trailing link
Trailing arm
Transverse link
Wishbone

Suspension mounting: Sheet metal parts, bores, etc. on the underbody designed to locate the axles and springs on the body

Suspension Power Booster: See
Air 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.

Also See
Air suspension
Hydropneumatic suspension
Independent front suspension
Independent rear suspension
Independent suspension
Long and short arm suspension
Rising-rate suspension
Torsion bar suspension

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: Click image for books on
Suzuki

A model of automobile and motorcycle manufactured in Japan. 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), and XL7 (2007)