DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Te"

TE:

Acronym for totally enclosed electric motor housing

Team:

A pair of drivers who alternative driving and resting. Also called Driver Team

Tear:

See wear and tear

Tear it down:

See pull it down.

Tear seam:

See inflation control seam

TEC:

Acronym for thermactor exhaust control system

Technical:

A section of bicycle trail that is difficult to ride because of rocks, tree roots, steep drops, or stunts.

Technique:

See:
ionic-current measuring technique
lost-core technique

Technology:

See:
hybrid technology
low zinc technology
multiplex technology
normal zinc technology

Teeth:

See helical teeth

TEFC:

Acronym for totally enclosed fan-cooled enclosure

TEFLON®:

A registered trademark of DuPont for its fluorinated resins and coating applications including but not limited to fluoropolymers, fluorochemicals, films, surface and fabric protectors. It provides excellent self-lubricating (slippery) bearing properties. Also see polytetrafluoroethylene

TEL:

Acronym for tetraethyl lead

Tele:

Abbreviation for "telescoping steering wheel."

Telelever system:

The most successful alternate front suspension, made by BMW, which takes the shock-absorption function of a hydraulic fork and transfers it o a shock absorber located behind the steering head.

Telephone:

See cellular telephone

Telescopic forks:

Front motorcycle suspension system with two fork legs, each with sliding and fixed tubular members that telescope together to allow suspension movement

Telescopic shock absorber:

A tubular spring damper operated by rod and piston; the most common type of shock absorber

Telescopic steering column:

A steering column that collapses in on itself on impact

Telescoping steering wheel:

(tele) A steering column which can be shortened or lengthened to provide the most comfortable driving position.

Tempa spare:

A spare wheel type with considerably reduced overall dimensions (rim width: 3.5-4.0 in), designed to operate at a higher inflation pressure than the standard tire and wheel unit

Tempa spare wheel:

A spare wheel type with considerably reduced overall dimensions (rim width: 3.5-4.0 in), designed to operate at a higher inflation pressure than the standard tire and wheel unit

Temper:

1. To effect a change in the physical structure of a piece of steel through the use of heat and cold.
2. A thermal treatment of finished products (metals, alloys, plastics) to remove internal stresses

Temperature:

1. Degree of hotness or coldness as measured by a thermometer.
2. Measurement of speed of motion of molecules.
3. The measure of heat intensity or concentration, expressed in degrees. Measured by a thermometer. Temperature is not a measure of heat quantity.

See:
air charge temperature
ambient temperature
baking temperature
charge temperature
engine temperature sensor
ignition temperature
light-off temperature
low temperature phosphating
low temperature activity
low temperature fouling
oil temperature gauge
outdoor temperature gauge
particulate ignition temperature
reference temperature
room temperature vulcanizing sealer
test current for low temperatures
vicat softening temperature

Temperature activity:

See low temperature activity

Temperature compensator:

In some SU carburetors, a wax-type thermostat contained in a housing at the base of the jet head; with increasing temperature, the wax expands and pushes the jet upwards, thereby reducing the effective area of the jet and restoring the correct fuel flow. As underhood temperature increases, fuel viscosity is reduced, resulting in increased fuel flow through the carburetor jet and an air/fuel mixture which is too rich; as this causes excessive emissions, particularly during idling, some SU carburetors feature a capstat temperature compensated jet

Temperature control:

Temperature-operated thermostatic device which automatically opens or closes a circuit.

See automatic temperature control.

Temperature control element:

A temperature-controlled valve spring bias regulator in an oil filter bypass valve which controls the bypass valve as a function of oil temperature

Temperature dial:

A calibrated control lever or wheel used to regulate automatic temperature control system modes.

Temperature gage:

See temperature gauge.

Temperature fouling:

See low temperature fouling

Temperature gauge:

An instrument for measure the temperature of the coolant in engine block.
Also See:
oil temperature gauge
outdoor temperature gauge
outside temperature gauge
water temperature gauge

Temperature-humidity index:

A number representing an estimate of the effect of temperature and moisture on humans, computed by multiplying the sum of dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature readings by 0.4 and adding 15, with 65 assumed as the highest comfortable index.

Actual temperature and humidity of air sample compared to air at standard conditions.

Temperature-measuring spark plug:

See thermocouple spark plug

Temperature of deflection under load:

The ability of a test specimen to preserve its shape up to a given temperature under a given dead load; characterized by the temperature at which the specimen supported at both ends and heated continually and uniformly in a liquid heat-transfer medium is deformed by a given amount when the load is applied midway between the supports

Temperature phosphating:

See low temperature phosphating

Temperature rise:

The amount by which an electric motor, operating under rated conditions, is hotter than its surrounding ambient temperature

Temperature sensing bulb:

Bulb containing a volatile fluid and bellows or diaphragm. Temperature increase on the bulb causes the bellows or diaphragm to expand.

Temperature-sensitive bimetal coil:

A part made of dissimilar metals that cause the coil to flex with changes in temperature. The flexing bipetal can operate a temperature-sensitive device, such as a carburetor choke, or the hydraulic circuit in most non-electric radiator fans

Temperature sensor:

See:
coolant temperature sensor
engine temperature sensor

Temperature switch:

See ambient temperature switch

Temperature vacuum switch:

(TVS) controls vacuum to the EGR valve and/or canister purge valve based on coolant or intake air temperature. Canister purge and EGR do not typically operate when the engine is cold

Temperature valve:

See thermovalve

Temperature vulcanizing:

See room temperature vulcanizing sealer

Temperature vulcanizing sealer:

See room temperature vulcanizing sealer

Tempered glass:

See laminated windshield.

Temper rolling:

Rolling for the purpose of removing spangles on hot-dip galvanized steel sheet

Template:

A pre-cut pattern, usually metal, used to determine the contour of a buffed tire.
Also See:
buffing template
shape template

Tempo:

A model of automobile manufactured by Ford
Click image for books on Ford Tempo

Temporary spare wheel:

See space-saving spare wheel

Ten:

See:
procon-ten
v-ten

Tender:

A tender ship is one which have a long period of roll but may list excessively in a strong wind and may be dangerous if a hold is flooded following a collision

Tensile force:

The stretching force that acts on the windshield header to keep the convertible top tight

Tensile strength:

1. Regarding a tire, it is a measurement of the greatest longitudinal stress a tire cord can bear without breaking.
2. Maximum pull stress in psi a specimen is capable of developing.
3. The resistance which an adhesive film remains tacky.

Tension:

1. A pulling or stretching stress applied to an object.
2. Voltage.

Also See:
high-tension
high tension lead
low tension lead
low tension

Tensioner:

A device designed to maintain the tension of a belt or chain.
Also See:
belt tensioner
chain tensioner
seat belt tensioner
timing belt tensioner

Tensioning spring:

A spring designed to maintain tension in a drum brake

Tension lead:

See:
high tension lead
low tension lead

TENV:

Acronym for totally enclosed non-ventilated electric motor housing. Also see explosion-proof enclosure

Tercel:

A model of automobile manufactured by Toyota
Click image for books on Toyota Tercel

Term:

See lease term

Terminal:

1. A connecting point in an electric circuit.
2. When referring to the battery, it would indicate the two battery posts.

Also See:
battery terminal
center terminal
field terminal
Ford-type terminal
negative terminal
outer terminal
positive terminal
primary terminal

Terminal block:

A plastic or resin assembly containing two rows of terminals screws. Used to join the circuits in several wiring harnesses

Terminal post:

See battery post

Terminal reamer:

A tapered reamer-type tool used to remove corrosion from the inside of battery cable clamps

Terminal tower:

The terminals at the top of the distributor cap into which the spark plug wires fit. Also called "distributor tower"

Terminal voltage:

The sum of the individual battery cell voltages

Termination:

See early termination

Term interest rate:

See buy at end-of term interest rate

Terrain:

See all terrain

Terrain bike:

See all terrain bike

Terrain tire:

See all terrain tire

Terrain vehicle:

See all terrain vehicle

Test:

See:
acceptance test
bench test
bend test
board test
brake test
breathalyzer test
breath test
car test
charpy test
crash test
ece test cycle
endurance test
engine sequence test
fatigue test
federal Test Procedure
free bend test
ftp test cycle
guided send test
helium leak test
hydrostatic test
impact resistance test
izod test
load test
mot test
needle-flame test
oblique crash test
pendulum impact test
road test
roll test
stall test

Testarosa:

A model of automobile manufactured by Ferrari
Click image for books on Ferrari Testarosa

Test bar:

A test specimen with the shape of a bar as used in the impact resistance test

Test-bed:

An area equipped with instruments, used for testing machinery, engines, etc., under working conditions

Test current for low temperatures:

The specification for assessing battery starting behavior at low temperatures and under given conditions; indicated in amps on the battery case

Test cycle:

See:
ece test cycle
ftp test cycle
urban test cycle

Test drive:

A trial drive of a car after it has been repaired, or of a new car to decide if one likes it enough to buy it

Test-drive:

To take a car for a test drive before purchasing it

Test dummy:

See crash test dummy

Test equipment:

See automatic test equipment

Tester:

See:
battery tester
circuit tester
compression tester
cylinder head tester
engine performance tester
leak down tester
spark gap coil tester
spark plug tester
voltage tester

Test head:

The head or height of a column of water which will give a prescribed pressure on the vertical or horizontal sides of a compartment or tank in order to test its tightness, or strength

Testing:

See:
diagnostic testing
field testing
non-destructive testing
product testing
salt fog testing

Test lamp:

An automotive tool used to test powered circuits on 6-24 volt systems such as headlights, horns, signal, or tail lights. It consists of a handle with a bulb and sharp probe and a lead with a crocodile clip, The sharp probe is used to pierce the insulation on the wire leading to the defective part; if the bulb glows, the circuit is complete. Simpler designs do not feature a probe, but come in a standard screwdriver shape

Test light:

1. An automotive tool used to test powered circuits on 6-24 volt systems such as headlights, horns, signal, or tail lights. It consists of a handle with a bulb and sharp probe and a lead with a crocodile clip, The sharp probe is used to pierce the insulation on the wire leading to the defective part; if the bulb glows, the circuit is complete. Simpler designs do not feature a probe, but come in a standard screwdriver shape
2. Light provided with test leads. Used to test or probe electrical circuits to determine if they have electricity.

Test method:

See vicat test method

Test pilot:

A person who responds to advertisements, takes the vehicle for a ride, but really has no intention of purchasing the vehicle. He is related to a "tire kicker." The difference is that a tire kicker wastes the seller's time examining the vehicle while a test pilot wants to experience the ride.

Test port:

The Schrader valve fitting located on the fuel rail of a port injection system used for relieving fuel pressure and for hooking up a fuel pressure gauge

Test Procedure:

See federal Test Procedure

Tether kill switch:

A safety device used on snowmobiles and personal watercraft. One end is attached to the operator's wrist and the other end is plugged into a special switch. When the operator falls off his vehicle, the tether pulls out of the switch causing the engine to die.

Tetrachloride:

See carbon tetrachloride.

Tetraethyl lead:

(TEL) a lead compound used as an additive to increase the octane rating and reduce the knock or detonation tendencies of gasoline. Also see lead free.

Tetramethyl lead:

(TML) An anti-knock fuel additive

TEU:

Acronym for "Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit" for measuring container capacity on ships, railcars, etc. See containers

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