Automotive Dictionary

Zebrano: A striped hardwood used for interior trim as a cheaper alternative to burr walnut

Zebrawood: A striped hardwood used for interior trim as a cheaper alternative to burr walnut

Z'ed: When a frame is cut, usually in front of the rear wheels, and a section is welded in to raise the axle so large tires can be used at stock body heights, racers say their car has been z'ed [pronounced ZEED, not ZED], referring to the new appearance of the frame.

Zener diode: A semiconductor used on British Motorcycles for many years as a Voltage regulator. When the Voltage across the Zener Diode reached a certain point, the element would begin to conduct Current, routing it to ground, thus preventing the Battery from overcharging.

Zephrr: Pearl Izumi's highly wind resistant, water repellent, lightweight fabric that keeps the cold wind out and maintains breathability.

Zerk fitting: A small valve that allows grease to be added to a Ball joint with a Grease gun and prevents the grease from leaking out when pressure is placed on the area. Incorrectly pronounced zert. Also called Grease fitting

Zero

An amount or reading (often set arbitrarily) where there is an absence of value or which is the beginning of something.

Also see

Zero-emission vehicle

(ZEV)

A vehicle which itself produces no emissions, such as electric powered vehicles. The concept does not take into account the fact that electric cars use the electric power of batteries that are normally charged by power supplied by electric power plants (which generally do produce certain emissions); Californian laws require that from 1998, 2% of new cars must be ZEVs.
A vehicle meeting either EPA's CFV ZEV standards or CARB's California Low-Emission Vehicle Program ZEV standards. ZEV standards, usually met with electric vehicles, require zero vehicle (not power plant source) emissions. ZEVs earn more Clean-Fuel Fleet Vehicle Program credits than ULEVs. ZEVs may also meet ILEV standards.
A vehicle that is certified to meet the most stringent emission standards established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These standards require zero regulated emissions of nonmethane organic gases (NMOGs), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). A ZEV is most likely powered by electricity, fuel cells, or hydrogen.

Zero governor: A regulating device that is normally adjusted to deliver gas at atmospheric pressure within its flow rating.

Zero offset

See

Zero-offset steering: A Steering system whose geometry has a Scrub radius of zero. This configuration minimizes the steering effects produced during acceleration (with front drive) or braking on varying Traction surfaces.

Zero-velocity spreader: A spreader that uses air flow to dispense chemicals (liquid and/or dry deicers) in a continuous controlled pattern with material blown onto the road in one direction at approximately the same speed the truck moves in the other direction. The deicing materials strike the pavement at zero velocity and stay where they fall.

DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ze"