50 Stars Auto Parts
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50 Stars Auto Parts
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Welcome to the 50 Stars Auto Parts Car Parts Terms Glossary!

This comprehensive resource is designed to help you understand the terminology used in the automotive world. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a car enthusiast, our glossary provides clear definitions for a wide range of car parts and components. From basic terms like “alternator” and “brake pads” to more complex concepts like “differential” and “turbocharger,” we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to make your shopping experience easier and more informed. Explore our glossary to find the information you need and get back on the road with confidence.

A/C Compressor: This pump is belt-driven by the engine and presseurizes the refrigerant that runs through the air conditioning system.

 

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System): This is to keep your wheels from locking up during abrupt or harsh stops. This aids in maintaining steering when an unexpected braking situation arises.

 

Adaptive Cruise Control: It  is a sophisticated cruise control system that regulates the automobile’s speed and separation from the car in front of it automatically.

 

Aftermarket: It is refers to replacement parts produced by companies other than the ones who manufactured your car. The fit and finish of these are typically not identical to the originals.

 

Air Cleaner: The engine air filter is housed in a plastic box that rests atop the motor.

 

Airbags: are cushions that pop out of the front and side of a car’s interior in the case of a collision to keep occupants from hitting the car’s harsh interior surfaces.

 

Alternator: This engine-connected device produces electricity through the use of a serpentine belt to drive it. It provides additional electrical power to the vehicle’s other electrical systems and charges the battery.

 

Ammeter: A gauge that indicates the electrical system’s current charge on some instrument clusters.

 

Antifreeze: Is a liquid that is supplied to the engine’s cooling system to reduce the water’s freezing point. It helps transport heat, shields the engine from corrosion, and keeps the engine from overheating.


Automatic Transmission: When the driver accelerates, the car automatically shifts into a higher gear by detecting the change in speed. The identical procedure occurs in reverse as the driver reduces speed.

 

All-Wheel Drive: AWD  modifies the engine power delivered to the gearbox and subsequently to the gearbox case. When the wheels start to feel like they are slipping while driving, the transfer case instantly divides the power to all four wheels at once.

 

Axle Actuator: When the driver transitions from 2WD to 4WD, this device engages the front axle.

 

Axle Assembly: The loaded bearing assemblies in the front and back of the car link the two wheels. It is made up of the CV boots and axle shaft, and the differential joins it to the gearbox. The transaxle is the most prevalent kind.

 

Axle Shaft: Your tires spin because of the axle shaft, a metal tube that joins the differential or gearbox to the wheel.

Ball Joints: Ball joints are what attach a car’s tyre and wheel to the suspension system. They also join the steering knuckle and control arm.

 

Blower Motor: Depending on the fan speed used, this motor forces heat or air out of the vents and into the vehicle’s cabin.

 

Brake line and hoses: When the brakes are applied, these tiny tubes move brake fluid from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders.

 

Brake Master Cylinder: The brake master cylinder regulates the wheel cylinders and is connected to the brake pedal. The car must stop when the brake pedal is depressed because braking fluid is sent to the wheel cylinders.

 

Brake Pads: When the brake pedal is depressed, these pads set off a series of events that squeeze the rotor and bring the vehicle to a halt.

 

Bumper Cover: Usually made of plastic, this cover protects the bumper reinforcement. It is designed to assist protect the front and rear of the car since it is struck first in collisions.

 

Bumper Reinforcement: This substantial beam, which is hidden by the bumper cover, helps the bumper shield a car’s front and back end. It is constructed of durable materials to safeguard the vehicle in the event of an accident.

Cabin Air Filter: This filter cleans the air within the car and keeps things like dust, pollen, debris, and grime out of the vents.

 

Callipers: These devices hold the brake pads in place and contain pistons that press the pads against the rotors to slow down the vehicle.

 

Camber Angle: The tilting tires form the camber angle; in most cars, the tires are flat on the ground. The top of the tire is tilted towards or away from the axle according to the positive or negative angle at which they are angled.

 

Carrier Assembly: The pinion and ring gears are located in the carrier assembly, which is the main component of the rear axle assembly. Two axles fastened to each side of the assembly transmit the energy generated by a drive shaft located in the front center to the wheels.

 

Catalytic Converter: This part heats up and transforms the toxins the engine produces into carbon dioxide and water vapour before releasing them into the atmosphere, filtering the air pollutants.

 

Center Console: The center console, which separates the two front seats of an automobile, typically contains armrests, electronic controls for radio and GPS, buttons for the dynamic stability control system, and switches for the transmission’s “Sport” or “Snow” modes.

 

Chassis Control Module: This computer receives data from a number of sensors, and it uses that information to send signals to the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) actuator and the ECU (Electric Control Unit) to regulate the brakes when the car is cornering.

 

Climate control: regulates the interior temperature of a car; these buttons and controls are often found on the dashboard. The user now has more accurate control over the interior temperature of the car thanks to this mechanism.

 

Control Arms: Upper and lower control arms are components of the suspension system of the vehicle. The suspension system and wheels are attached to the car frame, allowing the tyre to move when driving.

 

Coolant (AKA Antifreeze): Coolant, often known as antifreeze, is a liquid that is supplied to the engine’s cooling system to reduce the water’s freezing point. It helps transport heat, shields the engine from corrosion, and keeps the engine from overheating.

 

coolant reservoir: The coolant reservoir is connected to the radiator with hoses, and as the antifreeze heats up, the excess fluid is directed into this tank. This coolant is held here until the cooling system is ready to use it.

 

Coolant Temperature Sensor: This sensor gauges the temperature of the antifreeze in the coolant system and provides information on the engine’s heat output.

Crankcase Ventilation Filter: To ensure that the engine’s intake manifold is clean, the crankcase ventilation filter filters the fumes that return to it.

 

CV Boots: These attach the axle shaft to the wheel, allowing the axles to flex and enabling the suspension and vehicle rotation.

 

Cylinder Block: The structure housing the engine’s cylinders and other internal parts is called the cylinder block. This is the point at which the crankshaft spins and the pistons rise and fall.

 

Cylinder Head –Typically located above the engine block, the cylinder head houses the combustion chamber, lifters, springs, and valves. By allowing coolant to pass through it, the engine is kept from overheating.

Dash Panel: Usually a single piece covering the plastic brackets holding the GPS, air vents, and switches for climate control, tire pressure, temperature, and fuel gauges.

 

Daylight Running Lights: Daylight running lights, which turn on automatically when the car is turned on, aid in increasing the vehicle’s visibility to other drivers throughout the day. They are too bright to use at night and turn off when the headlights turn on.

 

Differential: A gearbox is what joins the axle shaft to the driveshaft or gearbox.

 

Direct Shift Gearbox: An electronically controlled multiple-shift gearbox, also referred to as a twin clutch. operates as a fully automated clutch, and the gear selection is semi-manually or totally automatic.

 

Direct Shift Gearbox: An electronically controlled multiple-shift gearbox, also referred to as a twin-clutch. operates as a fully automated clutch, and the gear selection is semi-manually or automatic.

 

Disc Brakes: Disc brakes are a type of brake system that slows a car by pressing callipers against a revolving disc.

 

Drive Belt (AKA Serpentine Belt) – Helps keep the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning and occasionally the water pump running correctly.

 

Drive Belt (AKA Serpentine Belt): The drive belt, often known as a serpentine belt, keeps the air conditioner, power steering pump, alternator, and occasionally the water pump operating properly.

 

Driveshaft: This tube connects the gearbox to the differential in an automobile with 4WD, AWD, or RWD.

 

Drum Brakes: Drum brakes are a type of brake system that slows a car by applying pressure from the brake pads against a drum.

ECM (Engine Control Module: The engine control module, also known as the engine control unit, or ECM, uses sensors to ensure that the engine and fuel injection system of your automobile are running within normal parameters and that your car performs at its best.

 

Emergency/Hand Brake : Manual Hand Brake/Emergency Brake This is a common method used by gearbox vehicles to park and maintain the vehicle in place. Although it is not required to hold it in place, automatic gearbox vehicles can use it to park or in the event of a complete brake failure.

 

Engine: The engine, which is effectively the car’s heart, is a complicated device that transforms heat from burning petrol into the force needed to propel the vehicle. The cylinder head and cylinder block make up its two primary components, which make up a sturdy construction.

 

Engine Air Filter: Keeps debris, dust, and other impurities out of the car’s engine cylinders.

 

Engine Fuse Box: The engine fuse box, which is beneath the hood, controls the engine and is equipped with fuses and relays to protect and manage the electrical circuits that are linked to the engine and/or motor.

 

EV (Electrical Vehicle): An external battery source charges an electric vehicle (EV), which runs on electricity instead of fossil fuels. Different kinds of electrical cars run on various renewable fuel sources.

 

Exhaust System: The exhaust system is a network of pipes that directs waste gas and other pollutants out of the engine.

Fan Assembly: This fan, which is positioned in front of the radiator, aids in removing heat from the coolant that the engine is running. It also aids in the A/C refrigerant’s cooling down.

 

Fender: A section of the car’s body that surrounds the tires on the front and rear of the vehicle. It stops small objects from shooting up from the spinning tire.

 

Front Lamp: Any front light installed in the car that improves visibility of the road in the rain or at night. enhances the visibility of the car for other drivers in bad weather.

 

Fuel Filter: By removing any dirt or debris that might try to get into the fuel lines, this filter helps to prevent poor fuel performance and decreased fuel economy.

 

Fully Independent Suspension: This kind of suspension allows each wheel to move freely on its own without requiring assistance from another wheel that is attached to the axle.

 

FWD (Front Wheel Drive): Front wheel drive, or FWD, is a 2WD vehicle in which the engine’s power is sent to the front two wheels via the gearbox.

Gearbox: The gearbox is the part of the gearbox that powers the wheels from the engine.

 

GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS (Global Positioning System) is a navigation system that provides directions and location tracking for vehicles.

 

Grille: The aesthetic or practical opening on the front of an automobile, usually used to cool the radiator.

 

Gasoline: Fuel that is frequently utilised in internal combustion engines is petrol.

 

Ground Clearance: The space between a car’s lowest point and the earth is known as ground clearance.

 

GT (Gran Turismo): A high-performance vehicle built for swift and comfortable long-distance travel is called a GT (Gran Turismo).

 

Gear Shift: The lever or other device in a car with a manual or automatic gearbox that changes gears.

 

Glare: Glare is an excessive amount of brightness or reflection that can make it difficult to see, particularly at night or in bad weather.

 

Green Car: Green cars are automobiles that are beneficial to the environment, like electric or hybrid models.

Head Unit (Radio): This unit’s main purpose in the car is to play music. Auxiliary input, GPS, hands-free talking, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and data like temperature and cardinal direction are among its additional features. Usually, it can be found in the dash panel’s center.

 

Headlight: The lights or lamps at the front of the car that illuminate the road at night or in low-light conditions are called headlights. They can be turned on manually or automatically.

 

High Mounted Brake Light: This is the third brake light, in addition to the taillights, and it is located higher up in the middle of the car’s rear window. If a driver does not see the taillights, this lets them realize that the car in front of them is braking.

 

HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system): The HVAC system, which also includes electronic sensors, is responsible for controlling certain operations such as cleaning, cooling, heating, and regulating the air entering the vehicle’s cabin.

FS Assembly (Independent Front Suspension Assembly): The Independent Front Suspension Assembly, or IFS Assembly, allows each wheel and its suspension to move independently of the other wheels that are attached to the vehicle’s front axle.

 

Instrument cluster: An assortment of gauges, LCDs, and indicator lights that display the vehicle’s activity. Add gauges such as the coolant temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, speedometer, and tachometer.

 

Internal combustion engine: Any engine that generates energy through internal fuel combustion is an internal combustion engine.

 

IRS Assembly (Independent Rear Suspension Assembly): The Independent Rear Suspension Assembly, or IRS Assembly, is the component that lets each wheel and its suspension move independently of one another and the axle in the rear of the car.

Jack: An apparatus for raising a car off the ground so that repairs or tire replacements can be performed.

 

JDM (Japanese Domestic Market): Japanese Domestic Market, or JDM, is the term used to describe automobiles and parts made only for the Japanese market.

 

Junkyard: An area used to store damaged or outdated cars for components or salvage.

K-Frame: Underneath an automobile, it helps with the suspension system. This component enhances an automobile’s alignment and handling.

 

Key Fob Remote: Integrated inside the key or available separately. This is used to remotely start the automobile, unlock it, open the trunk, and activate the alarm system.

 

Knee: In the car collision and salvage industries, the phrase “knee assembly” refers to the entire suspension unit, which comprises the wheel bearing, strut assembly or shock, steering knuckle, and control arms with ball joints.

LKQ: LKQ is an acronym for “Like Kind and Quality,” which refers to OEM secondhand auto parts that are either reconditioned or sold from a car.

 

Loaded Beam Axle: A loaded beam axle, which can be employed at the front or rear wheels of an automobile or truck, is a single beam or shaft that joins a group of wheels laterally to form a dependent suspension system. It works particularly well in off-road applications.

 

Low Emissions Vehicle: This is the phrase used to describe cars that satisfy the national standards for gas emissions and pollutants for all light vehicles sold, with model years 2004 and later meeting these requirements.

Manual Transmission: In a stick-shift vehicle, the driver must depress the clutch to separate the engine and transmission. By applying the clutch, you can change the car into a new gear, much like you would with a bicycle gear shifter.

Mass Airflow Sensor: Positioned between the engine’s intake manifold and air filter, the mass airflow sensor is a device that gauges how much air enters the engine. It calculates the quantity of fuel injection required to provide an air-fuel ratio that is balanced.

Master Cylinder: The Master cylinder, also known as the Master brake cylinder, converts the pressure on the brake pedal to hydraulic pressure by feeding brake fluid into the brake circuit and controlling this according to the mechanical force. Master brake cylinders are used both in disc brakes and drum brakes. If master cylinder fails, it will not distribute pressure properly, and the pedal will be affected. 

Navigation System: GPS technology is used by the on-board computer to provide driving directions.

Odometer: A device that calculates how far a car has gone since it was first produced. Usually, the instrument panel or dashboard is where you may find it.

 

OEM: OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer,” a term used in the industry to describe auto parts produced by the same company that created the vehicle.

 

Oil Pressure Gauge: Oil Pressure Gauge: This gauge on the instrument cluster indicates the engine’s oil pressure when it’s operating.

 

Oversteer: The driving phrase for vehicle dynamics, “oversteer,” refers to how sensitive a car or truck is to steering. When a car turns in a direction other than the one the driver commands, it is said to be oversteering.

Power Brake Booster: This component lowers the force required to apply the brakes by increasing the master cylinder’s pressure with the engine’s assistance.

 

Power steering pump: This pump puts the necessary pressure on the wheels to turn the car smoothly.

Quarter Panel: The outside surface body panel of the car that is located between the trunk and the back door on both sides is called the quarter panel. In addition, it typically encircles the wheel to the side of the bumper.

 

Radiator Core Support: This keeps the car’s cooling system stationary so it won’t jostle around and sustain damage when you’re driving. This system houses the radiator, and by pumping coolant through it with a water pump, the engine may be kept at a safe temperature.

 

Rearview Mirror: One mirror that hangs by the front glass in the middle of the vehicle. It is used to see the traffic behind you and to peer behind the car when changing lanes.

 

Rotors: When the driver applies the brake pedal to halt the car, the brake pads hug the wheels and press on them to stop the car.

 

RPM: RPM, which stands for “Revolutions Per Minute,” is a measurement of a machine’s current operating speed. When discussing automobiles, the RPMs—which are shown on the instrument dashboard—indicate the number of times the engine’s crankshaft completes a full rotation and the number of times each piston rises and falls each minute.

 

Running Board: Running boards are small steps or footboards that are used in high-riding automobiles to facilitate easy entry and exit beneath the side doors. Typically seen on trucks, SUVs, and some vintage cars.

 

RWD (Rear Wheel Drive): A vehicle with rear wheel drive (RWD) transfers engine power to the back wheels rather than the front ones through a transmission.

Sequential Manual Gearbox: A sequential manual gearbox is a type of manual transmission seen in high-performance cars and motorcycles. It prevents the selection of a particular gear by requiring the selection of other gears in a specified order.

 

Serpentine Belt (AKA Drive Belt): The serpentine belt, often known as the drive belt, keeps the air conditioner, power steering pump, alternator, and occasionally the water pump operating properly.

 

Shock Absorbers/Shocks: Shock absorbers, often known as shocks, are an essential component of the suspension system that serves to isolate the vehicle’s chassis from suspension movement and absorbs impacts from driving on difficult terrain, improving passenger enjoyment. It also contributes to the vehicle’s safety by making the car more stable during braking.

 

Side View Mirror: A car’s side view mirrors are located on either side of the front doors. These are utilized for lane changes and to see other cars approaching from the side.

 

Speedometer: The speedometer is a gauge on the instrument cluster that indicates the vehicle’s current speed in miles per hour (MPH), occasionally in kilometers per hour (KM/H), depending on the nation.

 

Spindle/Knuckle: This metal component acts as the steering system’s pivot point, enabling the wheels to turn. The spindle component secures and maintains the wheel bearings on the outside and inside.

 

Stabilizer Bar: Stabilizer bars, sometimes referred to as anti-roll bars, are metal components used in the suspension systems of many cars and trucks. They help reduce body roll when a vehicle turns quickly or travels over uneven terrain, which keeps the vehicle from toppling over.

 

Starter Motor: This component helps the engine start the motor by causing the pistons and crankshaft to rotate until the engine has enough inertia to run on its own. Although they are typically electric, starter motors can also be hydraulic or pneumatic.

 

Steering Column: This component, which joins the steering wheel and steering mechanism, gives the driver control over the direction of the car.

 

Steering Knuckle: The steering system uses this metal component as its pivot point, which enables the wheels to turn.

 

Steering Rack and Pinion: A type of linear actuator known as steering rack and pinion consists of a linear gear (rack) that engages with a circular gear (pinion). When you spin the steering wheel, the wheels move horizontally in that direction because it converts a rotating motion into a linear motion.

 

Sway Bar: The anti-roll bar is another name for the sway bar. It is a type of metal bar or torsion spring found in the suspension systems of many cars. This component keeps the car from rolling to the side during fast turns or on uneven roads by reducing the body roll of the vehicle or truck.

Tachometer: An instrument on the instrument cluster that indicates the engine’s revolutions per minute.

 

Tailgate/Decklid: On hatchbacks or SUVs, the door that opens to the rear of the vehicle’s cargo space is called the tailgate. The decklid is the lid that covers the trunk.

 

Taillights: Two red lights on the back of the car that turn on when the brakes are used to warn oncoming traffic.

 

Traction Control : Traction control is a safety feature on automobiles that prevents wheels from overspinning and losing contact with the road through the use of electrical sensors.

 

Transfer Case: All 4WD and AWD cars have a transfer case, which is in charge of distributing the engine’s power to all four wheels. This is housed in the transmission case, and it uses the drive shafts in the drive train to transfer power from the transmission to the front and rear axles.

 

Transfer Case Motor: Power from the drivetrain is sent to the front and rear axles via this motor located inside the transfer case.

 

Transmission Shifter: In automatic cars, you may control how much torque and power the engine puts to the wheels. The primary gears are P, R, N, and D. Similar to automatic cars, manual cars have this automobile part engaged more frequently since the driver controls the gears while operating the vehicle.

 

Transmission/transaxle: One of a car’s most important components, the transmission or transaxle controls how much power is sent to the wheels at any given speed.

Understeer: A driving word for vehicle dynamics, understeer refers to how sensitive a car or truck is to steering. A car experiences understeer when the driver applies less force to the steering wheel.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): A special code that allows a particular vehicle to be identified. The majority of VINs have 17 digits and are visible via the windshield on the dashboard on the driver’s side.

Wheel Cylinders: These are found at each wheel and operate under the master cylinder’s instruction. They pressurize the brake system at every wheel when they receive brake fluid.

 

Window Motor: When the window motor is turned on by the window switch, gears start to turn, which moves the window regulator, which moves the glass.

 

Window Regulator : Glass movement is produced by the window regulator. The window switch, which is connected to the window motor regulator within the door panel, and the motor, which is connected to the regulator, govern this movement.

 

Window switches: When these switches are depressed, a signal is sent to the window motor telling it to start moving its gears, raising and lowering the glass in each door. The glass’s movement is then managed by the gears that raise and lower the window regulator.

Xenon: This term describes xenon headlights, a kind of high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights that are renowned for their efficiency and brightness.

Yaw Control: Vehicles equipped with yaw control systems can better regulate swerving or lateral movement.

Z-rated Tires: Z-rated tires are performance tires with a speed rating of more than 149 mph (240 km/h)

Four Wheel Drive (AWD): The engine of this kind of car transfers power to the transfer case and transmission. The transfer case is helpful while off-roading or driving in uneven terrain since it distributes power to all four wheels at once. The driver has the ability to manually turn this feature on and off.