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A-pillar
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The roof support on either side of a vehicle's windshield. A-pillars are designed to support the vechcles weight in case of a roll.
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Active Suspension System
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A computer controlled system that utilizes powered actuators in place of regular springs and shock absorbers. The computer controls the position and movement of each wheel's suspension to provide the best possible ride characteristics under varying conditions.
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Aerodynamic Drag
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The resisting force produced by a moving object as it displaces the air in its path. Aerodynamic drag is usually measured in pounds.
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All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)
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A term used to describe vehicles where all four wheels are driven by the engine. All-wheel-drive vehicles generally have better traction than two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicles. All-wheel-drive differs from four-wheel-drive (4WD) because it can be used under any road conditions.
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Alloy
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A metal that contains one or more other elements usually added to increase stength or give the base metal important properties. Alloy wheels are commonly made of a combination of aluminum (for its light weight) and steel (for its high strength).
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Alternator
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An electric generator that produces alternating current (AC) but is rectified to direct current (DC) by diodes. An alternator converts the rotating motion of an engine into electricity to power a vehicle's electrical components and keep its battery fully charged.
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)
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A computer controlled pump which varies the hydraulic pressure to each wheel's brake in order to prevent a vehicle's brakes from locking up. The computer distributes hydraulic pressure during hard braking based on the variance between the speed of each wheel (as measured by sensors at each wheel).
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Antiroll Bar (sway bars)
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A suspension component (used at the front and/or the rear) that reduces body roll by resisting any unequal vertical motion between the pair of wheels to which it is connected. An antiroll bar does not affect suspension stiffness when both wheels are deflected equally in the same direction. Antiroll bars are often referred to as Sway Bars or Stabalizer Bars.
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Automatic Transmission (A/T)
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A transmission which automatically selects the appropriate gear without any input from the driver. Gears are chosen according to the speed of the vehicle and load on the engine. Automatic transmissions are either hydraulic or electric operated.
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Axle Tramp
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A form of wheel hop that occurs on cars with live axles. Axle tramp is caused by the axle repeatedly rotating slightly with the wheels and then springing back.
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created by Mark Gandolfo for use on AussieV8.com.au
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