Glossary of Auto Terms

DriverSide's Car Dictionary has the most comprehensive definitions of automotive terms. This auto glossary can help you decipher what your mechanic is fixing and what the purpose or function of the particular auto part or accessory is for. We have taken the mystery out of automotive service jargon, so that you don't have to.

Back

Horsepower

The most widely used method of measuring an engine's output, the higher the horsepower, the faster the vehicle can accelerate. Horsepower is a mathematical product of torque--the "twist" an engine produces, against rpm, or how many times the crankshaft is turning per minute.



See Also:
Lube Grease
Short Circuit
Safety Stand
Specification
Jumper Cables
Jack
Lug Wrench
Ohm

Diagnose Your Car's Problem

Engine won't start? Weird sound? Strange smoke? Got something going on with your car but not sure what it is? The easy to use DriverSide Diagnostic Tool is here to help you figure it out.



Enter Zip: