An engine configuration in which the intake valves are in the cylinder head, while the camshaft and exhaust valves are located in the cylinder block. The camshaft operates the intake valves via lifters and pushrods, while it operates the exhaust valves directly.

In used vehicles the combination of original standard equipment and production options that make up the equipment of a used vehicle. May also be referred to as 'base' equipment.

Also called a drive belt or serpentine belt. Fan belts are used to drive the engine's accessories, such as the alternator, power steering pump, or air conditioning compressor. A serpentine belt is a wide single drive belt that drives all the engine's accessories.

The heat-operated, viscous-fluid clutch that controls whether or not an engine fan rotates to help cool an engine.

An electric motor with a fan that controls the airflow to the interior of a car.

A car that has an unbroken curved line from the top of the roof to the rear bumper as opposed to a drop in the line for a near-vertical rear window. In a fastback design the rear window slope follows the unbroken roof line and is often at less than a 45 degree angle.

A feature of a computer-controlled fuel system. By using a sensor to measure the oxygen content of the engine's exhaust, the system keeps the fuel-air ratio very close to the proportion for chemically perfect combustion. Such tight control of the fuel-air ratio is mandatory for the proper operation of three-way catalysts.

A blade, usually metal, of precisely predetermined thickness, used to measure the clearance between two parts, e.g., spark plus 'gap'.

A composite material that relies on small glass fibers for its strength. A very tough and durable plastic material with fibers running through the plastic. Used for race car bodies, many sports car bodies, and also enjoys considerable acceptance for passenger car bodies. Matting and Resin are often used to fill in large rust holes where filler would be unable to work, and where welding in new metal would be difficult.

Load supporting plate mounted to the frame of a vehicle. Pivot mounted, it contains provision for accepting and holding the kingpin of a trailer, providing a flexible connection between the tractor and the trailer. Center of the fifth wheel should always be located ahead of the centerline of the rear axle.

Filler, also referred to as Bondo, is a plastic material used to repair minor accident and rust damage. Filler begins as a paste, but hardens to a solid consistency in minutes.

A fluid coupling consists of two fan-like impellers in a sealed, oil-filled housing. The input 'fan' churns the oil, and the churning oil, in turn, twirls the output 'fan.' Such a coupling allows some speed difference between its input and output shafts. The automatic transmission's torque converter is based on the fluid coupling principle.

The reduction ratio, found in the gearset of a drivetrain, that is furthest removed from the engine. Typically, the differential ratio.

For maximum versatility, automotive models should be rated A-B-C A for trash, wood, and paper fires; B for liquid, solvent, and grease fires; C for electrical fires.

The wall between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment.

The order in which spark plugs fire; the sequence determines when each piston is in the exact position to begin its power stroke.

Published fixed price displayed on a new vehicle eliminating need for negotiation. Fixture device for holding goods in process while working tools are in operation that does not contain any special arrangements for guiding the working tools.

The purchase of vehicles by a business that meet a minimum requirement of units sold.

The presence of too much fuel in the intake manifold and combustion chamber which prevents the air/fuel mixture from firing, thereby causing a no-start situation.

The largest and most important stamped metal part in a car's body. Usually assembled from several smaller stampings, the floorpan forms the floor and fixes the dimensions for most of the car's external and structural panels. It is also the foundation for many of the car's mechanical parts.