Thread-like strands of pure carbon that are extremely strong in tension (that is, when pulled) and are reasonably flexible. Carbon fiber can be bound in a matrix of plastic resin by heat, vacuum, or pressure to form a composite that is strong, light: and very expensive.

A colorless, odorless gas given off as a normal byproduct of combustion. It is poisonous and extremely dangerous in confined areas, building up slowly to toxic levels without warning if adequate ventilation is not available.

A device through which air and fuel are atomized and drawn into the engine. It meters the proper proportions of fuel and air to form a combustible mixture and varies the ratio according to the engine operation. Air blowing over the fuel nozzles (jets) results in an air-fuel mixture burned in the cylinders. Carburetors were common on most vehicles before 1985. Currently, most vehicles use some form of fuel injection instead.

A fitting inside a carburetor that meters fuel into a metering circuit where it is mixed with air in the venturi.

The angle between a vertical line and the car's steering axis when viewed from the side, measured in degrees and minutes. Casting technology that delivers a liquid molten metal into a purpose-built mould. After cooling, the solid metal surface has the shape of the mould cavity.

The forward or backward tilt of the steering axis as viewed from the side. If the point of load is ahead of the point of contact, the caster angle is positive. The caster angle tends to keep wheels in a straight line. Proper caster adjustment improves both tire wear and fuel economy.

A process technology that delivers a liquid molten metal into a purpose-built mold. After cooling, the solid metal surface has the shape of the mold cavity.

Often simply called a 'catalyst', this is a stainless steel canister that is part of a vehicle's exhaust system and contains a thin layer of catalytic material spread over a large area of inert supports. It induces chemical reactions that convert an engine's exhaust emissions into less harmful products prior to entering the environment. A device installed in the exhaust system, like a muffler, that converts harmful byproducts of combustion into carbon dioxide and water vapor by means of a heat-producing chemical reaction.

Residual representing the difference between the value of goods and industrial services produced and the direct material costs associated with the production of goods.

A differential used in four-wheel-drive systems to distribute power to the front and rear differentials.

Point where the weight of a vehicle appears to be concentrated and if suspended at that point would balance front and rear.

A mechanical method of advancing the spark timing by using flyweights in the distributor that react to centrifugal force generated by the distributor shaft rotation.

The driving of one shaft by another by means of a toothed wheel on each shaft, with the wheels connected by an endless chain with special links engaging the teeth.

The refitting of equipment to either neutralize the effects of the just completed production or to prepare equipment for production of the next scheduled item, or both.

The system which maintains the electrical charge in your vehicle's battery. The charging system consists of the alternator, voltage regulator and battery.

A general term that refers to all of the mechanical parts of a car attached to a structural frame. In cars with unitized construction, the chassis comprises everything but the body of the car. The basic-strength auto frame including the engine, suspension, wheels, brakes and drive train. A car without its body or coachwork. In monocoque or unit construction it is integral with the body.

Any one-way valve installed to permit the flow of air, fuel or vacuum in one direction only.

A temporary restriction in a carburetor throat that reduces the flow of air and enriches the fuel-air mixture to aid in starting the engine.

The term circuit refers to a closed system, whether electric, fluid, or hydraulic, that brings energy or fluid from one part of a car and delivers it to another.

A switch which protects an electrical circuit from overload by opening the circuit when the current flow exceeds a predetermined level. Some circuit breakers must be reset manually, while most reset automatically.