Auto Repair & Car Parts Dictionary

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

  What is anti lock brakes?

  Anti-lock brakes prevent the wheels of your car from locking up when braking so that you don't skid or lose control of the car. This system works through an electronic control unit that applies individual brake pressure to all four wheels through a system of wheel speed sensors.

• Air Conditioning Compressor

  The Air Conditioning Compressor is one of the main components of the air conditioning system and the first step in the complex process that keeps you cool while driving. This mechanism controls temperature output and compresses refrigerant into a gas in order to move it to other parts of the air conditioning system. Compressors can be compromised by leaking refrigerant.

• Air Conditioning Condenser

  Like a radiator, the job of the Air Conditioning Condenser is to remove the heat the refrigerant accumulated when it was compressed into gas by the compressor. Condensers are susceptible to blockage from leaves, dust, and insects, but they may also become internally clogged with metal debris if the compressor has a catostrophic failure.

• Air Conditioning Drain Hose

  The Air Conditioning Drain Hose transports condensation that accumulates in a catch pan, out through the bottom of your car. Without proper drainage of the catch pan, water can leak onto the floorboard of your car. In other words, this small but important auto part keeps your shoes and carpets dry!

• Air Conditioning Drier

  The Air Conditioning Drier contains a desiccant that is designed to absorb moisture that gets into the system from humidity in the air, and is usually built with a filter that traps debris. This component should be changed anytime the air conditioning system is opened for service because desiccants are not effective once they become saturated with moisture.

• Air Conditioning Evaporator

  When refrigerant reaches the Air Conditioning Evaporator, it is a cool, low-pressure liquid. The evaporator returns the liquid back into a gas again because gas does a better job of absorbing heat. With the heat gone, the adjacent fan can now blow cool air into the cabin of the car. Although evaporators don't fail very often, replacing them can be costly due to the complexity of the labor involved; this component is usually buried deep beneath the instrument panel.

• Air Conditioning Services

  Air Conditioning Services consist of any service performed on the equipment that delivers cool air to the cabin of your car. The major components of your air conditioning system include the compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and refrigerant. There are a variety of problems that can hinder your air conditioner's ability to generate cold air-it may be as simple as needing to add refrigerant. However, normal wear and tear causes seals, hoses, and fittings to get loose and wear out. When this happens, refrigerant can leak out.

• Air Filter

  Gasoline powered engines require oxygen for the engine to run properly. But the air around us contains dust and particles that become abrasive and damaging if they get inside the engine. Your car's Air Filter lets oxygen in while keeping the particles out. This is an inexpensive item that should be changed regularly to keep your engine operating its best.

• Airbags

  Airbags are a safety feature on your car consisting of cushions that inflate when your car is involved in a collision. They are designed to protect your face and body from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surfaces that could cause serious injuries. Most new cars are designed with at least front airbags, and some have side airbags that eject from the doors, rear seat airbags, and head airbags located above the windows.

• Alternator

  The Alternator helps keep the car's battery charged to provide power to the electrical components of your car-headlights, instrument panel lighting, windows, radio, etc. The alternator is powered by the serpentine belt. Like any mechanical part, the internal parts in the alternator can wear out over time. This will cause your car to suddenly "die.". This could be the result of a bad alternator, or it could be a bad battery or broken serpentine belt.

• Antifreeze

  Antifreeze is a chemical that combines with water to make the freezing point lower and the boiling point higher. This helps keep your car's cooling system from freezing up in cold weather and prevents rust and corrosion from causing damage. When a car leaks antifreeze, you run the risk of having the car overheat.

• Automatic Transmission Fluid

  Automatic Transmission Fluid lubricates the gears of an automatic transmission and helps keep the valves operating smoothly. It is usually red in color so that it can be easily distinguished from other oils and fluids. If you spot a leak, have it looked at immediately. Low automatic transmission fluid can damage your transmission, resulting in costly engine repairs.

• AWD (All-Wheel Drive)

  Designed for all on and off-road surfaces, All-Wheel Drive provides added traction to all four wheels, which is helpful in getting through snow, mud, or uneven rocky terrains where the tires have a hard time gripping the surface to get in motion.