Abbreviation for Anti-Lock Braking System.
Abbreviation for Alternating Current or Air conditioning.
A regulated suspension system using hydraulics and sensors to change the springing to suit the immediate situation.
Providing increased pedestrian protection in the event of striking a pedestrian head-on.
A system to computer control the shock absorber damping forces so each wheel varies its response according to the conditions.
Vehicle qualities that help a driver avoid a potential accident such as braking, steering and cornering stability.
An electric power system which varies the degree that wheels turn in response to steering adjustments, improving directional stability at high speed and parking via improved manoeuvrability.
A system in which electronic sensors work with hydraulic or another external forces to counteract adverse suspension movements.
A system in which the transmission distributes engine torque in controlled proportions between all wheels, varying the proportion front and rear to suit the conditions.
Two-stage airbag that can inflate in two stages. It is partly filled in a low-speed collision and becomes fully inflated above approx. 35 km/h
A device which enables the speed a car is travelling to automatically adapt depending on the speed of the vehicle in front. Often using radar, cruise control sensors and, occasionally external traffic control centres.
A device which evaluates various driving techniques to determine the optimum change points for an automatic transmission.
A mechanism in the b-pillar that permits the upper seat belt anchor's height to be raised or lowered.
A fabric bag which automatically inflates in the event of a collision to cushion an occupant. Also a component in a pneumatic suspension unit using compressed air as the main spring.
Drivers knee airbags are designed to cushion the knees of the driver in the event of a collision.
Head protection airbags provide protection to both the body and the head in the event of a side impact collision.
Passenger knee airbags are designed to cushion the knees of the front passenger in the event of a collision.
An airbag which extends the full length of the passenger compartment and deploys in the event of a side impact or rollover.
A system which automatically deactivates the passenger side airbag and seat belt pretensioner should a child-restraint system be on the front seat.
Driver airbags are desgined to automatically inflate in the event of a collision to protect the driver from striking other parts of the car.
Both driver and assenger airbags, designed to automatically inflate in the event of a collision to protect occupants from striking other parts of the car.
Passenger airbags are designed to automatically inflate in the event of a collision to protect the occupants from striking the other parts of the car.
An inflatable cushion that fills the space between the door and the occupant to prevent head, torso and pelvis injuries when a vehicle is hit from the side often stored in the door-trim panel or the outboard side of the seat. A new design, called an inflatable tubular restraint, can also be stored in the edge of the roof headliner and attached at the base of the A-pillar at the front end and above the doors along the roofline at the other. The device inflates into a somewhat stiff tube that prevents the occupant's head from hitting the side pillar or the window.
A reference to the car's total heating and cooling system, though this term is widely used to indicate refrigerated cooling only.
A security system that makes a loud noise if anyone tries to enter, damage or steal the vehicle.
A vehicle transmission system type in which four or more wheels are constantly under power.
Any non-steel road wheel. Mostly aluminium but technically a mixture of two or more metals.
Including alcohol-based fuels such as ethanol or methanol; compressed natural gas; or combinations of gasoline and alcohol.
Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). A comparative vehicle safety check to provide comparative crash protection standards, supervised by organisations such as the NRMA.
A computer-controlled braking system that senses impending wheel lockup and pulses the brakes to prevent it, reducing the risk of skiping under heavy breaking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
A clutch which automatically engages or disengages when the driver touches the gearlever knob.
Where the engine automatically shuts down when stationary and restarts when accelerator is depressed to reduce idling time.
A Transmission in which the speed of the output shaft varies automatically, providing the most appropriate gear ratio for the road speed and engine load.
Whereby Windscreen Wipers are activated automatically, typically when raining, but can also be triggered with snow and other debris (also known as Rain Sensor Wipers).
An input plug that enables the connection of external devices such as mobile phones or MP3 players for either charging or playback.
Abbreviation for All-Wheel Drive.
A covering (usually hard plastic) that is used to protect the inner bed and side walls of the cargo space of utes and pickup trucks.
A full-wih3h seat that takes two or three people on the same cushion.
Alerting drivers of imminent collision by checking the distance and spread of objects in adjoining lanes.
A wireless device which permits the connection of electronic devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players directly with the cars audio and/or GPS.
A collection of exterior modifications to a car that alter the original factory appearance, typically comprising a combination of front and rear bumper, side skirts, spoilers and roof scoops.
Applies apitional brake pressure in an emergency stopping situation to maximise the advantage of ABS.
Individual driver or passenger seats.
The date a vehicle has been built in the factory, represented as a month and year.Build dates are typically stamped in the engine bay.
A device (usually steel or alloy) fitted to the front of vehicles offering protection for the vehicle and its occupants in the event of a collision (Nudge Bars and Roo Bars are variants).
A computer system which controls car systems, replacing mechanical control systems, including steering, braking and throttle.
An alternative name for a Convertible.
A mechanical device used in internal combustion engines, regulating the mix and supply of fuel and air to optimal proportions.
A system that locks all doors of a car at the same time, either via the key or a remote control device.
The non-technical term for the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC). Most current vehicles have all three - heating, defrost and Air-conditioning.
A mechanical device connected to a pedal, typically found in manual vehicles, for the transmission of engine power to the wheels. Also enables the smooth changing of gears.
An electronically controlled direct fuel injection system, commonly used in diesel engines.
The date the vehicle has been certified to comply with local conditions and is available for sale. The compliance date should always follow the Build Date.
A CVT transmission changes steplessly through an infinite number of gear ratios, compared to an automatic transmission that has a fixed number of gear ratios.
A vehicle body style that enables open road driving, via the removal of the roof (usually via the folding of a textile or metal roof into the boot).
An extended cab body over traditional style utes, providing 4 doors and 2 rows of seats.
A device that, when set by the driver, will hold the car at the chosen speed.
The weight of a vehicle including all standard features, a full tank of fuel and all the fluids necessary for proper function. Does not include driver, passengers or cargo.
The central working part of an engine, containing a piston which is attached to the crankshaft. This is where air and fuel and combine to create combustion, generating power. Generally, the more cylinders an engine has the more combustion created, which in turn leads to increased power.
An internal combustion engine in which the air-fuel mixture is ignited by compression in the cylinder rather than by a spark. Diesel engines use diesel fuel rather than gasoline and tend to be more fuel-efficient and require less maintenance than gasoline engines, but it is more complicated to get them to run cleanly.
A device that splits the engine torque two ways allowing each output to spin at a different speed.
A device that locks the differential, effectively restricting both wheels to travel at the same speed, which provides improved traction particularly for 4WD use.
Shiny metal discs called brake rotors are attached to the wheel hub and rotate with the wheel. When the brake pedal is depressed the brake callipers squeeze the discs to slow the vehicle. See Brake Calliper and Brake Rotor.
A braking system that uses a metal drum. Brake shoes press against the drum to slow or stop the car.
Engine with two camshafts on top of the cylinder head, one to open and close intake valves, the other to open and close exhaust valves. See also Overhead Cam and Overhead Valve.
Vehicles powered by electricity, generally using a rechargeable battery.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) assists ABS by automatically applying more or less braking pressure on each wheel in order to maximise stopping power and maintain control.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) assists drivers in avoiding accidents by reducing the danger of skiping or losing control.
An electronic device which prevents the engine from running unless the correct key or signal is present.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TC) optimises grip and stability on slippery surfaces by applying brakes to wheels that are losing traction. ESC/TC assists drivers to avoid accidents by reducing the danger of skiping or losing control.
The date a vehicle has been Registered for the first time. The First Registered date should always follow the Compliance Date and Build Date.
A powerful light, usually positioned low in a vehicle that improves road visibility and warns drivers (also called Driving Lights).
A transfer case distributes power to both axles in order to drive all four wheels.
A vehicle on which all four wheels turn when the driver turns the steering wheel. The rear wheels turn at a smaller angle than the front wheels.
Where engine power is transmitted to the front wheels, which are the drive wheels. Also often referred to as 'front-drive'.
A system where fuel is directly injected by pump and sprayed into the cylinder, eliminating the need for a carburettor. This method delivers fuel more evenly allowing for better power development, and the reduction of unfavourable emissions.
Abbreviation for Front Wheel Drive vehicle.
An electronic device that utilises a Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate the vehicle on a predetermined map negating the need for a street directory.
The Curb Weight of the vehicle plus the maximum load it is designed to carry.
A passenger car with a full-height rear door that includes a rear window. Usually has a rear folding seat.
Active Cornering Headlamps enhances night time driving by illuminating through corners
Active Headrests have been specifically engineered to reduce the intensity of whiplash in the event of an accident.
An electronic system that temporarily holds a vehicle on an incline for a number of seconds after you remove the brake pedal and prior to pressing the accelerator or clutch (also called Hill Hold).
An electronic system that enables a controlled hill descent on rough or slippery hills without the need to touch the brake pedal.
A vehicle that obtains power from both a battery powered electric motor and a gasoline or diesel engine.
Where cylinders are arranged side-by-side, in a row and in a single bank. Most four-cylinder and some six-cylinder engines are in-line engines. In V-6, V-8 or V-12 engines, the cylinders are divided into two banks, each of which is angled away from the other in a 'V'.
A suspension design that lets each wheel move up and down independently of the others. A vehicle can have two-wheel or four-wheel independent suspension; sportier models have four-wheel independent suspension. See also Multi-Link Suspension, Live Axle.
A system that enables the Windscreen Wipers to be on and off at periodic intervals, often adjustable for different speeds.
A system for locking and unlocking the doors of a vehicle with a central locking system without using the key. Usually, the driver controls the locks by pressing a button on a remote key-fob transmitter. Some vehicles have electronic combination locks on the doors near the handle.
To assist the driver remain within their lane by providing a warning when the car is nearing a lane marker.
An electronic aid which assists the driver to make a fast getaway from a standing start.
Light Emitting Diode (LED), utilised in lights and digital displays that are more efficient, brighter and quicker than traditional bulbs.
A system that allows for some difference in torque between the wheels to improve traction.
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a product of petroleum gas, utilised in vehicles via a specific conversion system.
A transmission that varies the power and torque through a foot-pedal controlled clutch and a floor-mounted or steering-shaft-mounted gear selection lever.
Equipment or features that can be added to a particular model which are not part of the standard package. These usually involve additional cost and can be ordered individually or as part of a package.
The camshaft is on top of the cylinder head on overhead-cam engines. All overhead-cam engines are also overhead-valve (OHV) engines, which means the intake and exhaust valves sit atop the cylinder head.
A parking warning system that emits beeps when a car is reversing, letting the driver know when the car gets too close to an obstruction.
A vehicle body style that is designed and built specifically to carry between 6 - 8 people.
An electronic system that moves mirrors to the ideal position by pressing a switch (also known as electric mirrors)
A steering system that uses a separate motor or engine power to reduce the effort necessary to turn the front wheels.
An electronic system that raises or lowers windows by pressing a switch (also known as electric windows)
A device, usually plastic, that surrounds exterior car parts to prevent damage, including Bonnet, Headlamp, Fog lamp, etc
The steering wheel is connected to a pinion gear that meshes with a toothed bar, also called a rack or linear gear. As the pinion turns, the rack moves side to side, moving the steering linkage and causing the front wheels to turn left or right. The ends of the rack are linked to the steering wheel with tie rods.
A drivetrain in which power is applied through the rear wheels only.
A decision made by the manufacturer (or maker), to return a batch or entire production run of a particular vehicle. A 'recall" is usually requested because of a defect with a part and because there is an immediate safety concern.
Details of vehicle recalls can be found on the government website www.recalls.gov.au.
The starting sales date of the current vehicle model.
A system that releases and opens the boot, fuel release or bonnet via a switch from the driver's seat.
An active suspension system helping to prevent a rollover occurring in an accident.
Abbreviation for Rear Wheel Drive vehicle.
A two or four-door car that can hold four to six people. Includes a boot in the rear.
Similar to multi-port fuel injection, but the injectors spray fuel into the individual intake ports exactly at the beginning of each cylinder's intake cycle. The precise fuel control provides better engine performance.
The date the vehicle model generation was launched, for example VZ Commodore or BA Falcon MkII.
An engine with a single overhead cam generally has one intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder; the single cam opens and closes both valves. See also Overhead Cam and Dual Overhead Cam.
An electronic access and authorisation system that enables the "key" to remain in a pocket or handbag.
An exterior body component, usually comprising of a "wing". Spoilers can be fitted by manufacturers purely for styling purposes but are also employed on high performance vehicles to improve aerodynamic performance.
A body type designation. Generally a small, powerful car seating only two people.
A button that is pressed to start a vehicle as opposed to a traditional key switch. Commonly, utilised with a Smart Key.
A two or four-door passenger car with a cargo area that extends all the way to the rear bumper
A window-type opening in the roof of the vehicle that can tilt or slide open.
Serves the same function as a Turbocharger but avoids lag time because it runs off an engine-driven pump.
Acronym for Sports Utility Vehicle, defining the body style of a 4WD or AWD or similar designed vehicle.
An instrument which measures the number of revolutions per minute (RPM's) the engine is producing (often called a Rev Counters or a Tacho).
A film placed on windows which darken the appearance to protect from heat and UV rays. Usually applied after a vehicle is manufactured in the factory.
A sheet that covers the back of a tray or body of a ute, which can be soft and made from canvas or plastic or hard, similar to the boot of a car.
A measure of twisting force, given in foot-pounds (abbreviated as lb.-ft.) or Newton-meters (N-m). In the case of a vehicle, it is the twisting or rotational force the engine exerts on the crankshaft. Vehicle specifications often include the maximum torque an engine produces at a specific number of revolutions. For example, an engine which produces 200 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 revolutions per minute, or 200 lb.-ft.@ 3,000 rpm, accelerates better at low speeds than an engine that provides 200 lb.-ft.@5,000 rpm.
The amount of weight a vehicle can tow behind it.
A system for limiting wheel slip under acceleration to maintain each wheel's contact with the road surface. Traction-control systems generally use anti-lock braking to stop wheel spin and reduce power from one or more engine cylinders when an electronic sensor detects wheel spin.
The gearbox that delivers power from the engine crankshaft to the drive axle or drive shaft. Most modern cars have a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
A flat tray that sits on the back of utilities, and is made of aluminium, steel or wood.
An onboard computer which generally records and displays the distance travelled, average speed, average fuel consumption and real time fuel consumption.
A device which compresses and forces extra air into the intake manifold to produce extra power. Both turbochargers and superchargers are used to produce more power without increasing engine displacement.
A vehicle which distributes power to two wheels.
Detects when a tyre deflates below the designated pressure, helping to prevent a potential accident.
A pneumatic tyre that is designed to resist deflation when punctured enabling the vehicle to be used at reduced speeds for a limited distance.
Universal Serial Bus is a connection between the vehicle and electrical devices, including a mobile phone and MP3 player, enabling charging or playback.
A load-carrying vehicle, with an enclosed passenger cab and a separate cargo tray.
In a V-6, V-8 or V-12 engine, the cylinders are divided into two banks, each of which is angled away from the other at the top, forming a 'V'. Typically, this angle is 60 degrees on V-6 engines and 90 degrees on V-8 engines.
A vehicle with six cylinders. The cylinders are divided into two banks, each of which is angled away from the other at the top, forming a 'V'. Typically, this angle is 60 degrees on V-6 engines.
A vehicle with eight cylinders. the cylinders are divided into two banks, each of which is angled away from the other at the top, forming a 'V'. Typically, this angle is 90 degrees on V-8 engines.
Many overhead-cam engines, particularly multi-valve models, are described by the total number of intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head. A 24-valve V-6 engine would have four valves per cylinder, two intake and two exhaust valves. A 16-valve V-8 engine has only the standard single exhaust and single intake valve for each of its eight cylinders.
A box-shaped vehicle with a forward cab and a cargo area to the back bumper.
A power-steering system that varies the amount of assistance it provides according to driving conditions. It provides maximum assistance at low speeds for maneuvers such as turning into a parking space or turning a corner after leaving a stop light. It provides minimum assistance at cruising or highway speeds to provide greater vehicle stability.
A seventeen-digit identification number unique to each vehicle. A VIN includes codes for the manufacturer, year, model, body, and engine specifications.
A brake disc that has cooling passages between the friction surfaces.
A system that recognises word commands to complete simple tasks such as music tracks or temperature control.
Determined by the diameter and wih3h of the wheel on which the tyre is mounted. A 15-inch wheel has a diameter of 15 inches. A 15 X 7 wheel has a 15-inch diameter and a 7-inch wih3h.
The distance between the centre of the front wheels to the centre of rear wheels.
A gas utilised in headlamps that produces a very white, bright and distinctive light that last longer and use less energy than conventional bulbs.