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.

Terms/Tools > Horsepower
Most common
Engine
Suspension
Brakes
Fuel System
Electronics
Cooling System
Terms/Tools
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:
Specification
Lube Job
Lug Wrench
Amp
Short Circuit
Jumper Cables
Antifreeze
Service Manual

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: