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.

Back

Piston

About the size of a coffee mug, the piston moves up and down in a cylinder like a fist compressing the air/fuel mixture over and over again to be ignited for power.



See Also:
Push Rods
Pressure Plate
Timing Belt
Steering Knuckle
Head Gasket
Front-Wheel Drive
Bellhousing
Flywheel

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: