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.

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Catalytic Convertor

This is like an air filter in your exhaust system, only this "filtering" is done chemically by taking advantage of the extremely high exhaust temperatures. These can go "bad" if your air-fuel mixture gets way out of whack, acting like a cork in the exhaust. Like so many other automotive parts, catalytic converters are really only noticeable when they stop working properly.



See Also:
Air/Fuel Mixture
Carburetor Bowl
Lean Fuel Mixture
Pinging
Throttle Body
Pre-ignition
Misfiring
Exhaust System

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