Automotive terms Modern (W-Z)

Automotive Technical terms and abbreviations overview used in the industry, Guide and explanations.

The following are examples of Mid Modern technical terms recommended for general use worldwide. For in-depth specific terms also see terms for historic vintage and specific areas such as Paint.

WANKEL ENGINE:
An engine which uses no pistons. In place of pistons, triangular-shaped rotors revolve in specially shaped housings.

WATER PUMP:
A belt driven component oi the cooling system that mounts on the engine, circulating the coolant under pressure.

WATT:
The unit for measuring electrical power. One watt is the product of one ampere and one volt (watts equals amps times volts). Wattage is the horsepower of electricity (746 waits equal one horsepower).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT:
Inclusive term to describe the front end geometry (caster, camber, toe-in/out).

WHEEL CYLINDER:
Found in the automotive drum brake assembly, it is a device, actuated by hydraulic pressure, which, through internal pistons, pushes the brake shoes outward against the drums.

WHEEL WEIGHT:
Small weights attached to the wheel to balance the wheel and tire assembly. Out-of-balance tires quickly wear out and also
give erratic handling when installed on the front.

WHEELBASE:
Distance between the center of front wheels and the center of rear wheels.

WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT):
Full travel of accelerator pedal.

WORK:
The force exerted to move a mass or object. Work involves motion; if a force is exerted and no motion takes place, no work is done.
Work per unit of time is called power. Work = force x distance = ft. lbs. 33,000 ft. lbs. in one minute = 1 horsepower

ZERO-THROTTLE COAST DOWN:
A full release of accelerator pedal while vehicle is in motion and in drive range.