Glossary
Here is a compilation of car terms that we think you will find helpful as you research your next purchase. These are common terms that you might come across while shopping for your next vehicle. Contact us if
you feel there is something that should be included in our glossary, and we will definitely consider your suggestion.
capitalized cost reduction
In a car lease, it refers to the downpayment that is made to a car.
captive lease company
A company that helps in the financing of an automobile dealer. In some countries, the lease company is primarily any bank.
center differential
Via use of spider gears, this holds the force between the front and rear differentials; are not as strong as the front and rear differentials and are known to break under very extreme pressure.
chassis
The framework of a car that does not include the car body.
child-safety door locks
Door switches often in the rear of the car that will disable the use of inner handles and that discourage children from opening the door while a car is in motion.
closed-end lease
In car leasing, this refers to a lease that does not require a car buyer to pay any difference between residual and market value.
clutchless manual
Automatic gear transmission that allows a car driver to change the gears manually.
coefficient of drag
Refers to a car's resistance to the air as it passes through it.
coil spring
A helix-shaped spring that is made of a metal wire winding around a cylinder; it is a mechanical device designed to absorb shock and is used mostly on passenger cars.
Consumer Leasing Act
A Federal Reserve Board law that requires lessors to disclose all terms in a lease agreement including leasing costs, penalties for late payments, and any payments that should be made at lease end.
continuously variable transmission (CVT)
An automatic transmission where drive rations can be varied, providing an infinite number of ratios.
control arm
Refers to the component that connects a wheel to a car frame; the suspension piece allows the wheel to move independently and to certain limits.
curb weight
Refers to the full weight of a car with all standard equipment, motor oils, coolant, and a full tank of gas; refers to the car weight without a driver or passengers on board the car.
