Made of metal, it is connected to the wheel and rotates with the wheel. When the brakes are applied, the brake pads are forced to rub against the disc; this friction causes the wheel to slow and eventually stop. Read More »

Type of suspension where two V arms form the upper and lower pivoting and locating members. Most commonly used on front suspensions since they work well with steering links, but occasionally are used on rear suspensions. Read More »

Taxes levied on cars with larger engines. Read More »

The volume of a cylinder. The geometric volume is determined by the diameter of the cylinder and the distance the top of the piston travels. The displacement of an engine is the total displacement of all its engine cylinders, usually expressed in liters (L) or cubic inches (c.i.). Read More »

Also called Double Overhead Cam (DOHC). This is an engine with a pair of cam shafts in the top of the cylinder head. The first operates the intake valves, while the other operates the exhaust valves. Read More »

Prior to the 70s, most vehicles had the engine in front to drive the rear wheels. The drive shaft was the rotating coupling with universal joints that connected the rear of the transmission (usually under the car around the driver’s seat) to the differential assembly at the back of the car. Now with independent suspension and front wheel drive, there ... Read More »

The distribution of air pushing down on a race car. The more downforce, the faster it goes. Read More »

The practice of following immediately behind another car to take advantage of the lead car’s “punching a hole” in the wind. Read More »

Drag relates to the aerodynamics of the car and affects speed, performance and miles per gallon. The higher the number (the coefficient), slower the car’s performance. The lower the number, the better the car will perform. Read More »

On the BMW F650, the dummy lights are the green light that signifies the bike is in neutral, the blue light that lets you know your high beam is on, the turn signal light and the oil light. Read More »