A form of Internal Combustion Engine. It is a heat engine in which the expansion of gas causes (by the explosion or a fuel and air mixture or the introduction of steam) a piston inside a cylinder to move that turns a crank shaft and turns the wheels. Read More »
Piston
A cylindrically-shaped metal piece (like a plug) that is moved back and forth in a cylinder by pressure from an explosion, or the introduction of liquid or air. In an engine, an explosion in a cylinder head pushes a piston which in turn moves a crank shaft and turns the car’s wheels. In a hydraulic system, like your brakes, when ... Read More »
Pegs
Footpegs, often called pegs, are where the motorcycle rider1s feet rest. Lots of Harley Davidsons have floorboards instead of pegs. With pegs, the rider usually rests the balls of her feet on the peg, whereas a floorboard is large enough to accomodate the whole foot. Read More »
Push Rod Engine
An engine configuration where the camshafts are located lower in the engine. Connecting rods and other components are used to operate the valves at the top of the cylinder heads. Read More »
Pillar
All vehicles have A, B and C pillars. They are structural supports that hold the windows in place, support the roof and form the roll cage. The A-pillar holds the front windshield in place. It is in front of the driver and front-passenger doors. The B-pillar is in the center of the car. In a sedan, it is between the ... Read More »
Pulse Vacuum Hublock
This is a new scheme of switching the hubs in a four-wheel-drive vehicle using a pulse of vacuum rather than electrical solenoids, which are heavier and more prone to failure. Read More »
Nelson Piquet
Is a three-time, World Driving Champion from Brazil and is considered one of the all-time great Formula One drivers. Read More »
Power To Weight Ratio
This is the relationship between horsepower and the weight of the car. The greater the horsepower is in relation to the weight of the car, the faster the car will go and the faster it will accelerate. Read More »
Pit Road
Also Pit Lane, the paved roadway that leads into the pit area from the racetrack. Read More »
Power Oversteer
In a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, a skid caused by applying too much power and causing the rear wheels to spin. Read More »
