Made of strong wires, spokes transfer force to the wheel hub to keep the wheel true. All spokes must have equal tension for optimum wheel performance. Read More »
Servos
Servos apply certain mechanical functions. For instance, if first gear is actuated by the application of a band, the servo is what applies that band. The servo is nothing more than a piston that is connected to a mechanical linkage, moved by hydraulic pressure. When the need for a certain application arises, oil pressure moves the servo and the servo ... Read More »
Tight
A handling condition in which the car’s front end wants to go straight when the wheel is turned. Also called understeer or push. Read More »
Turbocharger
A performance-increasing turbine positioned in the exhaust system. Expanding exhaust gases spin an impeller (very small fan-type blades) at speeds up to 25 thousand rpm, driving a similar compressing impeller. Compressed air from the driven impeller is forced into the induction system, which squeezes more air/fuel mixture into the combustion chambers. With the greater charge of air and fuel, a ... Read More »
V-x Engine
Cylinder block configurations come in many forms. They can be in a V, horizontally-opposed (flat) or in-line (all cylinders in a single cylinder block.) In the case of the V, the cylinder heads are offset from one another by less than 180 degrees, hence the V shape. The -x reference is to the total number of cylinders in the engine. Read More »
Wheelbase
The distance from the center-line of the front wheels to the center-line of the rear wheels. Read More »
Aprilia
A well-regarded Italian motorcycle manufacturer, known for 250 GP race bikes that are tiny and lightweight. Read More »
Brake Fade
Loss of the brake’s ability to stop the car. This occurs when the brakes heat up, preventing the brake pads from grabbing the discs and stopping the car. Read More »
Cargo Net
A stretchy net-like device with four hooks attached. A cargo net is used to secure odd-sized or large items to the passenger seat or luggage rack. Be sure the item that is being secured cannot fit through the holes of the cargo net, and be sure the cargo net is not too large for the item. If the cargo net ... Read More »
Clutch
A device that connects and disconnects the wheels from the engine enabling the gears to be changed. Read More »
