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Aluminized Coating

A metal spray process used to coat engine components subject to high temperatures for long periods of time to increase heat dissipation to the ambient atmosphere.

Aluminized Valve

A valve with a thin layer of aluminum sprayed on the valve face and, sometimes, on the top of the valve head to provide a thin, hard, corrosion-resistant.

Aluminum (al)

A versatile engineering and construction material that is light in weight, yet some of its alloys have strengths greater than steel. It has high resistance to corrosion and is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity.

Aluminum Cylinder Block

An engine block cast of aluminum or aluminum alloy, usually with cast iron sleeves installed as cylinder bores.

Aluminum-killed Steel

Steel alloy in which aluminum has been added to "kill" it in the molten stage and refine its grain structure. A process of stopping molten steel from bubbling and combining with oxygen after being poured into ingots. Also see silicone-killed steel.

Am

Amplitude modulation or air management; also Am, Americium An element with the atomic number of 95.

AM1

Air management 1.

AM2

Air management 2.

Amber

A type of resin that, when rubbed with a cloth, assumes a strong positive charge.

Amber Lens

The color lens used for turn signals and flashers on modern motor vehicles.

Ambient

All around, surrounding, or encompassing.

Ambient Air

The air that surrounds an object.

Ambient Air Temperature

The temperature of the air that surrounds an object.

Ambient Compressor Switch

An electrical switch that energizes the air conditioner compressor clutch when the outside ambient air temperature is 47 F (8.3 C) or above. Similarly, the switch turns off the compressor when the air temperature drops below 32 F (o C).

Ambient Sensor

A sensor used on computerized automatic temperature-control systems that senses the outside air temperature and uses this information as an input to the system; a thermistor used in automatic temperature-control units to sense ambient temperature. Also see thermistor.

Ambient Switch

A switch used to control compressor operation by turning it ON or OFF. The switch is regulated by ambient temperature.

Ambient Temperature

The temperature of the air surrounding a vehicle.

Ambient Temperature Sensor

A sensor that measures the outside air temperature as it enters the evaporator.

AMC

[1] American Motors Corporation [2] Utah's Air Monitoring Center.

American Automobile Association (AAA)

A motor club providing travel information, emergency road service, and other services to its members.