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Apply Side
The side of a piston on which force or pressure is exerted to move the piston to do work.
Appraisal
An estimate of the value of property, made by a professional appraiser.
Appraisal Fee
The charge for estimating the value of property.
Appraiser
An insurance company's representative who estimates a vehicle's damage and authorizes payment to the collision repair/refinishing shop. Also see estimator.
Approach Angle
The maximum angle, in degrees, of a line running upward and forward from the front tire contract point to the lowest obstruction under the front of the vehicle. Also see departure angle.
APR
See Annual Percentage Rate
APRA
Acronym for Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association.
Apron
The inner edge of a race track.
AQRV
A acronym for Air Quality Related Values.
Aquaplaning
A tire unable to remain in contact with the ground or pavement in wet weather that rides on the water itself. Also known as hydroplaning or, more simply, planing.
Ar
Argon An element with the atomic number of 18.
ARA
An acronym for 1. Automotive Recyclers Association. 2. Automotive Retailers Association.
Aramid Fibers
A family of synthetic materials that are stronger than steel but weigh little more than half what an equal volume of fiberglass weighs.
Arbor
A tapered metal shaft used to secure a cutting tool or a part being turned on a lathe.
Arbor Press
A manual- or power-operated press used to force arbors or mandrels into or out of holes and for similar assembly or disassembly operations.
ARC
[1] Automatic ride control [2] To run flat out on an oval track [2] The discharge of electrical current across a gap between two electrodes.
Arc Blow
In welding, the deflection of an arc from its normal path because of magnetic forces.
Arc Braze Welding
A braze welding process that uses an arc to provide the heat.
Arc Cutter
A term often used for thermal cutter.
Arc Cutting
The thermal cutting process that severs or removes metal by melting it with the heat of an arc between an electrode and the work piece.