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Adaptive Suspersion System

Suspension system that are able to change ride characteristics by continuously altering shock damping and ride height.

Adaptor

Another way of spelling adapter.

ADB

Automatic Differential Braking.

ADC

Analog-to-Digital Converter A sigital electronic component that converts an electrical signal into discrete binary values. changes analog signals to digital signals.

Add-on

1. Any device or system added to a vehicle by the dealer, independent garage, or owner. 2. A component or device added to a computer system to increase its storage capacity, to modify its architecture, or to upgrade its performance; circuitry or system that can be attached to a computer.

Add-on Coolers

1. A method of increasing the transmission system's cooling capacity by adding an external fluid cooling unit. 2. A device to provide cooling for the power steering fluid.

Additive

1. Any material added to a lubricating grease or oil to improve its suitability for service. It may improve a property that the lubricant already possesses or give it properties that it does not naturally possess. 2. Any material added to the cooling system to inhibit rust, increase the boiling point, and/or decrease the freezing point. 3. Any one of a number of special chemicals added to a paint to bring about special effects. 4. Chemicals added to gasoline in very small quantities to improve and maintain gasoline quality.

Address

A number identifying the location in a computer's memory, or a peripheral; or in general, a destination or source.

Address Format

The way that the parts of an address are arranged in an instruction.

Adhesion

1. The ability of a tire to remain in contact with the road surface. 2. The property of oil that causes it to cling to metal surfaces, such as bearings.

Adhesive Bonding

1. A technique for bonding metals and/or plastics together during assembly of panels and bodies. 2. A process used to attach aftermarket body kits, such as rocker panels and spoilers.

Adiabatic Engine

An engine having combustion chambers insulated with a high-temperature material. Heat loss is kept at a minimum and is retained rather than being allowed to dissipate through the cooling and exhaust systems. This results in a higher proportion of thermal energy being converted to useful power.

Adjust

To bring the parts of a component, system, or device to a specific relationship, dimension, temperature, or pressure.

Adjustable Resistor

A resistor with a mechanical means for changing its value, such as a moving contact. (See potentiometer )

Adjustable Shock

Another term used for adjustable shock absorber.

Adjustable Shock Absorber

A shock absorber having an external means of adjustment to calibrate it precisely for a specific operating condition.

Adjustable Strut

A strut with a manually operated adjustment for strut firmness. The strut adjusting knob, usually accessible without raising the vehicle, varies the strut orifice opening. Also see travel-sensitive strut.

Adjustable Torque Arm

A member used to retain axle alignment and, in some cases, control axle torque. Normally one adjustable and one rigid torque arm are used per axle so the axle can be aligned. This rod can be extended or retracted for adjustment purposes.

Adjusting Cam

Eccentric bolts that are used to automatically or manually adjust the brake shoe-to-drum clearance. Positioned in the backing plate of drum brakes, the cam positions the shoe(s) closer to the drum.

Adjusting Shim

A metal shim, available in various thicknesses, used to change the valve clearance in some overhead cam engines.