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Break

1.To damage a car in any way. 2. To open, as a set of points.

Break Before Make (BBM)

A switch, such as a headlamp dimmer, that breaks one circuit before making another.

Break Rule

A regulation in drag racing that permits a car, defeated in an elimination, to return to competition if the car that beat it is not able to get to the line for its next round.

Break-in

The operation of a new vehicle at a constant and even speed to assure even initial wear of all engine parts.

Breakaway Brakes

Brakes designed to bring a trailer to a halt, should it become separated from its tow vehicle. A breakaway system is required by law when towing in many states.

Breaker

A spring-loaded switch in a conventional distributor ignition system that opens (breaks) and closes (makes) the primary circuit.

Breaker Cam

The rotating part, located near the top of the conventional distributor, that has lobes that cause the breaker points to open and close.

Breaker Point Gap

The space between the fully opened breaker points in a conventional distributor.

Breaker Points

In a conventional ignition system, and electrical switch that opens to interrupt current flow in the primary circuit. Often called contact points.

Breaker Trigger System

Any ignition system that utilizes conventional breaker contacts to time and trigger the system.

Breakerless System

An electronic ignition system that does not use conventional breaker points to time and trigger the primary voltage but retains the distributor for secondary voltage distribution.

Breakout

1. The point at which conductor(s) are taken out of a multi-conductor assembly. 2. The point at which a branch departs from the main wiring harness.

Breakout Box

A Test device which connects in series with between the power train control module and it's harness and permits measurements of inputs and outputs.

Breakover Angle

A term often used for ramp angle.

Breathing

The ability of an engine to draw in air and exhaust gases. The better the breathing, the better the performance.

Brickyard

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Bridge Rectifier

A full-wave rectifier in which the diodes are connected in a bridge circuit allowing current flow to the load during both positive and negative alternation of the supply voltage.

Bridgeable

Brineling

A steel-shim head gasket torqued in place on an engine block.

Brinell Test

A technique for testing the hardness of a metal.