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Clear Coat

A hard, transparent coating that is applied to a painted surface to enhance the illusion of visual depth and/or protect the surface.

Clear Taillight

A specialty taillight that replaces a factory unit and provides a more stylish, "Euro" look. While some designs are clear and require the use of a red taillight bulb, most of the newer models feature a red reflector area and use clear bulbs.

Clearance

The space between mating parts, such as between a journal and a bearing, that allows freedom of movement or prevents interference.

Clearance Ramp

The area of a mechanical-lifter camshaft lobe that makes the progression from the base circle to the edge.

Clearance Volume

The total-volume measurement above a piston at top dead center, (TDC), including the area of the combustion chamber.

Clearcoat

A clear paint often applied to bare aluminum wheels for protection from rust and oxidation. See basecoat/clearcoat.

Clearcoated

Painted with a clear paint, which often contains UV protection. Most vehicles are painted with a two-stage basecoat/clearcoat paint. Many other components on a vehicle are clearcoated for protection, including aluminum wheels.

Clearing Time

The time it takes a circuit breaker to sense an over current, until circuit interruption.

Cleveland V-8

A popular 351 cid V-8 engine manufactured in Cleveland by Ford.

Clevis

Pronounced CLEH-viss. A type of trailer hookup used in lieu of a hitch ball, most commonly for farm and construction equipment. Sometimes the clevis is built directly into a ball mount.

Click

To tap on a mouse button, pressing it down and then immediately releasing it.

Climate Control

A vehicle's heating and, if applicable, air conditioning system.

Clip

A major body repair in which the front or rear of a vehicle is replaced with the front or rear of another vehicle of the same mike and model

Clipboard

A special file or memory area (buffer) where data is stored temporarily before being copied to another location.

Clock

1. A device for telling the time of day. 2. A term often used for speedometer. 3. A device that generates a basic periodic signal used to control timing of all operations in a synchronous system or computer.

Clock Circuit

A crystal that electrically vibrates when subjected to a current at certain voltage levels

Clock Input

An input terminal in a circuit where timing or synchronizing signals are applied.

Clock Rate

The frequency of oscillation of the master clock, or oscillator, in a system.

Clock Spring

A device, located between the steering column and steering wheel, that conducts electrical signals in an air-bag system to the module, while allowing steering-wheel rotation. This provides electrical continuity in all steering-wheel positions.

Clockspring

A winding of electrical conducting tape enclosed within a plastic housing. The clockspring maintains continuity between the steering wheel, switches, the air bag, and the wiring harness in all steering wheel positions.