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Cargo Bay

A telescoping pole that's used to stabilize cargo in a pickup truck's bed, inside the cargo area of an SUV or minivan or even in a trunk. Some bars even come with a cargo net, to keep small items under control.

Cargo Drawer

A storage product for the cargo area of a van or SUV that features a hard top and one or more drawers underneath. The top surface acts like a false floor, so heavy or bulky cargo can be loaded on top, while smaller or breakable items can go inside the drawers. Some units are lockable, and some can be customized to accommodate fishing poles and gear, sales samples, camera equipment or guns and ammunition. A bed drawer is a comparable product for a pickup truck

Cargo Gate

An organizer that can be used to divide a pickup's bed--or a van or SUV's cargo area--into two separate zones. The gate can be used to corral cargo against the front or rear of the truck's bed, for example.

Cargo Net

A product that can be used to control loose items, including groceries, maps and flashlights. A cargo net can be installed in the cargo area of a van or SUV, in the cab or bed of a pickup, or in the trunk of a car. When empty, the net doesn't take up any cargo space. Nets come in small, medium and hammock-style sizes, and some are sold with an expansion pole to help control larger cargo.

Cargo Storage Compartment

An upholstered or carpeted box that fits flush up against the side of a van or SUV's cargo area. These compartments are lockable and can be attached to the vehicle's interior, so it is possible to secure valuables inside.

Cargo Tray

A plastic tray that covers all--or most--of the floor of a van or SUV's cargo area. Trays typically feature several compartments up front that will keep small items from rolling around and keep breakables safe. Most also feature a slight lip around the edge to contain spills. A comparable product for a pickup is a bed tray.

Cargo Web

A spider web-style net that typically has plastic-coated hooks spaced along the edges. A cargo web often is used to keeps items from moving around or getting airborne in a pickup truck bed. It's also useful for the cargo area of an SUV or to secure a load on a roof rack.

Cargo Wedge

Typically a polypropylene (plastic) product designed to prop cargo in place, much like a doorstop. Some wedges come with Velcro or carpet spikes on the bottom, so they work great in the cargo area of a minivan or SUV, in a trunk or in a pickup on a carpet bedliner. Others feature magnets on the bottom to work on a bare metal pickup bed.

Cargo Weight Rating (CWR)

A truck's carrying capacity, in pounds.

Carnauba

Used in automotive wax. It’s nature’s hardest organic substance, which comes from the Brazilian plant of the same name. Carnauba alone cannot be used as a car wax because it’s too hard. But mixed with other ingredients, it leaves behind a clear, hard shine. It also hides swirl marks.

Carnot Limit

A theoretical limit on the efficiency of an engine based on the flow of heat between two reservoirs.

Carolina Stocker

A car built for drag racing, without regard for any recognized rules.

Carpet Bedliner

A marine-grade carpet lining that covers and protects the bed of a pickup truck. Most carpet bedliners feature padding underneath that conforms to the ribbed shape of the bed floor, making it more comfortable to sit or lie in the bed. When these liners get dirty, they can be hosed off. Carpet bedliners typically come in gray or black, but some companies will custom embroider a logo or other design.

Carrera Panamericana

1. The legendary Mexican road races held in the early 1950s that ran the full length of Mexico. 2. Vintage car races held on the public highways of northern Baja, California.

Carriage Top

A simulated convertible top made from vinyl or canvas fabric that covers a quarter of a vehicle's roof. A cabriolet top covers all of it, while a landau top covers half.

Carrier

A part that holds, positions, moves, or transports anther part or parts.

Carrier Bearing

A bearing that supports the ring-gear carrier in the differential.

Carrier Housing

Cast-iron rear axle assemble section that contains the working parts of the differential.

Carriers

Attached to the shoulder anchor to move or carry the anchor from one end of the track to the other

Carry The Wheels

To do a wheel stand; a drag-racing term.