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Grid

1. A wire mesh, such as that used for a grille. 2. The starting position of race cars based on their qualifying order.

Grid Growth

A condition where the battery grid grows little metallic fingers, extending through the separators, shorting out the plates.

Grill

See grille.

Grille

An ornamental opening in the front of a vehicle through which air is delivered to the radiator.

Grille

The opening at the front of a vehicle that allows air into the radiator to help cool the engine. Most grilles come with a metal or plastic insert that adds a design touch to the front end. Replacing the stock grille insert with a custom billet or body color insert is an easy way to set a vehicle apart from others on the road.

Grille Guard

A tubular steel or aluminum protector for the front end of a pickup, van or SUV that is designed to provide protection while off-roading, but which often is added to provide a tough, urban warrior look on the street. Some grille guards install without drilling, and many are available with auxiliary lighting for better visibility at night. Other grille guard options include integral wire headlight protectors, a rugged built-in front bumper with a winch and even a front step to make underhood access easier. Grille guards commonly come with a polished metal or black powder coated finish. Also known as a brush guard or bull bar.

Grille Insert

A metal or plastic insert that mounts inside a vehicle’s grille and adds a design element to the car or truck’s front end. For a simple restyling touch, it’s easy to install a custom grille insert. Many inserts are made of billet aluminum, while others can be painted body color for a more monochromatic look.

Grind

1. To use an abrasive wheel to remove metal. 2. The specific contour of a camshaft lobe, such as a quarter-race grind. 3. A long race with emphasis on endurance rather than performance.

Grip

A term used for traction.

Grit

Fine dust or dirt.

Grocery Getter

A car used for everyday transportation.

Grommet

1. A reinforced-metal eyelet through which a fastener is attached. 2. A rubber or plastic eyelet inserted in a hole to protect wires that pass through it.

Groove

1. The recess in a part to hold a ring or snap ring. 2. Space between two adjacent tread ribs or lugs; the lowered section of the tire tread. 3. The specific path through a turn in an oval track or in road racing. 4. A rut.

Groove Weld

A weld made in a groove between the work pieces.

Gross Axle-weight Rating (GAWR)

The maximum allowable fully loaded weight of a given axle.

Gross Combination Weight (GCW)

The total weight of a fully equipped vehicle including payload, fuel, and driver.

Gross Horsepower

The maximum engine output as measured on a dynamometer. Also known as gross torque.

Gross Torque

A term used for gross horsepower.

Gross Trailer Weight

Abbreviated GTW. This is simply the weight of a trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to be towed.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

The sum of the weight of the trailer(s) and the payload.