- K -

KIS

Knock intensity sensor.

Kit Car

A knocked-down vehicle designed to be built by the owner.

Km

An acronym for the metric kilometer.

KM/H

Kilometers an hour.

Knee Bolster

An energy-absorbing pad used on a passive-restraint system to cushion the forward motion of the driver during an accident by restricting leg movement.

KNK

An acronym for Knock Sensor.

Knock

A noise within an engine generally caused by detonation or preignition.

Knock Off

1. A counterfeit. 2. A cheap auto part packaged to represent a popular brand.

Knock Sensor

A sensor that signals the engine-control computer when detonation is detected, momentarily retarding ignition timing until detonation ceases.

Knock-off Hub

A large, single, two- or three-eared wing nut used to retain a wheel; illegal for street use.

Knocked-down Set (KD Set)

A package of automotive parts, assemblies, and subassemblies packaged at one location to be assembled at another location.

Knuckle

A term used for steering knuckle, the part around which each front wheel pivots as it is steered.

Knuckle Arm

The arm that extends backward from the steering knuckle to provide attachment for the tie rods.

Knurl

1. A series of ridges formed on the outer surface of a piston or the inner surface of a valve guide to help reduce clearance and hold oil for added lubrication. 2. Machined ridges on a part or tool used to provide a friction surface for drive purposes.

KOEO

An acronym for "key on engine off.".

KOER

An acronym for "key on engine running.".

KPa

An acronym for the metric kiloPascal, as in the English pounds per square inch.

Kr

Krypton An element with the atomic number of 36.

KS

Knock sensor or kicker solenoid.

Kustom

A term George Barris used for "custom," now in common use.