- N -

Negative Back-pressure EGR Valve

An exhaust-gas-recirculation valve having a normally closed bleed hole which opens when back pressure drops, reducing vacuum above the diaphragm and cutting the recirculation flow.

Negative Camber

The inward vertical tilt of the wheels on a vehicle.

Negative Ion

Any atom or group of atoms that have more electrons than protons.

Negative Offset

A wheel rim that has been placed inward from the center of its mounting flange.

Negative Pole

The negative terminal on a battery. Also known as negative post.

Negative Post

Same as negative pole.

Negative Temperature Coefficient

Type of thermistor in which resistance decresses as temperature increases.

Negative Temperature Coefficients (NTC)

The ability of a substance to change its characteristic opposite for a given change in temperature.

Negative Terminal

The side of a battery or electrical device nearest ground potential, often identified by a minus (-) sign.

Negative Wheel Slip

Wheel lockup that occurs when too much braking force is applied to a wheel and the tire skids on the pavement. ABS controls negative wheel slip by modulating the hydraulic pressure to the wheel or wheels that is/are skidding.

Nematic

Describes a fluid that is a liquid crystal with a threadlike form. It has light slots that can be rearranged by applying small amounts of voltage.

Neoclassic

The modern design of a car to resemble a classic of the late 1920's and early 1930's.

Neoprene

A type of synthetic rubber that is resistant to heat, light, oil, and oxidation.

Nerf

To bump or shove another car in an oval-track race.

Nerf Bars

Small, tubular bumpers at the front and rear of an oval-track race car.

Net Horsepower

The maximum engine horsepower as measured on a dynamometer.

Net Torque

The maximum engine torque as measured on a dyno.

Net Valve Lift

The lift, less the running clearance, of a valve.

Netscape

Officially called Netscape communications corporation; it produces a web browser and tools for building intranets.

Network

1. The channel through which several computers share information. May use connecting wiring called multiplexing or may be wireless. 2. A group of computers or computer systems linked togather.