Glossary of Auto Terms

DriverSide's Car Dictionary has the most comprehensive definitions of automotive terms. This auto glossary can help you decipher what your mechanic is fixing and what the purpose or function of the particular auto part or accessory is for. We have taken the mystery out of automotive service jargon, so that you don't have to.

Back

Catalytic Convertor

This is like an air filter in your exhaust system, only this "filtering" is done chemically by taking advantage of the extremely high exhaust temperatures. These can go "bad" if your air-fuel mixture gets way out of whack, acting like a cork in the exhaust. Like so many other automotive parts, catalytic converters are really only noticeable when they stop working properly.



See Also:
EGR
Automatic Choke
Exhaust System
Intake Valves
Air Cleaner
Choke
Misfiring
Fuel Pump

Diagnose Your Car's Problem

Engine won't start? Weird sound? Strange smoke? Got something going on with your car but not sure what it is? The easy to use DriverSide Diagnostic Tool is here to help you figure it out.



Enter Zip: