Auto Repair & Car Parts Dictionary

A V-belt is the rubber belt that drives the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and waterpump. It's called a V-belt because of its “V” shaped cross-section. All belts wear out over time and need to be replaced. If you notice cracks or frayed peeling rubber, you should have the belt changed immediately to avoid serious engine damage that could occur.

A Vacuum Gauge is used for diagnostic purposes and is an essential tool in tuning a carburetor in order to find the proper idle mixture of fuel-air.

Unlike traditional lines or hoses that transport material, vacuum lines and hoses work to “pull” once something has been pushed. For example, when you push down on your brakes, a mechanism is required to pull them back up. Vacuum lines and hoses create reverse pressure to move these kinds of parts.

There are a variety of valves on your car (usually referred to as a "car valve" or "car valves"). The intake valve allows the fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber of the engine, while the exhaust valve releases the burnt fuel-air mixture into the exhaust system. When valves wear out or fail, the cylinder head must be removed and taken apart. This is a fairly involved process that requires resurfacing, pressure testing, and precision work.

The advantage of a Variable Gear Ratio Steering Assembly is that it adjusts to the ideal steering condition for whatever the car’s speed happens to be. When traveling at highway speeds, the car’s steering becomes less sensitive to small movements of the wheel, whereas when you’re driving at slower speeds or parking, the steering becomes highly responsive to small movements of the wheel.

Whenever you brake, the rotor becomes very hot from the friction caused by the brake pad pressing against it. A Ventilated Rotor helps reduce the heat coming off the rotor for the purpose of making the brakes last longer. The drawback is that ventilated rotors cost more.