Glossary “compressed natural gas (CNG)” Definition:
A gas, primarily methane, used as a motor fuel.
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compressibility
Glossary “compressibility” Definition:
Ability of a gasket to conform to surface irregularities, “soft” gaskets are more compensable than “hard” gaskets. Also used to describe the ability to compress a compound or vapor.
compound wound
Glossary “compound wound” Definition:
Type of electrical motor where some field coils are wired in series and some are wired in parallel with the armature.
compounding
Glossary “compounding” Definition:
The use of abrasives to level a course durface before polishing and/or to make a smooth surface coarser before topcoating for adhesion.
comprehensive component
Glossary “comprehensive component” Definition:
Any component, other than a main monitor, that has any effect on vehicle emissions.
comprehensive component monitor
Glossary “comprehensive component monitor” Definition:
OBD II monitor that consists of four strategies. Two strategies are used for monitoring inputs and two are used for monitoring outputs of the PCM.
compound planetary gearset
Glossary “compound planetary gearset” Definition:
Gearset that contains more than just the three basic members of a simple planetary gearset.
compound shape
Glossary “compound shape” Definition:
Structural shape where the opposite sides are not parallel over its length, or a surface that curves in two or more directions over its area.
composite rotor
Glossary “composite rotor” Definition:
A rotor made of different materials, usually cast iron and steel or aluminum, to reduce weight. The friction surfaces and the hub are cast iron, but supporting parts are made of lighter metal.
composite spring
Glossary “composite spring” Definition:
Term used for fiber-composite spring.
composite washer
Glossary “composite washer” Definition:
Flat washer made of different elements.
composition gasket
Glossary “composition gasket” Definition:
Gasket made of a combination of materials.
compound
Glossary “compound” Definition:
Substance composed of two or more elements combined chemically.
compound gauge
Glossary “compound gauge” Definition:
Gauge that registers both above and below atmospheric pressure; used on the low side of an air-conditioning system.
compound low gear
Glossary “compound low gear” Definition:
Low gear in the transmission and low range in the transfer case in a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a two-speed transfer case.
composite materials
Glossary “composite materials” Definition:
Bonding of different materials, usually for strength, such as carbon fiber and fiberglass.
composite plastic
Glossary “composite plastic” Definition:
Also called “hybrids”, they are blends of different plastics and other ingredients designed to achieve specific performance characteristics.
composite headlight
Glossary “composite headlight” Definition:
A halogen headlight system that uses a replaceable bulb, allowing vehicle manufacturers to produce any style of headlight lens they desire.
component
Glossary “component” Definition:
A part or an accessory of a system, circuit, or vehicle. Can also be used to describe the larger volume ingredients of a liquid such as gasoline, coolant, or paint.
component isolation
Glossary “component isolation” Definition:
To isolate a component from the rest of the system or circuit for testing or replacement.