Car Glossary

Car Glossary India - Index S

Car Jargon - Simplified. Now understand car jargon the way experts do!

Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) in a Car

The camshaft is an apparatus often used in piston engines to operate valves. The cams, as they rotate, force the valves open by pressing on the valve or on an intermediate mechanism. Some engines have a single overhead camshaft and some engines have a double camshaft which is known as DOHC.

Benefit

SOHC engine provides better low end torque compared to the DOHC engines and is cheaper to maintain.

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel injection is a means of supplying fuel into an internal combustion engine. In SEFI, fuel injection is timed so as to coincide with each cylinder's intake stroke. In SEFI, the injectors open one at a time, in conjunction with the opening of each cylinder. It allows for faster response, when the driver makes a sudden change.

Benefit

An engine with SEFI delivers better fuel economy.

Side impact bars

Made from high strength steel tubes, side impact bars are fitted into the middle of the door panels. These bars make the car’s doors stronger and therefore, more efficient at protecting passengers during a side impact.

Benefit

Side impact bars protect the car body on both sides.

Speed-sensitive steering

It is a kind of speed-dependent power steering, in which the amount of assist is determined by the road speed. The amount of power assist is the maximum at low speeds and vice-versa. At higher speeds, an electronic sensing system gradually reduces the power assist.

Benefit

The speed-sensitive steering becomes stiffer at higher speeds to provide better control of the car.

Spoiler

An aerodynamic (shape of objects that affects the flow of air, liquid, or gas) device that changes the direction of the airflow in order to reduce lift or aerodynamic drag, and/or improve engine cooling. Spoiler is an air deflector mounted usually at the rear of an automobile to reduce lift at high speeds.

Benefit

Provides better aerodynamic ability to the car.

Suspension

The arrangement of springs, shock absorbers, and the various links that bind a vehicle to its wheels. The suspension system contributes to the car's handling and keeps the inmates away from road imperfections and bumps.