Glossary “alloy” Definition:
A metal containing additions of other metallic or nonmetallic elements to enhance specific properties such as strength and corrosion resistance.
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alloy steel
Glossary “alloy steel” Definition:
Steel containing specified quantities of alloying elements added to effect changes in mechanical or physical properties.
alnico
Glossary “alnico” Definition:
A permanent-magnet alloy of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt.
Alphanumeric
Glossary “Alphanumeric” Definition:
Describes the combined set of all letters in the alphabet and the numbers 0 through 9.
alt
Glossary “alt” Definition:
Acronym for Alternator. May also refer to Alternate or Altitude.
ALTCOM
Glossary “ALTCOM” Definition:
Alternator Command
alternating current (ac or AC)
Glossary “alternating current (ac or AC)” Definition:
1). The type of electrical current actually produced in an alternator. 2) A current flow that begins at “0” volts with the passage of a magnet and flows in one direction as it’s inducted voltage increases to its maximum then decreases to its minimum then the inducted voltage induced by the opposite end of the magnet increases from “0” again however the current flows in the opposite direction.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Glossary “All-Wheel Drive (AWD)” Definition:
Vehicle drivetrain having all four wheels under power at all times.
allen wrench
Glossary “allen wrench” Definition:
A hex, hexagon, or six-sided wrench. Commonly used to install or remove hex set screws.
Alliance of American Insurers (AAI)
Glossary “Alliance of American Insurers (AAI)” Definition:
An association of insurance companies that write auto, liability, property, and worker’s compensation coverage insurance.
alligator clip
Glossary “alligator clip” Definition:
A long-nosed, spring-loaded metal clip with meshing teeth. Used to make temporary electrical connections
alignment
Glossary “alignment” Definition:
The act of lining up or the state of being in a true line.
alignment gap
Glossary “alignment gap” Definition:
Distance between two adjacent auto-body panels.
alignment pin
Glossary “alignment pin” Definition:
Pin or pins used to align one part with another, such as the pins (dowels) used to align a cylinder head on an engine block.
alignment rack
Glossary “alignment rack” Definition:
Drive-on device used for front end or four wheel alignment
alignment stud
Glossary “alignment stud” Definition:
Stud or studs used to align one part with another, such as the studs used to align a cylinder head on an engine block.
alkali
Glossary “alkali” Definition:
A chemical “base” , the opposite of an acid, pH greater that 7.
alkaline
Glossary “alkaline” Definition:
Solution having a pH higher than 10.
alkyd
Glossary “alkyd” Definition:
A coating based on a polyester binder. The polyester binders are chemical combinations of molecules that contain more than one acid or alcohol group. Alkyds are widely used in water-based house paints and automotive primers.
alkyd enamel
Glossary “alkyd enamel” Definition:
Enamel coating derived from any of several different synthetic resins made by heating together a polybasic acid, such as phthalic or maleic acid, and a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or a glycol.