Overdrive is a transmission gear that allows the engine to turn at a reduced rpm for a given road speed.

Overheating occurs when an engine reaches too high of an operating temperature. Overheating may lead to potentially significant engine damage.

The owner’s manual is the booklet supplied with all cars when they are sold new. It is usually placed in the glovebox. Your owner’s manual contains information about the equipment your car has, what kinds of fluids and lubricants to

This is a gear found only on automatic transmissions. The park gear locks a vehicle’s transmission in place, preventing the car from moving.

This is a switch found on many modern automatic transmissions that prevents a vehicle from starting unless the gear selector is in park or neutral.

Also known as the emergency brake. The parking brake is used when parking on an incline to prevent the car from rolling away.

The parking brake cable connects the parking brake pedal or handle to the parking brakes themselves. Top

The parking brake shoes/pads are just like normal brake pads or brake shoes. The only difference is that they work specifically with the parking brakes.

Powertrain Control Module. The PCM is a powerful computer that manages the Engines Ignition, Fuel Injection, and Emission Systems. In some vehicles it may control the operation of the Transmission and Anti-Lock Brake Systems as well.

Lug nuts attach a car’s wheel to its hub.

Manual chokes have a cable that lets the driver control the carburetor’s choke operation. Most newer cars with carburetors have automatic chokes instead of manual chokes.

With a manual steering system, there is no power assist to the driver.

A manual transmission is a transmission with a clutch. In addition, it is up to the driver to select gears.

A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), commonly referred to as the Check Engine Light is an indicator of malfunction of the computerized engine management system. It is found on the instrument console of most automobiles. When the MIL is lit, the

When incomplete or no combustion occurs in one or more cylinders due to improper fuel, ignition, cylinder compression, or air.

The muffler is a part of the exhaust system designed to reduce the noise generated by a vehicle.

Natural pollution has been present on earth since before man appeared and continues to be a factor when discussing air pollution, although it causes only a small percentage of the overall pollution problem. It is the direct result of decaying

Neutral (gear). Neutral is actually not a gear. When your vehicle is in neutral, the gearbox and engine are completely disconnected. Thus, your car is able to roll freely whether the engine is on or off.

An acronym for Oxides of Nitrogen, a primary emission produced in the combustion chamber under high temperatures when nitrogen combines with oxygen. Oxides of nitrogen contribute to the formation of smog.

A fuel octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking or pinging.