Glossary of Automotive Terms – N

Letter N – Dictionary of Automotive Terms

N

1. A gear selection indication for neutral
2. Symbol for Nitrogen

N₂O

Short for nitrous oxide

NA

Abbreviation for Narrow Aisle which is a specialized lift trucks designed to be used in narrow aisles of 8 to 10 feet.

NAAMSA

Abbreviation for National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa

NAAQS

Abbreviation for National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NACA duct

This is an air opening which was named after the National Advisory Committee for Aerodynamics. It was the American organization which developed the kinds of designs for low Drag air ducts for jet engines. NACA ducts are used on cars to force air for engine Breathing and cooling, for forcing air through the radiators, and for providing fresh air for the passenger compartment.

Nacelle

A plastic or metal covering. A headlight nacelle on a motorcycle is the bucket surrounding the headlight.

NADA

Abbreviation for National Automobile Dealers Association established in 1917

NADA Used Car Guide

A listing of current car prices, based on age, condition, and optional equipment; published by National Automobile Dealers Association

NAFTA

Abbreviation for North American Free Trade Agreement on http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/am00635e.html.

N.A.G.

A vehicle brand of which models built between 1925 and 1948 (the classical era), with required application, are classic cars.

NAICS

Abbreviation for North American Industrial Classification System. A coding system developed jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico to classify businesses and industries according to the type of economic activity in which they are engaged. NAICS replaces the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.

Nail

Fastener made from endless wire by cutting a point and forming a head at the shank end opposite the point. See

Nail hammer

A hammer designed to hit the head of nails and usually has a claw device which allows for the removal of nails.

Nail Point

A sharp pyramidal point of approximately 30 degrees or 45 degrees included angle.

Nail punch

See

• Drift punch

Naked bike

A motorcycle without any type of fairing

Nameplate

A metal tag attached to a machine or appliance that contains information such as brand name, serial number, voltage, power ratings under specified conditions, and other manufacturer supplied data.

See

• Import nameplate

Nanometre

A unit of measurement of the wavelength of light. One nanometre = 10^-9 metre= 10 Ångström units. Yellow light is about 550 nanometres.

NAPA

Abbreviation for National Automotive Parts Association

Naphtha

An artificially produced petroleum or coal tar fraction with a volatility between gasoline and Kerosene. It is colorless and has an approximate boiling range between 50°C and 204°C. Used primarily as paint solvent, cleaning fluid, and blendstock in gasoline production, to produce motor gasoline by blending with straight-run gasoline.

See

Naphtha-type jet fuel

A fuel in the heavy naphtha boiling range having an average gravity of 52.8 degrees API, 20 to 90 percent distillation temperatures of 143°C to 243°C, and meeting Military Specification MIL-T-5624L (Grade JP-4). It is used primarily for military turbojet and turboprop aircraft engines because it has a lower freeze point than other aviation fuels and meets engine requirements at high altitudes and speeds. Note: Beginning with January 2004 data, naphtha-type jet fuel is included in Miscellaneous Products.

Naphthenes

One of three basic hydrocarbon classifications found naturally in crude oil. Naphthenes are widely used as Petrochemical feedstock.

NAQS

Abbreviation for National Air Quality Strategy in the UK

Narrow Aisle

(NA): Specialized lift trucks designed to be used in narrow aisles of 8 to 10 feet.

Narrow width chain

A chain used on multi-speed bicycles with a cassette of 8 or more sprockets.

See

• Derailleur Chain Narrow Width

NAS

Abbreviation for National Aerospace Standards

NASCAR

Abbreviation for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing or North America Stock Car Auto Racing or

NAS Drawings and Specifications

Dimensional and material standards for aircraft fasteners developed by the National Aerospace Standards Committee. All drawings and specifications are prefixed by NAS.

Nash

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Nash

A vehicle brand of which several models were classic cars

• 1930 Series 490
• 1931 Series 890
• 1932 Series 990 and 1090
• 1933 Series 1190
• 1934 Series 1290
• 1940 Sakhnoffsky Special Cabriolet

The 1951-54 Healey models are milestone cars.

See

• Frazer Nash.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

(NAAQS) Ambient standards for criteria air pollutants specifically regulated under the CAA. These pollutants include ozone, CO, NO_2>, lead, particulate matter, and SO_x. Urban areas are required to achieve attainment in regard to ambient concentrations of these criteria pollutants.

National Automotive Technical Education Foundation

A consortium of automotive education experts which has established a steering committee to administer the CHAMP certification process at educational institutions.

National coarse thread

(NC) A standard for the threads of nuts and bolts in which the number of threads per inch is much fewer than a fine (NF) nut or bolt. Observe the difference in the number of threads per inch (TPI) of the NF and NC in the following chart. Also called Unified National Coarse thread (UNC)

WIDTH	NF TPI	NC TPI
#10	32	24
#12	28	24
1/4	28	20
5/16	24	18
3/8	24	16
7/16	20	14
1/2	20	13
9/16	18	12
5/8	18	11
3/4	16	10
7/8	14	9
1	14	8
1-1/8	12	7
1-1/4	12	6
1-3/8	12	6
1-1/2	12	5
1-3/4	n/a	4
2	n/a	4.5
2-1/4	n/a	4.5
2-1/2	n/a	4
2-3/4	n/a	4
3	n/a	4

National electrical code (NEC)

A code for the purpose of practical safeguarding of persons and property from the hazards arising from the use of electricity. It is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Institute. It is used to serve as a guide for governmental bodies whose duty is to regulate building codes

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

An organization which establishes certain voluntary industry standards relating to electric motors. These standards refer to the operating characteristics, terminology, basic dimension, ratings, and testing

National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA) The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision-making processes by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions.

National fine thread

(NF) A standard for the threads of nuts and bolts in which the number of threads per inch is much greater than a coarse (NC) nut or bolt. Also called Unified National Fine thread (UNF). Observe the difference in the number of threads per inch (TPI) of the NF and NC in the following chart

WIDTH	NF TPI	NC TPI
#10	32	24
#12	28	24
1/4	28	20
5/16	24	18
3/8	24	16
7/16	20	14
1/2	20	13
9/16	18	12
5/8	18	11
3/4	16	10
7/8	14	9
1	14	8
1-1/8	12	7
1-1/4	12	6
1-3/8	12	6
1-1/2	12	5
1-3/4	n/a	4
2	n/a	4.5
2-1/4	n/a	4.5
2-1/2	n/a	4
2-3/4	n/a	4
3	n/a	4

National flag

The flag flown by a ship to show her nationality.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA) A US regulatory body which determines the regulations for vehicles.

National Low-Emission Vehicle

A light-duty passenger car or truck up to 6,000 lb GVWR that meets the National Low-Emission Vehicle Program standards.

National Low-Emission Vehicle Program

(NLEV) Still under development, this program creates voluntary requirements which automakers can adopt in lieu of compliance with other vehicle emission control measures. The program applies to the manufacture of new light-duty vehicles and new light-duty trucks up to 6,000 lb GVWR. Vehicle exhaust emission standards have been established for the 13 northeastern states of the Ozone Transport Commission, applicable on and after the 1997 model year. Standards are extended to the rest of the U.S., except California, on and after the 2001 model year. In general, the standards lie between levels established for the federal Tier I Program and the California LEV Program. Automakers can use a manufacturer’s effective average standard to meet the non-methane organic gas standard. Vehicles are certified with California test procedures.

National motor freight classification

(NMFC) A publication for motor carriers containing rules, commodity descriptions, and classifications for nearly all shippable commodities.

National Off-Road Bicycle Association

(NORBA) The US governing body for off-road racing

National Petroleum Council

(NPC) An advisory body of appointed members whose purpose is to advise the Secretary of Energy.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

(NPDES) The part of the U.S. federal Clean Water Act, which requires point source discharges to obtain permits.

National priorities list

The Environmental Protection Agency’s list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites identified for possible long-term remedial action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The list is based primarily on the score a site receives from the Environmental Protection Agency Hazard Ranking System. The Environmental Protection Agency is required to update the National Priorities List at least once a year.

National Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA) Under the U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. NHTSA investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards, helps states and local communities reduce the threat of drunk drivers, promotes the use of safety belts, child safety seats and air bags, investigates odometer fraud, establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations and provides consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics.

National Transportation Safety Board

(NTSB) An independent Federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in the other modes of transportation — railroad, highway, marine and pipeline — and issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.

National Wooden Pallet and Container Association

(NWPCA) A national association with the goal of promoting the design, manufacturer, distribution, recycling and sale of pallets, containers and reels.

Native gas

Gas in place at the time that a reservoir was converted to use as an underground storage reservoir in contrast to injected gas volumes.

NATO towing hook

Large, robust, four-bolt attachment towing pintle with top-closure and, usually, 360° rotational capability about the longitudinal axis originally specified for NATO 7.5 tonne military vehicles. Suitable for off-road towing.

Natural convection

1. Movement of a fluid caused only by temperature differences (density changes).
2. Circulation of a gas or liquid due to difference in density resulting from temperature differences.

Natural frequency

The frequency at which an object, circuit, or system oscillates or vibrates when set in free vibration. Large heavy objects have low natural frequencies and small light objects have high natural frequencies.

Natural gas

(NG) A gaseous mixture of hydrocarbon compounds, the primary one being Methane and occurs naturally in the earth. The Energy Information Administration measures wet natural gas and its two sources of production, Associated-dissolved natural gas and Nonassociated natural gas, and Dry natural gas, which is produced from Wet natural gas. As an alternative, environmentally friendly fuel, it can be stored under pressure in the trunk of a vehicle as Compressed natural gas (CNG).

See

Natural Gas Act

The Natural Gas Act was passed in 1938, giving the Federal Power Commission (now the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC) jurisdiction over companies engaged in interstate sale or transportation of natural gas. The act instituted federal oversight of rates charged by interstate gas-transmission companies, and also limited certification authority. Nobody was allowed to build an interstate pipeline to deliver gas into a market already served by another gas pipeline without first obtaining a Federal Power Commission certificate. The principle aims of the Natural Gas Act were to: 1) provide a stable financial and regulatory environment for the financing and construction of interstate gas pipelines; and 2) prevent the ‘naturally monopolistic’ pipelines from engaging in undue discrimination and other feared abuses, including those attendant on their control by utility holding companies or major oil and gas producers.

Natural gas hydrates

Solid, crystalline, wax-like substances composed of water, methane, and usually a small amount of other gases, with the gases being trapped in the interstices of a water-ice lattice. They form beneath permafrost and on the ocean floor under conditions of moderately high pressure and at temperatures near the freezing point of water.

Natural gas liquids

(NGL) Those hydrocarbons in natural gas that are separated from the gas as liquids through the process of absorption, condensation, adsorption, or other methods in gas processing or cycling plants. Generally such liquids consist of Propane and heavier hydrocarbons and are commonly referred to as lease condensate, natural gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gases. Natural gas liquids include natural gas plant liquids (primarily ethane, Propane, Butane, and Isobutane; see Natural Gas Plant Liquids) and lease condensate (primarily pentanes produced from natural gas at lease separators and field facilities; see Lease Condensate).

Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978

(NGPA) Signed into law on November 9, 1978, the NGPA is a framework for the regulation of most facets of the natural gas industry. The gas market before 1978 was drastically different than the one currently existing in the United States. The changes in the market since the 1970’s have come partially from increasing technology, but also largely from changes in natural gas regulation. The Natural Gas Policy Act was one of the first efforts to deregulate the gas industry. Congress intended to allow the supply, demand, and thus the price of natural gas to be dictated by market forces, rather than regulation. Other deregulation bills include Order 636.

Natural Gas Vehicle

(NGV) A natural gas vehicle is a new breed of car, bus or truck that is powered by a natural gas, either in compressed or liquefied form, rather than the traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. These vehicles offer an extremely clean, safe and efficient alternative to traditional transportation. With the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments and the Energy Policy Act of 1992, these alternative fuel vehicles are expected to proliferate in the later 1990’s. Already, major car manufacturers are offering natural gas vehicles, and there are over 700 fueling stations nationwide.

Natural gasoline

A term used in the gas processing industry to refer to a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons (mostly pentanes and heavier hydrocarbons) extracted from natural gas. It includes isopentane.

Natural Gasoline and Isopentane

A mixture of hydrocarbons, mostly pentanes and heavier, extracted from natural gas, that meets vapor pressure, end-point, and other specifications for natural gasoline set by the Gas Processors Association. Includes isopentane which is a saturated branch-chain hydrocarbon, (C5H12), obtained by fractionation of natural gasoline or isomerization of normal pentane.

Naturally aspirated engine

A conventional engine that takes in air at normal pressure, i.e. not turbocharged or supercharged. The opposite is forced-induction engine

Natural oxide film

A transparent film which forms naturally on an aluminum surface due to oxidation

Natural oxide skin

A transparent film which forms naturally on an aluminum surface due to oxidation

Natural rubber

(NR) An elastomer produced from latex, a milky sap, obtained from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and other plants. An elastic and porous form of rubber.

See

• Synthetic rubber

Natural weathering

A corrosion test by means of which the corrosion resistance of a material is tested in the open air

Nautical Mile

(NM or nmi) One nautical mile is exactly 1.852 km which is about 6,076 feet.

Naval brass

A corrosion resistant metal containing 60 per cent copper, 39 1/4 per cent zinc and 3/4 per cent tin.

See

• Tobin bronze

Naval bronze

Basic brass with a small addition of tin for added corrosion resistance against salt water. Also called naval brass

Nave

A wheel hub

Nave plate

A hub cap

Navigating bridge

The command post (deck) of a ship from which the ship is navigated.

Navigator

See

• Electronic navigator

NB-EGO Sensor

Abbreviation for Narrow Band EGO sensor which gives a switch at the stoichiometric ratio (the chemically correct mixture of air and fuel), but unreliable for AFR other than stoichiometric.

NC

Abbreviation for normally closed

NCM

Abbreviation for NO_x-control module

NCS

1. Abbreviation for Noise cancellation system
2. Abbreviation for National Cycling Strategy in the UK

NDIR

Abbreviation for Non Dispersive Infrared

NDIR analyzer

A non-dispersive infrared analyzer, used for analyzing concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in an exhaust gas sample

NDS

Abbreviation for Neutral drive switch

NDT method

A non-destructive testing method, such as ultrasonic testing, X-ray testing, dye-penetrant testing

Neader-pattern

A motorcycle frame and fork design by Neader using pressed steel or Duralumin

Near Neat Fuel

Fuel that is virtually free from admixture or dilution.

Nearside

(n/s) the side of a vehicle nearest the curb (when driving)

Neat Alcohol Fuel

Straight or 100% alcohol (not blended with gasoline), usually in the form of either ethanol or methanol.

Neat Fuel

Fuel that is free from admixture or dilution with other fuels.

See

• Near Neat Fuel

NEC

Abbreviation for National Electrical Code

Neck

1. A portion reduced in diameter between the ends of a shaft.
2. The nonload bearing coupling portion of a trailer.

See

Neck carriage bolt

See

• Fin neck carriage bolt

Necking

When ductile test specimens are subjected to a tensile test, they exhibit necking when the tensile force exceeds the yield strength of the material; necking results in a reduction of area, measured in percent after break of the specimen

Needle

1. An indicator on a dial, instrument, or gauge.
2. A thin rod or small tapered rod used to open or close a hole.
3. A valve with a long, thin tapered point that operates in a small hole or jet. The hole size is changed by moving the needle in and out.

See

Needle and seat

A pair of items in a carburetor. The seat is usually a brass plug with a specially shaped hole to accommodate the needle which is a shaft with a pointed end. When the needle is fully seated in the seat, no gasoline can enter the float bowl. As the needle is lifted off the seat some gas pours into the float bowl. The needle moves when the Float in the float bowl drops below a set height.

Needle bearing

Needle bearing

A roller type bearing in which the many hardened steel needle rollers have a very narrow diameter in relation to their length. The design makes them particularly useful in situations where there is limited space such as the rod bearings on some pistons. Also called Quill-type bearing.

Needle cage

In a Needle bearing, there are many rollers within a holder or Cage.

Needle circuit

Carburetor circuit that controls air fuel ratio from one-quarter to three-quarter throttle. The needle and jet meter fuel flow in this circuit.

Needle-flame test

A test to assess fire hazard by simulating the effect of small flames, which may result from faults within the equipment

Needle-nose pliers

See

Needle point valve

Type of valve having a needle point plug and a small seat orifice for low-flow metering.

Needle valve

1. A valve with a needle-shaped pin that can be moved to control the flow of a fluid.
2. The valve, in a carburetor, which controls the amount of gasoline flowing from the pump to the float chamber

Neg

1. Abbreviation for negotiable, as in the price is neg.
2. Abbreviation for the negative terminal of a battery, or negative ground.

Negative

Terminal with an excess amount of electrons which flow toward the positive terminal.

Negative back pressure valve

See

• Negative transducer EGR valve

Negative back pressure modulated valve

See

• Negative transducer EGR valve

Negative camber

See

• Camber.

Negative caster

When an imaginary line extending through the steering axis cuts the wheel axis behind the extended vertical axis through the wheel center.

See

• Caster.

Negative connections

Connections in an electric circuit through which the current flows back to its source.

Negative electrode

See

• Negative plate

Negative equity

A situation where the price of your vehicle as a trade in is less that what you still owe the bank.

Negative g

A force that acts opposite to the normal pull of gravity

Negative ground

An electrical system where the chassis is the negative side of the circuit and a separate wire to each component is the positive (hot) line.

See

Negative load base

If the center of the payload is behind the rear axle, it is negative and takes load off the front axle.

See

• Load base.

Negative offset

1. A steering geometry layout where the steering axis cuts the wheel axis above the wheel center plane. Compare Center point steering, Positive offset, and Scrub radius.
2. The distance between the mounting face of the disc and the rim centerline; the offset is referred to as negative when the inner attachment face of the wheel disc is shifted towards the inner side of the wheel. Opposite to Positive offset.

Negative offset steering

A Steering system which indicates the placement of the wheels. From the back of the vehicle, it appears as though the tires are tucked in where they contact the road. Although this system may appear strange, it actually does provide the benefit of helping a vehicle to stop in a straight line when the brakes are weak or the road friction is different on one side than the other.

Negative plate

The grey plate which acts as anode during battery discharge. Opposite of positive plate

Negative pole

The point toward which an electrical current flows through the circuit. It is designated by a minus sign (-).

Negative spark

A spark that jumps from the negative center electrode to the positive ground electrode of the spark plug, allowing a reduction in the high voltage required

Negative spring

A small spring in a bicycle suspension fork/shock that works against the main spring. It makes the fork respond better to small bumps, while not hurting large bump performance. It can be non-adjustable coil or adjustable air.

Negative suction head

See

• Suction lift

Negative temperature coefficient

(NTC) a special type of thermistor whose resistance decreases as the temperature increases. Nearly all coolant temperature sensors are NTC thermistors

Negative temperature coefficient thermistor

(NTC) Electronic thermistor which decreases in resistance as temperature increases.

Negative terminal

That terminal (such as that on the battery) from which the current flows on its path to the Positive terminal. It is usually marked with a minus symbol and is attached with the black cable.

Negative transducer EGR valve

A valve used on engines with a relatively low back pressure to provide the desired opening point and exhaust gas recycling rate

Negative travel

The measurement of the distance that a bicycle fork can travel past its maximum travel when rebounding from a bump. The negative travel allows the fork to top out without clunking, and can allow the fork to follow rough terrain better.

Negative wheel dish

See

• Negative offset

Negative wheel dishing

See

• Negative offset

Negative wheel offset

See

• Negative offset

Nelson

See

• Piquet, Nelson

NEMA

Abbreviation for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association which establishes certain voluntary industry standards relating to electric motors. These standards refer to the operating characteristics, terminology, basic dimension, ratings, and testing

Neon light

See

• Timing light

Neon tube

An electric Bulb or tube filled with a rare gas, used on Ignition test instruments like Timing lights.

Neoprene

1. A hard plastic like substance.
2. Synthetic rubber which is resistant to hydrocarbon oil and gas.

See

• Synthetic Rubber Neoprene

Neoprene rubber

A rubber-like substance used as an adhesive base, commonly used where oil and gasoline resistance is required. It also resists swelling action of pure aromatic chemicals and fuels

Neoprene synthetic rubber

Soft resilient material made of a synthetic chemical compound.

NEPA

Abbreviation for National Environmental Policy Act which requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision-making processes by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions.

Nerf bar

A type of front bumper guard, typically made of chrome-plated steel tubing; extends horizontally from below front end and is curved upward; a pair of nerf bars is usually braced by a horizontal crossbar. In Australia it is called a roo bar.

See

• Bull bar

Nernst equation

A relationship showing that the electromotive force developed by a dry cell is determined by the activities of the reacting species, the temperature of the reaction, and the standard free-energy change of the overall reaction

Nernst potential

An electrode potential corresponding to the reversible equilibrium between hydrogen gas at a certain pressure and the corresponding level of hydrogen ion activity.

Net

A term used in weighing terminology which refers to cargo weight. (Tare weight = unloaded weight of a vehicle, Net weight = weight of the cargo, Gross weight = Tare + Net).

See

Net bhp

See

• SAE net bhp

Net capacity

The weight of cargo which a vessel can carry when loaded in salt water to her summer freeboard marks. Also called cargo carrying capacity, cargo deadweight, useful deadweight.

Net cap cost

The price of the vehicle after deducting any dealer participation, manufacturer discounts, and cap cost reduction (down payment) from the MSRP.

Net capitalized cost

The price of the vehicle after deducting any dealer participation, manufacturer discounts, and cap cost reduction (down payment) from the MSRP.

Net Heat of Combustion

Gross heat of combustion minus the latent heat of condensation of any water produced.

Net horsepower

See

• SAE net horsepower.

Net interest rate

The total interest rate for the lease. It represents the lease’s true cost, similar to an APR for a bank or credit union loan. The lower the net interest rate, the lower the cost of the lease.

Net Reserves

Includes all proved reserves associated with the company’s net working interests.

Net sales value

The selling price received by the manufacturer for the vehicle including the cost of transporting the vehicle in Canada (includes mark-up).

Net Storage Area

Space in the warehouse (in square feet or meters) that is actually used for storage. This does not include aisles, docks, offices and staging areas.

Net tonnage

A figure obtained by making deduction from the gross tonnage for space not available for carrying cargo.

See

• Tonnage net

Net Weight

1. Weight of article or product without packing and container.
2. Weight of entire contents of vehicle.

Network

See

Neutral

1. (N) The neutral position of a transmission is the gear position where the engine is unable to drive the wheels. It is usually placed between reverse and one of the forward gears in automatic transmissions; and is located centrally in manual transmissions.
2. Something that does not have any distinctive characteristics.
3. A characteristic of handling where both front and rear wheels have the same amount of traction so that neither one has a tendency to slide.
4. Something that is neither an alkaline nor acid, usually with a pH of 7.

See

• False Neutral

Neutral drive switch

(NDS) a sensor that provides information on transmission status to the computer

Neutral flame

Flame which results from combustion of perfect proportions of oxygen and the welding gas.

Neutral handling

A vehicle with neither oversteer nor understeer

Neutral indicator switch

A control device usually mounted on the end of the shift drum, which completes the neutral indicator light circuit when the transmission is in neutral.

Neutralization number

The number that expresses the weight in milligrams of an alkali needed to neutralize the acidic material in one gram of oil. The neutralization number of an oil is an indication of its acidity.

Neutralizer

Substance used to counteract acids in refrigeration system.

See

• Rust converter

Neutral safety switch

A switch which allows the starter to be engaged only when the automatic shift lever is in either park or neutral

Neutral steer

The characteristic of a vehicle’s Slip angles where both front and rear are the same. In slippery conditions, both the front and rear tires will break loose at the same time so that the vehicle slides sideways rather than the rear end swinging around (oversteer) or the front end wanting to move to the rear (Understeer). A cornering condition in which the front and rear slip angles are roughly the same. Although seemingly an ideal state of balance, perfect neutral steer is not as stable as slight understeer.

Neutron

1. A neutral charge particle forming part of an atom.
2. That part of an atom core which has no electrical potential; electrically neutral.

New car dealer

Major car dealership with a parts and service operation.

New-old-stock

(NOS) New genuine parts for older models, referring mostly to spare parts that are normally no longer produced

New-old-stock part

(NOS) New genuine parts for older models, referring mostly to spare parts that are normally no longer produced

Newton (N)

1. A unit of force. One newton is the force which acts on a mass of 1 kilogram to produce an acceleration of 1 metre per second per second.
2. Force exerted on an object that has mass of 1 kilogram and gravitational acceleration of 1 m/sec².

Newton meter

See

• Newton metre as the standard spelling.

Newton metre

(Nm) A unit of torque. One pounds-force feet (lb-ft) equals 1.356 Newton metres. One Newton metre equals 0.7375 lb-ft.

Newton’s law

For every action there is an equal, and opposite reaction.

New tread

A term used by some tire companies to denote a retreaded tire. Also called nu-tread.

New Werner frame

A motorcycle frame design first used on the 1901 Werner, the engine was mounted between the front downtube and the bottom bracket

Nexus

A type of Shimano bicycle hub that has four or seven internal gears and an internal brake

NG

1. Abbreviation for Natural Gas
2. Abbreviation for ‘No Good’

NGL

Abbreviation for Natural gas liquids

NGPA

Abbreviation for Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978

NGS

Abbreviation for Neutral Gear Switch (Ford)

NGV

Abbreviation for Natural Gas Vehicles

NH₃N

Symbol for Ammonia nitrogen

NHTSA

Abbreviation for the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NIASE

Abbreviation for National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (usually referred to as ASE)

Nibbler

A tool used to cut sheet metal without deforming the sheet or causing a burr; works upwards, leaving the hands above the material; allows circular and straight cuts

Nibbling

The jerking action which occurs in a vehicle, due to the distortion within some tires as they are forced to traverse pavement ridges at a slight angle.

Nibs

Small indentations on the edge of the brake shoe lining table that contact the shoe support pads on the backing plate.

Ni-Cad

A rechargeable battery used in many high power light systems. Benefits include reasonable weight, good run times, and solid long-term durability.

Ni-Cad rechargeable battery

Used in many high power light systems. Benefits include reasonable weight, good run times, and solid long-term durability.

NiCaSil

Nickel-silicon plating used, for example, on the cylinder walls of certain light-weight high-performance engines to reduce weight and friction and improve heat transfer. May be spelled nikasil.

See

• Scanimet

Nichrome

A metallic compound containing nickel and chromium, used in making high resistances

Nickel

A silver-white metal usually used as an alloy in steel, bronze, brass and cast iron. It tends to increase corrosion resistance. It is added to 300 series stainless to provide corrosion resistance, increased strength in both high and low temperatures, and increased toughness in low temperatures. Nickel lowers the effects of work hardening, thus reducing traces of magnetism caused by cold forming and making material flow more freely in manufacturing.

See

• Double Nickel

Nickel metal hydride

(NiMH) A rechargeable battery used in many light systems. Benefits include light weight, good run time for its weight, and reasonable long term durability

Nickel plating

Thin coating of nickel deposited on a surface by electrolysis

Nickel steel

Nickel is alloyed with steel to form a heat and corrosion resistant metal

Nifriding

A surface hardening process used on ferrous metals by heating the metal in contact with ammonia gas or other nitrogenous material.

Night-driving mode mirror

Darkened reflection which reduces dazzle

Nikasil

See

• NiCaSil

Ninety-eight

Click image for books on
Oldsmobile 98

A model of automobile produced by Oldsmobile from 1941 to 1996. The 1949 98 Holiday Hardtop is a milestone car.

NIOSH

Abbreviation for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Nipple

1. A fitting which is threaded to the end of a spoke. The nipple is seated in the holes of the rim and receive the threaded end of the spoke. The nipple has a slot at the top so that it can be quickly tightened a little, but the other end of the nipple has flat or square sides so that a spoke wrench can be applied to tighten the spoke into the nipple
2. A small, one-way valve used for injecting grease into a bearing.
3. A short, steel tube holding a thin rubber or plastic tube used for bleeding hydraulic fluid
4. A short piece of threaded pipe used to connect two fittings.

See

Nippy

A small and relatively powerful motor vehicle.

Nissan

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Nissan

A model of automobile manufactured in Japan 200SX (1977-2002), 240SX (1989-98), 300ZX (1984-96), 350Z (2003-07), Altima (1993-2008), Armada (2005-07), Axxess (1990), Frontier (1998-2008), Maxima (1981-2008), Minivan (19__-90), Murano (2003-07), NX (1991-93), Pathfinder (1985-2007), Pathfinder Armada (2004), Pulsar (1978-90), Pickup (19__-97), Quest (1993-2008), Sentra (1982-2008), Stanza (1977-92), Titan (2004-08), Versa (2007-08), and Xterra (2000-07)

Nitriding

The hardening of steel by heating it for several hours in ammonia gas. Used on crankshafts

Nitrile rubber

Also known as Buna-N rubbers, these adhesives have high strength, excellent aging properties and good chemical resistance, including resistance to both aliphatic and aromatic solvents and to most platicizers which cause bond failure of other adhesives. Nitrile has excellent resistance to petroleum oils and gasolines, to mineral and vegetable oils, but poor resistance to oxygenated solvents like acetone. It has good heat resistance and is the most commonly used adhesive material in applications exposed to hot oils

Nitrocellulose paint

A paint which gives a deep, lustrous finish. It is used on old Jaguars but was prone to crazing and checking. Because spraying with nitrocellulose paints creates environmental problems, they are no longer used for volume cars

Nitrogen

See

Nitrogen dioxide

(NO₂) A compound of nitrogen and oxygen formed by the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) which is produced by the combustion of solid fuels. Mildly poisonous gas often found in smog or automobile exhaust fumes.

Nitrogen oxide

See

• Nitrogen oxides.

Nitrogen oxides

(NO_x) In the combustion process, nitrogen from the air combines with oxygen to form nitrogen oxides such as nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. Nitric oxide is the main oxide of nitrogen emitted in raw exhaust gas, typically 90%; nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide are severely toxic gases without emission controls, the exhaust of an spark ignition engine contains 0.3-1.5 kg of NO_x per 100 litres of gasoline consumption

Nitrophyl

A closed cell material that’s impervious to gasoline and fuel additives; used as a float material

Nitrous oxide

(NOx) One of the three basic pollutants found in the Exhaust emission of an internal combustion engine. The amount of NOx usually varies in an inverse proportion to the amount of HC and CO.

Nitrous oxide system

A performance system that injects nitrous oxide into the inlet manifold at the press of a button, thereby introducing a quick dose of extra energy and a burst of power. On a 6-cylinder or V-8 engines, the nitrous oxide system is intended to add up to 250 HP; it consists basically of a pressurized nitrous oxide bottle as used for welding, solenoids, an injector base plate for the carburetor, and steel pipes; the low vaporization temperature of nitrous oxide (-90°C) cools the A/F charge, dampening detonation and minimizing stress caused by increased load

NLEV

Abbreviation for National Low-Emission Vehicle

Nm

Abbreviation for Newton metre

NMA

Abbreviation for The National Motorists Association

NMFC

Abbreviation for National Motor Freight Classification which is a publication for motor carriers containing rules, commodity descriptions, and classifications for nearly all shippable commodities.

NMHC

Abbreviation for Non-Methane Hydrocarbons.

NMOG

Abbreviation for Non-Methane Organic Gases

NO

1. Abbreviation for normally open
2. Symbol for nitric oxide

NO₂

Symbol for nitrogen dioxide

Noble

A description of a vehicle that suggests financial success and social distinction because of its overall aesthetics and proportions.

Noble metal

A rare or precious metal (such as gold, silver, mercury, platinum) which conducts electricity very well, resists corrosion, and is inert; some are used as catalysts in catalytic converters

No-claims bonus

A reduction in insurance premiums because no claims have been made

No-cost option

An optional extra for a new car at no extra cost

No fault insurance

A form of vehicle accident insurance in which the insurance company of each driver pays for the damages of its own driver regardless of who is at fault. So if you and I have an accident, my insurance company will pay for my damaged car and your insurance company will pay for your damages. If you don’t have insurance, my insurance company will pay for my damages even if I think you are at fault.

No-frost freezer

Low-temperature refrigerator cabinet in which no frost or ice collects on freezer surfaces or materials stored in cabinet…

Noise

See

Noise cancellation system

(NCS) The reduction of noise by means of anti-noise loudspeakers. Compare Soundproofing material

Noise control

See

• Anti-noise system

Noise dosimeter

Instrument used to measure sound in dBA.

Noise level

See

• Interior noise level

Noise reduction

The reduction of noise by means of anti-noise loudspeakers

Noise system

See

• Anti-noise system

Nomad

A Chevrolet vehicle brand produced from 1955 to 1961 of which the 1955-57 models are milestone cars.

Nominal capacity

A capacity used for general rating/specification purposes. The actual capacity of a specific unit will be approximately the same as the nominal capacity but need not be exactly the same.

See

• Rated capacity

Nominal Chain Pitch

The average distance between the joints (except for staggered pitch chains) of an assembled chain. In some cases, ‘joint’, as defined here, will be a center of flexure not specifically identified with individual parts of the chain.

Nominal diameter

A characteristic value used for pipeline systems to identify parts which belong together such as pipes, pipe joints, fittings, etc.; a nominal size for the inside diameter

Nominal length

1. The length of the shank of screws/bolts with flat bearing faces.
2. The length of shank plus height of head of countersunk bolts/screws.
3. The overall length of a stud minus the length of the stud end

Nominal pressure

See

• Rated pressure

Nominal rim diameter

A measurement from one bead seat to the opposite bead seat 180° away.

Nominal rim width

A measurement between the flanges at the bead seat.

Nominal size tubing

Tubing measurement which has an inside diameter the same as iron pipe of the same stated size.

Nominal thread diameter

See

• Major diameter

Nominal voltage

See

• Rated voltage

Nonassociated natural gas

Natural gas that is not in contact with significant quantities of crude oil in the reservoir.

Nonbranded product

Any refined petroleum product that is not a branded product.

Non-Car Lane

Traffic management technique aimed at improving accessibility for non-car modes of transport.

Non-code installation

Functional refrigerating system installed where there are no local, state, or national refrigeration codes in force.

Noncombustible materials

Substances which are not capable of being ignited and burned, such as materials consisting of, or a combination of, steel, iron, brick, tile, concrete, slate, asbestos, glass and plaster.

Noncondensable gas

1. Gas which does not change into a liquid at operating temperatures and pressures.
2. Gas which will not form into a liquid under the operating pressure-temperature conditions.

Nondedicated vehicle

A motor vehicle capable of operating on an alternative fuel and /or on either gasoline or diesel.

Non-destructive testing

(NDT)

See

• NDT method

Non-directional brake

A non-servo brake in which both shoes are energized in either direction

Non-directional finish

The recommended machine finish on a face of a rotor.

Non-directional tread

An arrangement of bars, grooves and ribs in a manner that gives equal traction in forward or reverse direction.

See

Non-dispersive infrared analyzer

See

• NDIR analyzer

Nondisplaceable rotor member

A valve member which cannot be moved from its seat by a force applied to-the valve handle, or force applied by a plane surface to any exterior portion of the valve.

Non-drying oil

Any oil that does not have the ability to take up oxygen from the air to change it from a liquid to a solid state. Mineral oils are non-drying oils; so are a few vegetable oils

Nonferrous

Group of metals and metal alloys which contain no iron.

Nonferrous metal

Pure metal or alloy without an appreciable amount of iron such as aluminum, brass, copper, etc. Because they do not contain iron, they are not subject to rusting.

Nonfrosting evaporator

Evaporator which never collects frost or ice on its surface.

Nonfungible product

A gasoline blend or blendstock that cannot be shipped via existing petroleum product distribution systems because of incompatibility problems. Gasoline/ethanol blends, for example, are contaminated by water that is typically present in petroleum product distribution systems.

Nonhydrocarbon gases

Typical nonhydrocarbon gases that may be present in reservoir natural gas, such as carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen sulfide, and nitrogen.

Non-integral system

An anti-lock brake system whose major hydraulic components are separate from the master cylinder, and are installed between the master cylinder and the wheel brakes Also called Non-integrated system or Independent ABS

Non-integrated system

An anti-lock brake system whose major hydraulic components are separate from the master cylinder, and are installed between the master cylinder and the wheel brakes. Also called Non-integral system or Independent ABS

Non-load-bearing flue gas baffle

A flue gas baffle, which does not add support, strength or rigidity to a heat exchanger or flue.

Non-Magnetic steel

Steel alloys with sufficient quantities of manganese or nickel to render the steel non-magnetic. 18-8 (300 series chrome-nickel steel) is non-magnetic when annealed. Type 316 is non-magnetic in all conditions.

Non-Methane Organic Gases

(NMOG) The sum of non-oxygenated and oxygenated hydrocarbons exclusive of methane contained in a gas sample as measured in accordance with California’s non-methane organic gas test procedure.

Nonmethane volatile organic compounds

(NMVOC) Organic compounds, other than methane, that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions.

Non-national road

A local or regional road linking villages and towns within a county or district.

Non-primary kickstart

A kickstart system on a motorcycle using the transmission input shaft and clutch hub to connect the kickstart lever to the crankshaft. For starting, the transmission must be in neutral and the clutch engaged.

Nonrenewable fuels

Fuels that cannot be easily made or renewed, such as oil, natural gas, and coal.

Non-Reversible Pallet

Pallet with a bottom deck board configuration different from the top.

Nonroad alternative fuel vehicle

(nonroad AFV) An alternative fuel vehicle designed for off-road operation and use for surface/air transportation, industrial, or commercial purposes. Nonroad AFVs include forklifts and other industrial vehicles, rail locomotives, self-propelled electric rail cars, aircraft, airport service vehicles, construction vehicles, agricultural vehicles, and marine vessels. Recreational AFVs (golf carts, snowmobiles, pleasure watercraft, etc.) are excluded from the definition.

Non-self-priming pump

A centrifugal pump which is unable to evacuate and prime the suction line without external assistance. The opposite is Self-priming pump. Most centrifugal pumps are non-self-priming and require a flooded suction line

Non-servo brake

1. A drum brake design; each brake shoe is anchored, therefore no one shoe can assist in the application of the other; one shoe is self-energizing, the other is not
2. A drum brake in which each shoe is applied individually; the operation of one shoe has no effect on the other.

Non-servo drum brake

A drum brake design in which the application of one shoe has no effect on the other

Non-staged carburetor

A 4-barrel carburetor that has secondary throttle plates which open at the same time as the primary throttle plates, or a two-barrel carburetor with only one throttle shaft (both throttle valves open simultaneously)

Nontoxic coolant

Transfer fluids having a Gosselin rating of one (1), including water, Propylene glycol, mineral oil, polydimethyoil oxane, Freon and FDA-approved water additives. Such fluids are deemed essentially nontoxic by the BOCA Basic/National Plumbing Code or GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Non-unit construction

Engine design which separates the engine crankcase and transmission case.

Nonventilated enclosure

An electric motor housing that is not equipped with a fan for external cooling, but depends on convection air for cooling. It may be Totally enclosed or Explosion-proof

Non-vessel-operating common carrier

(NVOCC) A cargo consolidator of small shipments in ocean trade, generally soliciting business and arranging for or performing containerization functions at the port.

Non-volatile random access memory

A non-volatile memory that is used to store information for either short or long term usage. This type of memory can be written to. If external energy is removed from the device, the contents in memory are not destroyed.

Non-woven abrasive

A grinding disc which is made of very hard material used primarily for cutting.

Noodle

The L-shaped tubing piece found on the side of Shimano V-Brakes and some other direct-pull cantilever bicycle brakes

NORBA

Abbreviation for National Off-road Bicycle Association — the US governing body for off-road racing

Nordberg key

A round key

Nordic Anti-Corrosion Code

A code developed by the Scandinavian automobile and consumer associations which stipulates that, as of January 1983, all cars must be free of surface corrosion for three years and free of perforation and weakening damage for six years

No rinse treatment

An application method of chemical conversion coatings by means of a roll coating system whereby no rinsing treatment is required

Normal Butane

(n-Butane), technical Grade. A liquefied petroleum gas composed of a minimum of 95 percent n-butane (C₄H₁₀) which may contain other impurities such as Isobutane, Butylenes and Propane not in excess of 5 percent.

Normal charge

Thermal element charge which is part liquid and part gas under all operating conditions.

Normalize

To remove internal stresses by heating a metal piece to its critical temperature and allowing it to cool very slowly.

Normally aspirated

An engine that intakes air or breathes without the assistance of a supercharger or turbocharger. At the start of compression, it operates on a cylinder air charge at a pressure very near to or slightly below atmospheric.

Normally aspirated engine

An engine which uses the factory installed carburetor or fuel injection system with its normal air filter, etc. It does not use modified air flow systems which pump more air into the engine. Usually this expression is used as comparison as in My modified intake puts out more horsepower than a normally aspirated engine. Also called Naturally aspirated engine or a free breather.

Normal zinc technology

See

• Low zinc technology

NORS

Abbreviation for new old replacement stock, or new old reproduction stock. These are parts that were aftermarket replacements, usually of the same quality, for the manufacturer’s parts. Or, they are parts that were reproduced by an aftermarket supplier using the same quality of materials and manufacture as the original manufacturer, but now are old.

North American Free Trade Agreement

(NAFTA) Agreement creating free trade among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The NAFTA went into effect on January 1, 1994.

North American Industrial Classification System

(NAICS) Industry Classification between Canada, the United States and Mexico to increase compatibility of data with these countries. The classification is based on establishment rather than commodity. This classification system will be implemented with reference to year 1997 and data will be available in 1999.

North American produced

Motor vehicles assembled in Canada, the United States or Mexico.

North pole

The magnetic pole in a magnet from which the lines of force emanate; travel is from North to South pole.

North pole, magnetic

End of magnet Out of which magnetic lines of force flow.

North-south layout

An engine layout with the cylinders lying lengthways from the front (north) to the back (south). Also called Longitudinal engine. Compare East-west layout

Norton

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Norton

A motorcycle manufacturer

NOS

Abbreviation for new old stock. These are parts that originally were available from the manufacturer of a vehicle. They have never been used, thus are new. But they also may have been on the shelf for decades, thus are old. Duplicates of parts for out-of-production cars that are issued by the original manufacturer for the restoration of older vehicles.

Nose

The front end of a vehicle or trailer.

See

Nosed

The process of raising a small peak (nose) in the center of the hood of a car, usually as part of a customized design.

Nose load

1. A condition of a trailer where the load is heavier at the front than the back, which is the proper configuration. The nose-load is the amount of nose-heaviness (sometimes called trailer preponderance) measured at the tow-hitch and must be considered part of the towing vehicle’s payload.
2. A header, a situation where a vehicle or rider crashes or falls forward.

Nose section

See

• Front nose section

Nose-to-tail

A driving mode in rush-hour traffic. Also called Bumper-to-bumper

Nose-up

A description of the towing vehicle if the vehicle being towed is too heavy

Nose dive

See

• Brake dive

Nosepiece

An insert for pop-rivet pliers that is used to allow various pop-rivet diameters to be used

Nose protector

A cover, usually of black soft plastic sheeting with flannel-like backing, that fits around the front end of a car. Also called nose bra. Compare Stealth bra. It protects the front portion of hood and fenders against damage caused by flying rocks, road debris and insects; attaches to car with bendable plates, straps, or hooks and grommeted edges; sometimes personalized with a vehicle logo; relatively common in the USA, but rarely found in Europe

Noseweight

A vertical weight on the center of the towing ball exerted by the vehicle being towed (on level ground). This must be within certain limits; generally between 110-165 lbs (50-75 kg) for car and trailer

Nosing

See

• Shaving

No-spin differential

See

• Limited-slip differential

Notch

1. A V-shaped or U-shaped indentation cut into a test piece, test bar, or into a molded part
2. The cutout in lower portion of the stringer to allow entry for the fork tine, usually 9′ in length, 1-1/2′ in depth.
3. The action of cutting a groove or indentation.

See

• Braking Notches

Notchback

1. A classical sedan shape which is sometimes called a three box design. When you look at the side of the car, the front section in front of the windshield is one box; the section with the doors and windows is the second box; and the third box is the trunk. Because the third box starts just below the back window, it is called a notchback.
2. A body shape which differs from a fast back. When a Fastback is observed from the side, there is a smooth line (curve) along the roof from the A-pillar to the back of the car. In a notchback, the roof is abruptly dropped down to the leading part of the rear deck (or trunk).

Notched rocker arm stud

A rocker arm stud with a notch worn in its side; a notched stud is more likely to break

Notched stringer

A stringer (e.g., in a pallet) with two notches spaced for fork-tine entry, (partial four-way entry).

Notchy

The action of changing the gears in a rough way which causes a slight crashing of gears. It is often caused by the clutch failing to disengage fully

Note

See

• Exhaust note

Notice of arrival

On the arrival of freight at its destination, a notice is sent promptly to the consignee showing the number of packages, description of articles, route, rate, weight, etc.

Nova

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Chevrolet Nova

An compact automobile of the Chevrolet division of General Motors which was an evolution of the Chevy II (1962-69) and was produced from 1964 to 1988.

Novachip

A thin application of liquid asphalt emulsion and a single layer of stone, coated with asphalt (such as NYS #1 stone, which is about 1/2′ in size). The material is put down with a special paver. It cools and sets within minutes. The road is opened to traffic almost immediately after placement of material.

NOx

Oxides of nitrogen. A compound formed during the engine combustion process when oxygen in the air combines with nitrogen to form photochemical smog. Acid deposition, commonly called acid rain, occurs when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and, to a lesser extent, NOx emissions are transformed in the atmosphere and return to the earth as dry deposition or in rain, fog, or snow. Highway vehicles – autos, trucks and buses – account for nearly 30 percent of all NOx and non-methane hydrocarbons emitted annually in the United States. Burning any fossil fuel produces NOx, and it is difficult to generalize with respect to the relative NOx emissions of the various fuel types for different applications. However, the substitution of new high-efficiency gas equipment can offer significant NOx reductions, relative to older and less efficient equipment. For example, replacing a coal-fired electricity generating unit with a new gas-fired combined-cycle unit can reduce NOx by some 95 percent. It is at its worst when combustion is most efficient. It is produced because the air is 78 percent nitrogen. Combines with HC in sunlight to form PhotochemicalSmog. NOx emissions can be reduced by lowering peak combustion temperatures through lowering Compression ratios and by Recirculating exhaust gases.

NOx Catalyst

See

• Lean NOx Catalyst

NOx-Control module

(NCM) A digital ignition control module for retrofitting to cars with Motronic engine control; modifies ignition timing characteristics for lower NOx emissions

Nozzle

A thin hollow tube; a jet or hole at the end of a pipe.

See

Nozzle cleaning unit

See

• Spray gun nozzle cleaning unit

Nozzle drip

Air rushing by the venturi at idle can cause fuel to drip from the discharge nozzle for the main metering circuit

Nozzle restrictor

A restrictor in the fuel filler neck of cars fitted with catalytic converters that prevents filling from leaded petrol pumps, which have larger pump nozzles

NPC

Abbreviation for National Petroleum Council — An advisory body of appointed members whose purpose is to advise the Secretary of Energy.

NPDES

Abbreviation for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System which is the part of the federal Clean Water Act, which requires point source discharges to obtain permits. These permits are referred to as NPDES permits and, in Washington State, are administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

NPMA

Abbreviation for Northwest Pavement Management Association.

NPN

Three-element transistor made of two types of semi-conductor metals

NR

See

• Natural rubber

NRT

Net registered tons.

See

• Tonnage net

N/s

Abbreviation for Nearside

NSP

Abbreviation for Neighborhood Streets Program

NSPA

National Standard Parts Association.

NSU

1906 saw the launch of the Sulmobil, a three-wheeled vehicle with a 3.5 hp motorcycle engine. However, the Sulmobil was not a success. As a result, the first Original Neckarsulm Motor Car, with a 1308 cc four-cylinder engine and 10 hp, went into production the same year. The 1964 Wankel Spyder models are milestone cars.

NSX

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NSX

A model of automobile from Acura

NTC

1. Abbreviation for Negative temperature coefficient
2. Abbreviation for Negative temperature coefficient thermistor

NTF

Abbreviation for notify. When a mail order seller does not have the merchandise in stock, but expects to get it in the future, he tells a Customer the item’s status with NTF, which means he will notify the buyer when it is in stock.

NTS

Abbreviation for negative temperature coefficient resistor

NTSB

Abbreviation for National Transportation Safety Board — An independent U.S. Federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in the other modes of transportation — railroad, highway, marine and pipeline — and issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.

Nuclear

Involving the inner part of an atom, the nucleus. Changes in the nucleus can release a lot of energy which can be used in the generation of power.

Nucleation site

A location where nucleation, i.e., the formation of new crystal nuclei in supersaturated solutions, starts

Nudge bar

See

• Nerf bar

Number

See

Number drill

See

• Number drills.

Number drills

A series of drills in which each size is designated by a number (0-80).

Number one diesel fuel

Used in cold climates; sometimes blended with number two diesel fuel to increase number one’s energy and two’s cold weather performance

Numberplate

A British term for License plate

Numberplate lamp

British term for License plate light

Number two diesel fuel

Diesel fuel used in moderate climates

Nut

1. A person who is greatly interested in a field such as Jim is a car nut. See
   • Buff
2. A fastening device that is somewhat doughnut shaped with a number of flat surfaces on the outer rim and threads on the inner hole.
3. A metal block (solid nut) or sleeve having an internal thread made to assemble with the external thread on a bolt, screw, or other threaded part. It may be a fastening means, an adjusting means, a means for transmitting motion, or a means for transmitting power with large mechanical advantage and nonreversible motion.

See

Nut cover

A cap or covering over a nut to protect it or to improve appearance.

Nut cracker

A tool used to crack open stubborn nuts without damaging the bolt or stud thread

Nut driver

A shaft with a handle on one end (like a screwdriver) and a socket on the other.

See

• Tubular nut driver

Nut end

The end of a stud on which a nut is screwed. The opposite is the Stud end

Nu-tread

See

• New tread.

Nut spanner

See

Nut spinner

A shaft with a handle on one end (like a screwdriver) and a socket on the other

Nut splitter

A tool used to crack open stubborn nuts without damaging the bolt or stud thread

Nut starter

A tool used to hold a nut for easy placement in tight locations

Nut thread

The internal thread of a nut

Nut wrench

See

N/V

Abbreviation for Input Shaft Speed to Vehicle Speed

NVH

Abbreviation for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. Every vehicle has some degree of NVH. It is the task of the manufacturer to reduce them as much as possible. The comfort of vehicles can be compared based on their NVH. For example, some vehicles may have more noise but less vibration or harshness than another.

NVOCC

Abbreviation for Non-vessel-operating common carrier

NVRAM

Abbreviation for Non Volatile Random Access Memory

NWPCA

Abbreviation for National Wooden Pallet and Container Association which is a national association with the goal of promoting the design, manufacturer, distribution, recycling and sale of pallets, containers and reels.

Nyloc nut

A self-locking nut with nylon insert. Also called nylon lock nut

Nylon

A synthetic fiber which is stronger than vinyl. It can be used in sheet, fiber, or solid form.

Nylon fastener

A non-magnetic, non-metallic securing device made of a material that has a low dielectric constant and relatively high tensile strength, enabling it to resist high voltage at commercial frequencies. It can also operate at continuous temperatures as high as 121°C. Any temperatures above has an effect to oxidize material. Electric and electronic equipment manufacturers are finding many corrosion-resistant applications for this type of fastener.

Nylon hammer

A soft face hammer with a nylon face

Nylon lock nut

A self-locking nut with nylon insert. Also called nyloc nut

Nylon screw clutch release

A clutch release mechanism which uses a coarse, square threaded nylon screw for clutch disengagement.

Nylon ties

See

• Harness ties

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Keyword: Glossary of Automotive Terms – N