Letter N – Dictionary of Automotive Terms
- N
-
- A gear selection indication for neutral
- 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
- Click image for books on
NashA 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, NO2>, lead, particulate matter, and SOx. 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
-
- Movement of a fluid caused only by temperature differences (density changes).
- 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 NOx-control module
- NCS
-
- Abbreviation for Noise cancellation system
- 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
-
- A portion reduced in diameter between the ends of a shaft.
- 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
-
- An indicator on a dial, instrument, or gauge.
- A thin rod or small tapered rod used to open or close a hole.
- 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
-
- A valve with a needle-shaped pin that can be moved to control the flow of a fluid.
- The valve, in a carburetor, which controls the amount of gasoline flowing from the pump to the float chamber
- Neg
-
- Abbreviation for negotiable, as in the price is neg.
- 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
-
- 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.
- 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
-
- A hard plastic like substance.
- 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
-
- Weight of article or product without packing and container.
- Weight of entire contents of vehicle.
- Network
- See
- Neutral
-
- (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.
- Something that does not have any distinctive characteristics.
- 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.
- 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
-
- A neutral charge particle forming part of an atom.
- 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)
-
- 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.
- 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
-
- Abbreviation for Natural Gas
- 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 98A 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
-
- 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
- A small, one-way valve used for injecting grease into a bearing.
- A short, steel tube holding a thin rubber or plastic tube used for bleeding hydraulic fluid
- 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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NissanA 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
- (NOx) 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 NOx 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
-
- Abbreviation for normally open
- 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
-
- The length of the shank of screws/bolts with flat bearing faces.
- The length of shank plus height of head of countersunk bolts/screws.
- 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
-
- Gas which does not change into a liquid at operating temperatures and pressures.
- 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
-
- 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
- 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
- Click image for books on
NortonA 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
-
- 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.
- 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
-
- A V-shaped or U-shaped indentation cut into a test piece, test bar, or into a molded part
- The cutout in lower portion of the stringer to allow entry for the fork tine, usually 9′ in length, 1-1/2′ in depth.
- The action of cutting a groove or indentation.
See
- Braking Notches
- Notchback
-
- 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.
- 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
- Click image for books on
Chevrolet NovaAn 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
- Click logo for books on
NSXA model of automobile from Acura
- NTC
-
- Abbreviation for Negative temperature coefficient
- 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
-
- A person who is greatly interested in a field such as Jim is a car nut. See
- Buff
- A fastening device that is somewhat doughnut shaped with a number of flat surfaces on the outer rim and threads on the inner hole.
- 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
- A person who is greatly interested in a field such as Jim is a car nut. 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
© danielsessler
Keyword: Glossary of Automotive Terms – N