for Parts, Service, Home, Shop, Workshop, Cars, Lawn Mowers, Tractors More!
Adaptive Automatic Transmission
Some transmissions can "learn" and adapt to the driver's style,
altering shift points and other transmission functions to produce the most
efficient operation.
Adaptive Cruise Control
One step beyond cruise control, adaptive cruise control uses a radar
sensor mounted in the front of the vehicle to maintain a safe cruising
distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Most systems
allow you to set the interval (distance between vehicles) and will then
accelerate and brake (within reason) to maintain that interval. In many cases,
the systems can take into account hilly terrain and passing situations. All
have the ability to act like regular cruise control, and they still require
the driver to steer the vehicle normally. Some automakers refer to it as
"intelligent" cruise control.
Air Suspension
Instead of steel coil or leaf springs, some vehicles have a
bellows-like unit at each corner that contains pressurized air. As a rule, air
suspensions can produce a softer ride.
Adjustable Suspension
Provides better ride or handling. A variety of systems are used to vary
shock-absorber firmness. Some automatically sense road conditions and adjust
shock-absorber settings accordingly. Others include a switch on the dashboard
or console that allows the driver to adjust shock-absorber settings to provide
a softer or firmer ride, or sharper handling.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Helps maintain control in emergency stops. Particularly useful on slick
pavement. While the driver applies steady pressure to the brake pedal, the
system automatically "pumps" the brakes many times per second to prevent wheel
lock-up.
Antiskid System
Helps maintain control in fast turns. Works whether or not the brakes
are applied. Sensors automatically apply individual brakes to prevent a
sideways skid. Some systems also cut back on the throttle, slowing the engine.
It's also known as an electronic stability system or stabilization program.
Automatic Climate Control
A heating and air conditioning system that adjusts itself as needed, to
maintain a pre-set temperature.
Automatic Transmission With Manual-Shift
Capability
Allows manual gear changes, when desired, in an automatic transmission.
Functions as a traditional automatic transmission when left in Drive, but
includes a slot in which the shift lever can be moved to change gears
manually. Sometimes, buttons for shifting manually through the gears are
located on the steering wheel. This affords some of the advantages of a manual
transmission, such as greater control of engine speed for better throttle
response, but eliminates the need for a clutch pedal.
Bluetooth Capability
The ability of a radio system to work with Bluetooth wireless
connectivity, to function in concert with a cellular phone.
Brake Assist
Designed to shorten stopping distance in a "panic" stop. Applies full
braking power even if the brake pedal is not fully depressed. Sensors gauge
the speed at which the driver initially depresses the brake pedal and
determine whether full emergency stopping power is warranted.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Operates like an automatic transmission, with no need for a clutch
pedal, but contains no gears. Instead, power is transmitted in a continuous
flow from the engine to the drive wheels.
Cross Reference, Exact Cross Reference
An Exact Cross Reference is basically the exact same manufacturers original part; complete with identical number stampings. There are many reasons to use exact cross reference parts; one may be price, the other is general
availability. Exact cross reference parts are identical to the original, and most often are sourced from another supplier other than the OEM. Examples of this include spark plugs, carburetor kits, air filters, and engine parts in general. Husqvarna sells NGK spark plugs for their chainsaws under a Husqvarna part number, but they did not make them.
Husqvarna sells them for $4.95 perhaps, but the same plug BPMR7A can be purchased through a direct supplier for NGK for $2.95. It is an exact cross reference because the ID of BPMR7A is the same, the only difference is we skipped the middle man, and went directly to the source. Gravely sells a lawnmower oil filter their mowers under a Gravely part number, but they did not make them. Gravely sells them for $14.00 perhaps, but the same filter 5205002 52-050-02 can be purchased through a direct supplier for KOHLER for $9.95. It is an exact cross reference because the ID of 5205002 (52 050 02) is the same, the only difference is we skipped the middle man, and went directly to the source. Choo Choo Parts is committed to providing a growing number of Exact Cross Reference parts to our customers; we're finding more and more each week.
Cross Reference, Similar Cross Reference
A Similar Cross Reference is basically an alternative to the manufacturers original part. The general appearance and functionality is the same, but it is not the
original part. The part stampings are different, but the fit, form, and function is the same. There are many reasons to use similar cross reference parts; one may be price, the other is general
availability.
Some Similar Cross Reference parts may cost up to 50% less than the original, and last just as long, with the same warranty. The automotive and marine industry has been using these types of parts for many years. Choo Choo Parts has been committed to providing as many Similar Cross Reference parts to our customers as we can find; we're finding more and more each week, saving you time and money.
Curtain Side Airbags
Designed to cushion and protect occupants' heads. Located on both the
left and right sides of the vehicle, curtain side airbags deploy from above
the front and rear side windows in a side-impact collision. Advanced systems
deploy the bags when sensors detect an impending rollover. The bags inflate
within a fraction of a second and deflate after a few seconds. They also help
shield occupants from broken side glass. In some vehicles with three rows of
seats, the curtain airbags do not reach backseat occupants.
Dual Front Airbags
Designed to protect the driver and front passenger in a frontal collision.
Mounted in the steering wheel hub and in the right side of the dashboard, they
inflate and deflate within a fraction of a second. Most systems can judge the
severity of an impact and determine whether a front-seat occupant is wearing a
safety belt or is out of position. This allows them to adjust the rate of
deployment to minimize injuries from the airbags themselves. Dual front
airbags are required by law on all new passenger vehicles.
Dual-Stage Airbags
Front airbags that can deploy at either of two levels, depending on the
severity of a collision.
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Allows individualized control of heating and air conditioning. Most systems
are adjustable for the driver and front passenger; others feature a third
adjustment for rear passengers.
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution
Operates in conjunction with ABS to balance the force applied to brakes at
front and rear wheels. Can prevent over-braking, improve brake-pad life,
reduce "brake fade" caused by excessive heat, and ensure peak braking
efficiency in all conditions.
Hybrid Powertrain
A propulsion system wherein a gasoline engine and electric motor work in
concert. In some hybrid systems, electric operation is dominant; in others,
the gasoline engine dominates. Only a few hybrid vehicles are available, but
they promise greater fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Lane-Departure Warning System
Issues a warning when the vehicle edges off course and reaches the highway
lane markers. Introduced on the 2005 Infiniti FX and available on the 2006
Infiniti M45, the system developed by Iteris can detect lane dividers even in
rainy weather. It delivers a noticeable sound when the vehicle starts to move
into an adjacent lane, whether due to inattention, drowsiness or distraction.
MP3 Capability
The ability of a radio to play computer-generated MP3 music, as well as CDs
and/or cassettes.
Navigation System
An electronic map combined with route instructions, usually displayed on a
dashboard video screen. The system communicates with a satellite to display,
on the screen, the vehicle's geographic location and direction of travel. Most
systems let you input a destination using a keypad. A computer then calculates
the best route and issues audible and visual directions to reach that
destination. A few navigation systems lack a map, but provide vocal
instructions. Some new systems operate with voice recognition, and are able to
"understand" addresses and other oral instructions. Navigation systems are
usually optional, though some luxury models have them as standard equipment.
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer
OPE
Outdoor Power Equipment
Overhead-Cam Engine
In this configuration, the camshaft that drives the valve is located atop the
engine rather than down inside. Engines with a dual-overhead-cam configuration
have two separate camshafts rather than one.
Oversteer and Understeer
Any serious race fan knows the difference between "understeer" and "oversteer,"
but ask for a description and they might get confused. Most front-wheel-drive
cars will "understeer" ("push" or "be tight") at the limit of adhesion, the
point when the wheels lose their grip on the road. This condition is most
noticeable in rain or snow. As you enter a corner and begin to turn the wheel,
the car may try to go straight instead; and the harder you steer into the
turn, the more the vehicle wants to continue to drive straight. You can help
lessen the effects of understeer by lifting off the gas slowly and slightly
applying the brakes. This will transfer more weight to the front wheels,
allowing them to get more traction.
Most high-performance rear-wheel-drive cars will "oversteer"
or become "loose" if you enter a turn too fast. The effect is similar to
"doing donuts" in the high school parking lot after a snowfall. Oversteer is
much more dangerous and difficult to correct. You have to first steer in the
opposite direction to limit the slide of the car, and then you must be very
gentle with the throttle and brakes to prevent the vehicle from going into a
"snap" or violent spin.
Vehicle skid control systems can reduce under steer or over steer, but they
cannot change the laws of physics. Either way, it helps to know what to do
when your car is at the limit of adhesion so you will react quickly and
instinctively. It could save you thousands in a repair bill, or even your
life.
Quick Reference
We use Quick References all the time. It is a fast way to display a list of fast moving parts for a given machine, without the inconvenience of having to navigate through the machine diagrams and find the original manufacturers part number. In just a few clicks on our website, you can obtain several key items for your equipment, such as blades, belts, filters, bars, chains or accessories.
Quick References are also a handy way of upgrading your original equipment parts, to more productive
original alternatives. Such as installing a longer bar and chain on your chainsaw, or purchasing a higher capacity oil filter for your engine. You could use our tire quick reference to locate the best and lowest cost tire for your machine. Or, use our lawnmower belt quick reference guide to find the right belt for your mower deck. Choo Choo Parts is creating the most accurate quick reference guides each month; we're saving you time, and time is money.
Real-Time Traffic Information
Introduced on the 2005 Acura RL, this system can work with satellite radio to
warn the driver if traffic conditions ahead are troublesome. It can then
determine if an alternate route might be a better choice.
Rear Obstacle Warning System
Alerts the driver to unseen objects behind the vehicle when backing up.
Sensors mounted in the rear bumper detect the presence of nearby objects. A
tone or warning lights signal the distance to these objects. Some systems also
warn of nearby objects in front.
Rear-Seat Entertainment System
Allows rear-seat passengers to view video. An option most often offered on
mini vans and SUVs. Earlier entertainment systems played VHS video tapes, but
most of the current ones play DVDs. Most have a screen that drops from the
ceiling behind the front seats; others locate the screen near the floor
between the front seats. The video/DVD player is mounted low in the dashboard
or between the front seats or in the front center console. (A few vehicles,
such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470, can play DVDs on their
navigation system's dashboard screen, but only when the vehicle is standing
still.) Most systems allow front-seat passengers to listen to a separate audio
source while those in back view videos. Remote controls for the video/DVD
player, wireless headphones, and video-game ports and controls are typical
accessories.
Satellite Radio
Two systems, XM and Sirius, provide radio reception via satellites rather than
the customary broadcast method. Each service charges a monthly fee for
delivering a large number of entertainment channels. Satellite-ready radios
are standard in some vehicles and optional for many more.
Side Airbags
Designed to protect occupants in a side collision. Some side airbags are
shaped to provide protection for just the torso, others for both the torso and
head in a side collision. Some are mounted in the side of the seat backrest.
Others are in the door panel. The bags inflate and deflate within fractions of
a second. Side airbags can be furnished for both front- and rear-seat
occupants.
Stability-Control System
See "Antiskid system"
Traction Control
Helps limit tire slip in acceleration on slippery surfaces. Sensors determine
if the wheels that are receiving power have lost traction. The system
automatically "pumps" the brake to those wheels to keep them from slipping.
Some systems also reduce engine power to the slipping wheels.
Turbocharging
Turbochargers make use of exhaust gases to compress the air that enters the
engine, which increases its potential power output.
Variable Valve Timing
Using computer control, VVT alters the opening and closing of the engine's
valves automatically to produce the greatest level of efficiency. Ordinary
engines have fixed valve operation.
Voice Recognition
Quite a few climate-control and other systems can respond to vocal commands.
These systems are expanding into navigation systems as well. In Honda's
redesigned 2005 Odyssey, for instance, the computer can understand a
destination stated orally by the driver and calculate a route accordingly,
with no need to use a keypad to enter a street or number.
Xenon Headlights
Also known as "high-intensity-discharge (HID)" and "bi-xenon" headlights.
Standard on some vehicles and optional on others, they provide a brighter and
more effective beam. On a few vehicles, the headlights can move laterally in
concert with the steering wheel to illuminate the road ahead even in a curve.
ZRT
Zero Radius Turning, also known as ZTR. A type of hydraulic powered lawnmower without a steering wheel; it uses two motion control levers in front of the operator to control forward, reverse and turning motion. ZRT riding mowers have a "zero turn" radius, which means the operator can spin the mower 360 degrees in one place, mowing a complete circle. As opposed to conventional steering wheel riding mowers which can only turn in a donut pattern; these conventional steering wheel riding mowers leave large patches of uncut grass in the center during a full turn.
ZTR
Zero Turn Rider, also known as ZRT. A type of hydraulic powered lawnmower without a steering wheel; it uses two motion control levers in front of the operator to control forward, reverse and turning motion. ZTR riding mowers have a "zero radius" turn, which means the operator can spin the mower 360 degrees in one place, mowing a complete circle. As opposed to conventional steering wheel riding mowers which can only turn in a donut pattern; these conventional steering wheel riding mowers leave large patches of uncut grass during a full turn.