Automotive Systems and Terminology Flashcards
7 cards from real CALA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Automotive Systems and Terminology flashcards as text
What is the difference between a vehicle's 'wheelbase' and its 'track width'?
Answer: Wheelbase is the front-to-rear axle distance; track width is the distance between left and right wheels on the same axle
Wheelbase measures the distance between the front and rear axle centerlines, while track width measures the lateral distance between tire centerlines on the same axle.
A loss adjuster encounters a vehicle with a damaged 'intercooler.' Which type of vehicle most commonly uses this component?
Answer: Turbocharged or supercharged vehicles to cool compressed intake air
An intercooler (charge-air cooler) cools the compressed air from a turbocharger or supercharger before it enters the engine, increasing air density and power.
What is 'toe' in the context of wheel alignment?
Answer: The inward or outward angle of the tires when viewed from above
Toe describes whether the fronts of the tires point inward (toe-in) or outward (toe-out) when viewed from directly above the vehicle.
Which component in a modern vehicle's braking system modulates brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking?
Answer: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) modulator
The ABS modulator rapidly applies and releases brake pressure at individual wheels to prevent lockup and maintain steering control during emergency stops.
What does the term 'OEM' mean, and why is it significant for parts replacement in a claim?
Answer: Original Equipment Manufacturer; parts made by or to the specifications of the vehicle's maker
OEM parts are made by or to the exact specifications of the original vehicle manufacturer, which is relevant because many policies specify or exclude OEM vs. aftermarket parts.
A vehicle is described as having 'independent rear suspension' (IRS). What is the key advantage of this design?
Answer: Each rear wheel can move vertically without affecting the opposite wheel, improving handling and ride quality
IRS allows each rear wheel to respond independently to road irregularities, improving ride quality, handling, and tire contact with the road.
What is the function of a vehicle's 'catalytic converter'?
Answer: To convert harmful exhaust pollutants into less harmful gases through chemical reactions
The catalytic converter uses precious metal catalysts to chemically convert hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and NOx in exhaust into CO2, water, and nitrogen.