Automobile Basics K-L
Kamm Back Named for the German aerodynamicist W. Kamm, who discovered that drag begins to increase after the rear of a automobile's cross-sectional area is reduced to 50 percent of the automobile's maximum cross section.
Kickdown A downshift in an automatic transmission caused by depressing the throttle.
Knock Sensor A sensor mounted on the engine that is designed to detect the high-frequency vibrations caused by detonation. By employing a knock sensor, a computerized engine-control system allows an engine to operate very near its detonation limit: thereby improving power and efficiency.
Knock-Off A single wing nut for fastening a wheel to the hub. Easily removed and replaced, it is struck (knocked off) with a mallet on the wings.
Kyoto Protocol International agreement among industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions negotiated in Kyoto, Japan in December 1997. Canada committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent of 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012.
Lacquer A fast-drying pyroxylin paint often used to finish automobile bodies.
Laminated Windshield A windshield consisting of a thin layer of rubbery plastic sandwiched between two sheets of glass. When struck by the head in an accident, it bows out without puncturing, and the plastic holds the glass to prevent it from splintering.
Lateral Link A suspension link that is aligned to resist sideways motions in a wheel.
Leading Link A suspension link that is aligned to resist longitudinal motions in a wheel; it is mounted to the chassis behind the wheel.
Leaf Spring A number of slightly curved, flexible steel plates of varying lengths, mounted one atop the other. The plates are attached at the ends to the underbody. The curved shape of the plates allows them to flex and absorb bumps. Made of spring steel or various composite materials that deflects by bending when forces act upon it . Leaf springs are used primarily in suspensions. The ends are attached to the chassis, and the middle is fixed to the axle. Also called semi-elliptic springs.
Lease Form of contract transferring the use of a automobile in consideration of payment.
Lift A vertical force directed upward, produced by the airflow around a moving object: such as a car body.
Lift-Throttle Oversteer A handling characteristic that causes the rear tires to lose some of their cornering grip when the throttle is released during hard cornering.
Light Truck automobile weighing less than 14,000 lbs.
Lights, Driving Auxiliary lights that extend the reach of standard headlights. Driving lights have a narrower beam than headlights.
Lights, Foglights Auxiliary lights that provide a wider beam pattern than standard headlights. Foglights are usually mounted lower than headlights to illuminate below fog and reduce reflected glare.
Lights, Halogen Lights that provide brighter, longer lasting illumination than standard incandescent lights. Halogen bulbs are filled with a gas such as iodine. This gas reduces the gradual evaporation of the tungsten filament and increases its life.
Lights, Projector Beam A special type of headlight that uses a spherical reflector to tightly control the light beam. Projector beams are relatively expensive compared to standard headlights.
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) A differential that reduces speed differences between wheels. An LSD improves traction by preventing a slipping wheel from receiving all the engine power. The differential uses cone or disc clutches to lock the two separate axle shafts. This forces both driving wheels to transmit the same drive torque regardless of the traction available. It still allows differential action under normal driving conditions but improves traction in mud and snow. Limited slip ensures that some torque is always distributed to both wheels, even when one is on very slippery pavement.
Limousine A closed, chauffeur-driven automobile in which the driver is separated from the passengers by a glass partition.
Line The path through a corner that best accommodates a late braking point, a high cornering speed, and the fastest-possible exit speed out of a corner.
Link A suspension member that has a single joint at each end. Live Axle A rigid axle incorporating a differential and axle shafts to power the two wheels it is supporting.
Live Axle An axle that transmits power either by separate half shafts or by side chains, as opposed to a dead axle.
Lockup Converter A automatic transmission with a mechanical clutch that bypasses the fluid coupling of the torque converter. A lockup converter is more efficient because there is no wasted energy in the transmission fluid of the torque converter. Most automatic transmissions have a lockup converter for the highest ratio(usually 4th or 5th gear).
Lockup Differential A differential whose two outputs can be locked together, eliminating any differential action but maximizing traction under slippery conditions.
Lockup The juncture at which a tire starts to skid during braking. A tire's maximum braking force is developed when it is on the verge of lockup, so a automobile's shortest stopping distances are produced when its front and rear tires approach lockup simultaneously. This is very hard to achieve under varying conditions of load and traction, so one end typically locks up before the other. Front-wheel lockup is inherently more stable than rear-wheel lockup.
Lockup Torque Converter A torque converter fitted with a lock-up clutch that can be engaged to eliminate the slip between the torque converter's input and output, thereby improving fuel efficiency and performance.
Loose A slang term for oversteer.
Louver A slatted air intake or air outlet. Slats used to capture and control the air flow.
(LEV) This designation applies to automobiles that have passed emission standards significantly more stringent than the EPA minimum. Several manufacturers such as Honda market LEV compliant gasoline powered cars.
Luxury Car A well-appointed, well-equipped, well-designed and constructed auto varying in size from a compact to a large sedan.
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