Understanding Vehicle Specs in Boise, ID

Common Car Terms Explained at Dennis Dillon Kia

Buying a new vehicle is one of the most important tasks you have. While shopping, you might feel overwhelmed by some terms sales associates use when talking about cars.

But you don’t have to be confused about car specs and what they mean. The experts at Dennis Dillon Kia in Boise, ID, can help you understand auto jargon so you’ll be confident when you shop with us. Our sales team can answer any questions you may have along the way, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Common Car Terms You Should Know

• Drivetrain – You surely know and understand what role the engine of your vehicle plays, as it powers the wheels so your car can move. However, the drivetrain is which wheels ultimately get the power.

There are four types of drivetrains your vehicle could have. These are as follows:

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): This is when the engine sends power to the back wheels of the vehicle. Though this is not as common on ordinary sedans and SUVs, you’ll often see this drivetrain on high-performance vehicles such as sports cars. Some trucks may also have this as an option.
• All-wheel drive (AWD): The AWD drivetrain sends power to all four wheels on the vehicle. This is a common drivetrain on SUVs and higher-quality trims of other types of vehicles. All-wheel drive provides additional traction and works well on slippery terrain.
• Four-wheel drive (4WD). The 4WD also provides power to all four wheels. It is usually found on trucks and more rugged SUVs. This drivetrain is meant mostly for off-roading and other more adventurous travel.
• Front-wheel drive (FWD): This type is found on more vehicles than any other type. It gives power to the front wheels of the vehicle.

• MPG (Miles Per Gallon) – This term is one you will commonly hear and should pay attention to. It’s the distance (in miles) your car can go on a single full tank of gas. This determines your vehicle’s fuel economy and how efficient it is.
• Horsepower (HP) – When it comes to common specs, horsepower is one you will want to look at before choosing a vehicle. This is what measures how well the car can accelerate to higher speeds.
• Wheelbase – This is a measurement that makes up the distance between the front and back wheels. It plays a key role in how stable the car is and how well it can perform on any road.
• Suspension – The suspension system of a car helps to absorb bumps in the road, such as rocks, unevenness, and other objects. On rough roads, the car’s suspension is critical to providing a more enjoyable, comfortable ride so you don’t feel every little imperfection.
• Torque – Related to horsepower, torque is a twisting force that helps your vehicle accelerate from a stop.
• Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated –Some engines have a turbine, while others do not. Engines with a turbine are known as turbocharged engines.
• Towing Capacity – Larger, more powerful vehicles, such as trucks and midsize or full-size SUVs, are equipped to pull other vehicles on the road. You need to know what its towing capacity is, which is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely pull while driving.
• Transmission – The transmission is the mechanism whereby the drivetrain gets power to the wheels. How this transference occurs is the transmission. There are four types:
• Manual Transmission: With this transmission, the driver changes gears by using a stick and clutch pedal.
• Automatic Transmission: No intervention from the driver is required with this transmission.
• Semi Automatic transmission: With this type, there is no clutch pedal, but the driver can change gears manually by using paddles or buttons on the steering wheel.
• Continuously variable: This transmission uses pulleys and belts instead of gears.
• Engine Descriptions – Various types of engines are available on vehicles. Some common types are:
• Twin-Turbocharged: For higher performance, some vehicles have not just a single but two turbochargers. These push additional air and fuel into the combustion chamber.This provides more power.
• Liters: An engine size is measured in liters. Larger cars, as well as high-performance vehicles, have more liters in their engines.
• Engine cylinders: The number of cylinders in an engine also factors in how large and powerful an engine is. Compact cars may have three cylinders, while sedans and smaller SUVs may have four. Other vehicles may have six cylinders. The most powerful engines have eight cylinders in a V-shape, known as V8 engines.
• Curb Weight – A car with no cargo is measured in weight by its curb weight.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Dennis Dillon Kia

These are the specs that matter most when you’re shopping for cars. Learn what these mean and how they affect your shopping decisions. Then, visit Dennis Dillon Kia in Boise, ID, and find your next vehicle. Come today, and we’ll help you bring home a model that fits your needs and budget.