Radiator Glossary of Terms
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Emergency Brake
A braking system that acts independently of the main hydraulic system and can slow or stop the car in the event that the primary system fails. It can also be used to keep the car from rolling on unleveled ground. Also called the "parking" or "hand" brake.
EGR Valve
The EGR valve is the main emissions control component in the exhaust gas recirculation system. The valve is located on the intake manifold, and opens a small passageway between the exhaust and intake manifold to allow a metered amount of exhaust to flow b
Electrical System
The battery, wires and electrically operated accessories in a vehicle. All modern passenger cars, light trucks and most large motorcycles have 12-volt electrical systems. Farm tractors, most small motorcycles, antique cars and pre-1967 Volkswagens have 6-
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controls the fuel injection system, ignition timing, and the idle speed control system. The ECU also interrupts the operation of the air conditioning and EGR systems, and controls power to the fuel pump (through the contr
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Abbreviation for Electronic Fuel Injection. This type of system uses computer-controlled fuel injectors to spray fuel into the engine rather than mechanically controlled injectors or a carburetor. EFI comes in several varieties: "throttle body injection"
Electronic Ignition
A system in which the timing and firing of the spark plugs is controlled by an electronic control unit, usually called a module. These systems have no points or condenser.
Emission Control System
The vehicle components that are responsible for reducing air pollution. This includes crankcase emissions; evaporative emissions and tailpipe exhaust emissions. Crankcase emissions consist of unburned fuel and combustion byproducts. These gases are recirc
Enamel
A body paint that dries to a glossy finish.
End-Play
The measured amount of axial movement in a shaft.
Engine
A device that converts heat into mechanical energy.
Engine Speed
The number of revolutions per minute (rpm) at which the engine crankshaft turns whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion.
Evap System
The emission control system that prevents the escape of fuel vapors from a vehicle's fuel system. Fuel vapors are routed by hoses to a charcoal canister for storage. Later, when the engine is running a purge control valve opens allowing intake vacuum to s
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Abbreviation for the Environmental Protection Agency, the government agency responsible for enforcing anti-pollution rules. The EPA requires all vehicle manufacturers to certify their new car as being in compliance with the applicable clean air standards
Evaporation
The change from a liquid to a vapor. This process absorbs heat and has a cooling effect. Refrigerant evaporates inside the evaporator to cool the air flowing through it.
Evaporative Emissions
Gasoline fuel vapors that are released into the atmosphere from a vehicle's fuel system.
Evaporator
The component in the refrigeration system that absorbs heat from air entering the passenger compartment to produce a cooling effect. It is an air-to-air heat exchange.
Exhaust
The byproduct composed of spent fuel from combustion engines.
Exhaust Analyzer
A piece of test equipment used to analyze the composition of vehicle exhaust gases. A 5-gas analyzer measures carbon dioxide (CO), carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen (O2), hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NoX). The gas readings can be used to determine
Exhaust Emissions
Toxic gases created when an engine burns gasoline, emitted in the form of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
This is an emissions control technique for reducing oxides of nitrogen emissions in the tailpipe. A small amount of exhaust gas is recirculated back into the intake manifold to dilute the incoming air/fuel mixture. Contrary to what you'd think, it has a c
Exhaust Manifold
A set of cast passages or pipes that conduct exhaust gases from the engine.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system consists of the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, muffler and tailpipe. The system performs three important jobs: it carries exhaust gases away from the engine, it quiets the engine (See Muffler), and it helps control
Expansion Valve
Same as TXV valve, a control device that meters the amount of refrigerant to the evaporator to regulate cooling.
Extreme-Pressure Additives
Additives that prevent high-friction wear or scoring under various conditions of boundary lubrication. Also know as "EP" additives.

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