Radiator Glossary of Terms
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Latent Heat
The amount of heat required for a change in physical state (phase change). The latent heat of vaporization is the amount of heat required to change a liquid into a vapor.
Lateral Runout
Also called axial runout, it is the amount of sideways motion or wobble in a wheel or tire as it rotates. It is usually measured by holding a dial indicator against the face of the rim or tire sidewall. A wheel with too much lateral runout will wobble bac
LCD
A "Liquid Crystal Display" is a type of electronic display that forms opaque or dull-colored letters or numbers on various backgrounds. LCD displays are popular for digital dashboards, but they are not as readable in direct sunlight as LED displays.
Lead-Free Gasoline
In 1973, unleaded gasoline was introduced to the market to eliminate hazardous lead content from exhaust fumes, and manufacturers started producing cars that ran on lead free gasoline.
Leaf Springs
A type of spring made out of a flat strip or individual leaves. Most are steel, but some are made of lightweight composite materials.
Lean Misfire
A condition caused by an air/fuel mixture that is too lean to sustain combustion. Lean misfire causes one or more cylinders to pass unburned fuel into the exhaust system causing a big increase in hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. Symptoms include a rough idle a
Leasing
A plan much like renting in which one pays a set sum of money each month for the use of a vehicle rather than purchasing it outright. An open-end lease allows one to pay an additional amount at the end of the agreed upon term to purchase the vehicle. A cl
LED
A "Light Emitting Diode" is an electronic light bulb of sorts that produces colored light. You'll find LEDs used in the center high mounted stop light on many vehicles, and used as indicator lights in some instrumentation. LEDs are also used in some vehic
Lifters
Also called "followers" or "tappets," they are the components that ride on the cam lobes and help "lift" the valves open. There are two basic types: solid and hydraulic. Hydraulic lifters are hollow and fill up with oil to take up slack in the upper valve
Linear EGR Valve
A type of electronic EGR system that uses a small motor to move the EGR valve's pintle in small steps, which provides precise control of gas flow.
Liner Or Inner-Liner
The thin layer of halobutyl rubber inside a tire that contains the inflation air, sometimes called the inner-liner. All Dunlop passenger tires are manufactured with an inner-liner.
Liquid Line
In Clutch Cycling Orifice Tube (CCOT) systems, the line connecting the evaporator to the orifice tube. In systems using TXVs (expansion valves), the line connecting the receiver-dryer to the TXV valve inlet.
Liquid/Fuel Separator
An evaporative emissions system component mounted above the fuel tank that prevents liquid gasoline from entering the vent lines.
Lithium-Base Grease
A grease for chassis and wheel bearings that uses lithium as a base. Lithium-based greases are not compatible with sodium-based greases.
Lock Nut
A type of nut that is used to prevent another nut or threaded component from loosening and backing off.
Low Pressure Line
Same as "suction line" in an A/C system, the line from the evaporator outlet to the compressor inlet. Refrigerant vapor passes through this line as it circulates back to the compressor.
Low Side
Same as "suction line" in an A/C system, the line from the evaporator outlet to the compressor inlet. Refrigerant vapor passes through this line as it circulates back to the compressor.
Lube Grease
A viscous lubricating oil used to lubricate the steering linkage, the suspension system and other moving parts outside the engine.
Lube Job
The greasing and lubrication of the suspension system, the drive train and other general parts of a vehicle. A total lube job should be performed professionally once or twice a year and can easily be done when a vehicle's oil is changed.
Lubricant
A material such as grease or oil used to lubricate two moving parts in order to reduce friction.
Lubrication
Control of friction and wear by the introduction of an oil film between moving engine surfaces.
Lug Bolt
The bolts that secure the wheel to the hub.
Lug Nut
The nuts securing the wheels to the car.
Lug Wrench
A type of wrench used to remove the lug nuts or bolts securing the wheels to the car.

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