Understanding Vehicle Specs in Auburn, NY

Common Car Terms Defined


The Essential Guide to Automotive Specs and Terms for Every Car Shopper

When it comes to cars, understanding the technical terms and specifications can be overwhelming. But at Fox CDJR, we make it easy for you to know exactly what you're getting. Our team is dedicated to helping you decide on your next vehicle purchase. We'll take you beyond the sleek design and comfort of a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM vehicle and explain what makes these cutting-edge machines deliver superior performance every time you take the wheel. Check out our simple guide to auto terminology and specifications to choose the perfect car.

Key Automotive Terms You Should Know

  • Towing Capacity - The weight your vehicle can safely tow, including the weight of the trailer.
  • Payload - The maximum amount your vehicle can haul, including passengers and cargo.
  • Cargo Space - The available room in the trunk or rear of the vehicle for storage.
  • Wheelbase - Distance between rear and front wheels.
  • Suspension - The suspension is the component that is responsible for ride quality.
  • Transmission - The transmission helps switch gears. There are two types of transmission - automatic transmission, which automatically will switch gears without the driver's input, and manual transmission, which requires the driver to use a stick shift and clutch to change gears.
  • Drivetrain - This system is responsible for transmitting power to the wheels. The most common types include four-wheel drive (4WD)/all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive.
  • MPG - The miles per gallon (MPG) helps calculate how many miles your vehicle can travel on a single gallon of gas. Higher MPG means you can travel more miles, saving you money.
  • Torque (lb-ft) - This term refers to the twisting force produced by the engine. This information is essential when determining the vehicle's ability to accelerate from a standstill or pull weight.
  • Horsepower (HP) - The amount of power the engine generates; more horsepower means faster acceleration.

Decoding Engine Descriptions

To help you understand the engine description, check out this example: "3.3L V6 24V GDI DOHC Twin Turbo."

  • 3.3L - Your engine is measured in liters, so this engine would have 3.3 liters.
  • V6 - The number of cylinders in an engine determines its size, so in this example, there are six cylinders in a V shape.
  • 24V - Your engine has valves, so if you see 24V, the engine has 24 valves, which help improve the engine's power output and efficiency.
  • GDI - Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) refers to fuel being directly injected into the combustion chamber, which can improve fuel efficiency and provide more power.
  • DOHC - Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) refers to having two camshafts per bank of cylinders, providing a more efficient mixture of air and fuel.
  • Twin Turbo - This engine would use two turbochargers to help force more into the combustion chamber to help increase torque and horsepower.

Find Your Future Vehicle at Fox CDJR

With this information, you can now experience a successful car shopping process. Discover the range of vehicles on our and elevate your driving experience with cutting-edge technology. It's time to take the next step and own a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM.

Visit us today at Fox CDJR and start your journey to automotive excellence with us.