Glossary of Auto Terms

DriverSide's Car Dictionary has the most comprehensive definitions of automotive terms. This auto glossary can help you decipher what your mechanic is fixing and what the purpose or function of the particular auto part or accessory is for. We have taken the mystery out of automotive service jargon, so that you don't have to.

Back

Gasket

Gaskets are literally everywhere in your vehicle. Your vehicle is composed of thousands of parts, many of which are joined together. Sometimes the seal between these parts--between the cylinder head and the engine block for example, is crucial. In these cases, a gasket is used to help provide a proper seal. These gaskets can be made of paper, cork, rubber, or metal plates, and can often fail, requiring replacement to keep more expensive parts from failing.



See Also:
Coolant
Tachometer
Sending Unit
Flash Point
Kickdown Switch
Run on
Powertrain
Grease Seal

Diagnose Your Car's Problem

Engine won't start? Weird sound? Strange smoke? Got something going on with your car but not sure what it is? The easy to use DriverSide Diagnostic Tool is here to help you figure it out.



Enter Zip: