Terms Starting with A
Absolute sensor-A sensor used on the intake manifold to measure the intake manifold pressure in reference to a fixed pressure sealed inside the sensor.
Acidity-In reference to lubrication, acidity denotes the presence of acid-type chemicals within the oil which may cause corrosion, sludge's, and varnish to increase in the engine.
ACR3-An air-conditioning refrigerant recovery and recycling system used to recover and recycle the refrigerant.
Actuator-a device that can cause action or motion on another part after being electrically energized.
Additives- In reference to oils, chemical compounds added to a lubricant for the purpose of imparting new properties or improving those properties that the lubricant already has.
Aeration-The process of mixing air with a liquid.  Aeration occurs in the shock absorber fluid, (or other fluid) from rapid fluctuations in mechanical movement.
Aftermarket- Parts and equipment that have been manufactured by companies other that the original manufacturer.  Aftermarket parts are sold by many of the street rod parts companies.
Air ducts-Tubes, channels, or other tubular structures used to carry air to a specific location.
Air-fuel ratio-The measure of the amount of air and fuel (by weight) needed for proper combustion in an internal combustion engine.  The most efficient air-fuel ratio is 14.7 parts of air to 1 part of fuel. 
Air intake and exhaust systems-The parts on a street rod engine used to get the air into the engine and the exhaust out of the engine, including the air cleaner, muffler, tailpipe, and associated ducting. 
Alignment-The position of the vehicle wheels relative to each other and to the street rod body and frame.  Caster, camber, and toe are typically adjusted as part of the alignment process.
Ambient-Usually in reference to  air temperature, ambient means surrounding air temperature.
Amperage-The number of electrons flowing past a given point in one second.
Antifriction bearing-A type of bearing that uses balls or rollers between the rotating shaft and the stationary part.
Armature-The iron or steel center of a starter motor or solenoid located between two magnets.  The movable or rotating part of a generator or alternator.
Aspect ratio-The ratio of the height to width of the tire expressed as a percentage.
Atomization-The breaking down of a liquid such as gasoline into small particles, like a mist, by the use of pressure, often related to atomizing fuel in a carburetor or fuel injected engine. 
Axial load-A type of load placed on a bearing that is parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft, often produced by gears that are helical in design.

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