Understanding Vehicle Specs in Ocala, FL

Understanding Vehicle Specs at Jenkins Auto Mall

When you’re trying to purchase, you can trust our team at Jenkins Auto Mall to help you find the vehicle that ticks all the boxes on your wish list and experience the joy of stress-free car shopping. We’ll break down the meaning of the most commonly used car terms so you can find a vehicle that best suits your needs and preferences. Check out our comprehensive guide so you can start shopping with confidence.

Common Car Terms You Should Know

• Reading Engine Descriptions – The engine helps determine the power available. For example, the engine is a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that means:
• Turbocharged: The engine utilizes a turbine to help move compressed air, giving the vehicle more power.
• 1.5-liter: This helps determine the power and efficiency of an engine. A 1.5-liter engine refers to the engine displacement, the total volume of the engine's combustion chambers in liters.
• 4-Cylinder: The size and power of the engine are measured in cylinders, so this engine has four cylinders.
• Horsepower (HP) – The speed at which your vehicle travels is directly impacted by the horsepower.
• Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated – Turbocharged engines are designed to enhance the performance of your vehicle. With the addition of a turbine, compressed air is forced into the engine, resulting in greater power and acceleration. Naturally, aspirated engines rely solely on atmospheric pressure to move the air.
• Torque (lb-ft) — This determines how quickly your vehicle can accelerate from a stopped position. More torque means more power, which translates to a better driving experience.
• Transmission – The transmission in your vehicle is responsible for the smooth transfer of power from the engine to the wheels. Depending on the type of transmission your car has, the power transfer can vary.
• Manual Transmission: With a stick shift and clutch, the driver can manually change gears, allowing for a more personalized driving experience.
• Automatic Transmission: This vehicle shifts gears automatically and seamlessly without requiring any input from the driver.
• Wheelbase – This refers to the distance between the front and rear wheels and helps determine how your vehicle handles on the road.
• Curb Weight – This refers to the weight of the vehicle when it is empty and is essential for determining the appropriate cargo and passenger capacity, fuel efficiency, and overall performance of the vehicle.
• Drivetrain– Your vehicle's drivetrain determines which wheels will receive power. When it comes to drivetrains, there are three common types that you need to know about.
• All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD): Most commonly seen in off-road vehicles, AWD/4WD means all four wheels receive equal power.
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): Common in high-performance vehicles because only the two rear wheels receive power
• Front-wheel drive (FWD): The power is sent only to the two front wheels.
• Towing Capacity –This term refers to the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle at which your vehicle can safely tow cargo.
• MPG (Miles Per Gallon) — The vehicle's MPG rating determines how far you can travel on a single gallon of gas.
• Suspension – Your suspension can help improve your driving experience by absorbing any road imperfections.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Jenkins Auto Mall

Come see us at the Jenkins Auto Mall and explore our vast inventory of new and used vehicles. We’re confident you’ll find a vehicle that best suits your needs. Our team can answer any questions you may have about purchasing a vehicle, so don’t hesitate to contact our team. Find a location near you and make your car-buying dreams a reality.