Understanding Vehicle Specs in Tempe, AZ

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

Finding a vehicle that meets your needs can be overwhelming, especially when considering the technical terms. Our team at Tempe Kia is here to take the stress out of the car shopping experience. You can depend on our team to help you find a vehicle, so check out this guide of auto terminology and specifications so you can confidently find a vehicle that meets your needs.

Key Automotive Terms You Should Know

• Horsepower (HP) – The power your engine generates measures horsepower, so the more horsepower your vehicle has, the faster it will accelerate.
• Towing Capacity – The towing capacity refers to the maximum weight your vehicle can tow safely.
• Torque (lb-ft) – The twisting power that your engine can produce is useful information when determining a vehicle's acceleration from a dead stop.
• Payload – This is the weight that a vehicle can haul safely.
• MPG – A gas-powered vehicle's measurement determines the miles a vehicle can travel on a single gallon of gas.
• Cargo Space – This is the space available in the trunk or cargo area.
• Drivetrain – The type of power transmitted to the wheels. Common drivetrain types include rear-wheel drive (RWD), four-wheel drive (4WD)/all-wheel drive (AWD), and front-wheel drive (FWD).
• Wheelbase – This term is used to measure the available space in the cabin between the front and rear wheels.
• Transmission – The transmission is responsible for the switching of gears; there are two types of transmissions – manual transmission, which relies on the driver to manually switch the gears using the clutch and stick shift, and automatic transmission, which allows the engine to switch automatically without the help from the driver.
• Suspension – Your ride quality is impacted by the suspension on the vehicle.

Decoding Engine Descriptions

This example, “3.3L V6 24V GDI DOHC Twin Turbo,” can help you decipher the engine description:

• 3.3L – There are 3.3 liters in this engine example. The engine is measured in liters; the more liters your engine has, the bigger the engine, which means your vehicle requires more fuel.
• V6 – This example has six cylinders in a V shape. Your engine's size is determined by the number of cylinders it has.
• 24V – In this example, there are 24 valves. The number of valves in your engine impacts the engine's power and efficiency.
• GDI – This abbreviation stands for Gasoline Direct Injects, which means that the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber to help with efficiency and power output.
• DOHC – This term means Double Overhead Camshaft when there are two camshafts per bank of cylinders.
• Twin Turbo – This engine example has two turbochargers that help increase horsepower and torque by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.

Find Your Future Vehicle at Tempe Kia

With our expert guidance, you'll enjoy a hassle-free and successful experience. From cutting-edge technology to an impressive range of vehicles, we have everything you need to elevate your driving experience. If you're in the market for a Kia, we've got you covered. Visit us today at Tempe Kia and start your journey to automotive excellence!