Glossary

Even though we do try to avoid using technical terminology across our websites, there maybe times when you may need further help to understand some of the features described on our cars. That's what this glossary is for. Search alphabetically.

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DOHC

- Also known as "twin overhead camshaft", DOHC refers to an engine with two camshafts located above the cylinders. One of the shafts drives the fuel intake valves, while the other operates the exhaust valve. A DOHC engine is considered to be sophisticated and efficient, most Chevrolet models are fitted with them.

Daytime running lights

- Reduced-intensity lamps on the front of vehicles that automatically illuminate when a vehicle is shifted into drive. They make the vehicle easier to see in a variety of daytime conditions including fog, rain, dusk, and bright sunlight.

Descent Control System

- A passive safety feature, descent control is a feature found on some 4x4 cars activated by the driver. Descent control (as the name suggests) helps to keep tight control of the car when going down a steep slope.

Diesel particulate filter

- (DPF) A filter which removes small particles from a diesel exhaust. It prevents these particles from discharging in the tailpipe. Collected particulates need to be removed from the filter from time to time.

Differential – cooling system

- A vehicle's wheels rotate at different speeds, mainly when turning corners. It's the differential which allows this to work. The cooling system protects the differential from damage.

Differential – rear limited-slip

- A rear-wheel slippage detection system allowing for traction on snow, mud, wet boat ramps and ice. If one of the rear wheels has traction (and the other does not) power is sent to the wheel with traction in order to move the vehicle.

Displacement

- This is a measurement of the car's engine capacity. It is the volume of space through which the piston heads move within the cylinders, measured in in cubic centimetres. Cars are often referred to as being 1600cc (1.6 Liter) or 1800cc (1,8 Liter), for example.

Door handles

- Depending of the model and trim you chose, door handles can either be black, painted in the body colour of your car or in chrome as well as aluminum.

Door mirrors - heated and electrically adjustable

- A windscreen wiper removes rain and debris. The speed is adjustable, with several continuous speeds and at least one or more "intermittent" settings, depending on the model you choose.

Door mirrors - heated and electrionically adjustable

- The side mirrors can be manually adjusted to exactly the right angle for the driver to get the best view and folded back to protect them when the car is parked.

Door mirrors - heated, electrically adjustable, and power folding

- The side mirrors can be adjusted electrically to exactly the right angle for the driver to get the best view and folded back to protect them when the car is parked.

Door mirrors with integrated turn signals

- Side mirrors with integrated turn signals

Driver information centre

- An information display that includes information to the driver including outside temperature and the car's range. Also displays warnings if the doors or boot are open, or if the car is running low on fuel. Depends on model and trim.

Driver's and front passenger's airbags

- Active safety features to protect both the driver and the front passenger. The driver airbag is encased within the steering wheel, while the front passenger airbag is encased in dashboard fascia and is larger because it is further away from the front passenger. They inflate using a small explosive charge when sensors detect a major impact. Designed for use in conjunction with seatbelts. View Cruze crash test video.

Driver's armrest

- An armrest is attached to the driver's seat to support the arm. Added comfort on longer journeys.

Dry sump oil system

- An engine lubrication system where the oil is located in a separate oil tank rather than the more commonly used oil sump. This allows the engine to be installed lower in the chassis. The other benefit in performance cars is that it eliminate destructive oil starvation when the car is accelerating, braking and cornering.

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