Understanding Vehicle Specs in Jefferson City, TN

Understand Your Vehicle Specs at Tarr Chevrolet

Are you feeling confused and overwhelmed by all the complicated jargon in the auto industry? Our team of experts has compiled a list of helpful tips that will guide you through the car market and help you find the perfect vehicle to meet your needs. You don't have to be an expert to make an informed decision, and with our guide, you'll have all the knowledge you need to take control of your car-buying journey. Trust us to help you make the right choice and enjoy the ride of your dreams.

Common Car Terms You Should Know

• Drivetrain – The engine powers your wheels, but the drivetrain type of your vehicle determines which wheels get the power.
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): Performance-based vehicles often have power sent only to the rear wheels by the engine.
• All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD): Off-roading vehicles require more traction control, and therefore, power is equally distributed to all four wheels.
• Front-wheel drive (FWD): The engine will only send power to the front wheels.
• MPG (Miles Per Gallon) – The amount of miles a vehicle can travel on a single gallon of gas determines its fuel efficiency.
• Horsepower (HP) – The engine produces power to help the vehicle accelerate faster.
• Wheelbase – The distance between the front and rear wheels of a car is smaller than its full length. This measurement is known as the wheelbase and is important to consider when evaluating a car's performance and stability.
• Suspension – How comfortable your vehicle feels on the road depends on how well its suspension system absorbs imperfections in the road.
• Torque (lb-ft) – Your vehicle's ability to accelerate from a stop is influenced by its twisting force. This twisting force is referred to as torque.
• Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated – A turbocharged engine has a turbine, while a naturally aspirated engine does not.
• Towing Capacity – If you plan on towing a large object, such as a camper or trailer, it's essential to know the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow.
• Transmission – The power from the engine goes to the wheels through the transmission. The type of transmission in your car affects how the power is transmitted.
• Manual Transmission: The transmission requires the driver to shift gears using the clutch and a stick shift manually.
• Automatic Transmission: The engine can change gears automatically, providing a smooth ride without requiring input from the driver.
• Reading Engine Descriptions – Understanding engines can be challenging. For example, a "twin-turbocharged 3.5L V8" is a type of engine.
• Twin-Turbocharged: Not all engines are the same. Some engines have two turbochargers to increase performance by pushing more air and fuel into the combustion chamber. This engine is an example of such an engine, called a twin-turbocharged engine.
• 3.5L: The size of an engine is determined by the number of liters it has. In this particular case, it has a capacity of 3.5 liters.
• V8: The number of cylinders in an engine determines its size and power. A V8 engine, for example, has eight cylinders arranged in two rows of four cylinders in a V-shape.
• Curb Weight – Before loading your vehicle, find out its weight without any cargo.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Tarr Chevrolet

If you’re looking for a car that fits your lifestyle and budget, then check out the Tarr Chevrolet dealership in Jefferson City, TN. Our inventory is filled with top-notch vehicles just waiting for you to explore. Our team is here to assist you with friendly and knowledgeable guidance. Visit us today to experience the latest in modern features, impressive performance, and versatility.