The Vanagon Dictionary

Low-range gear setting for off-road driving

• offroad
• drivetrain

The percentage of battery capacity used before recharging

• batteries
• lifespan

The level of charge in a battery, expressed as a percentage

• batteries
• maintenance

Plates used to block off heat riser ports on engine

• engine
• exhaust

A measure of the density of a liquid, used to determine the state of charge in a battery

• batteries
• specific
• gravity

Lighting on the side of the vehicle, often for visibility

• light
• sidelight

A type of wire used to hold or secure items, often used in place of tape or ties.

• wire
• fastener
• hold

Practice of lowering the roof on the body of the vehicle by cutting portions of the frame and door frames

• chop-top
• custom

Usually refers to the buses made from 1968-1979, due to the resemblance of the body shape to that of a loaf of bread

Keyless locking and starting system, offering convenience and ease of use

• keyless
• locking
• starting

Department of Transportation. an agency of the U.S. Federal Government that has authority over some aspects of auto- mobile construction, especially in the safety-related areas.

An extension of the electronic differential lock function, responding to loss of traction

• differential
• traction

A type of relay that is activated for a set period of time

• relay
• electrical

A type of wrench that allows for easy tightening or loosening of bolts

• tools
• maintenance

Distinctive smell of air-cooled VWs, often from upholstery or rubber seals.

• smell
• aircooled

The number of revolutions per minute of a vehicle's engine

• engine
• revs

Measure of the vehicle's acceleration perpendicular to its direction of motion

• sensor
• acceleration

The amount of movement of the crankshaft in the crankcase

• engine
• crankshaft

Top Dead Center, the position of the piston at the top of its stroke

• engine
• timing

A type of additive used to improve the viscosity of an oil.

• oil
• viscosity

A U-shaped piece of metal on the front and rear of the Beetle

• apron
• metal
• beetle

Area at the bottom of the rear corner of the vehicle

• vanagon
• t25
• repair

A type of oil made from chemical compounds, offering superior performance and protection.

• oil
• synthetic

A combination of additives used to enhance the performance and protection of an oil.

• oil
• additives