Your A to Z of motoring gobbledygook
Four-wheel drive
Cars which use the engine to drive all four wheels are described as having a four-wheel-drive transmission. This gives better traction in slippery conditions and is essential for off-roaders. However, it adds to the car's weight and increases fuel consumption compared to an equivalent two-wheel-drive car.
Footprint
The area of tyre tread in contact with the road at any given time. This varies during acceleration, braking and cornering. It can be affected by tyre pressure, temperature, rubber compound, and tread design.
Fuel injection
The most commonly used way of delivering fuel into the engine's cylinders these days. In older cars, fuel and air are mixed in carburettors before being burnt in the engine, but in new cars, the mixture is squirted in (injected) under high pressure. This helps make modern engines more efficient and produce lower emissions.
Full service history
Before buying a used car, ask to see the car's service book. If this shows the car has been serviced on time and according to the manufacturer's instructions, your potential buy has a full service history. It's a sign the previous owners have cared for the car properly, so it is more likely to be reliable. This also adds to its resale value.
