Your A to Z of motoring gobbledygook
Immobiliser
A major security device to prevent thieves from stealing a car, even if they gain entry. An electronic immobiliser is part of the engine control unit (ECU), and prevents the car from being started unless it recognises signals from a transponder in the key. Every new car in the UK has to have an electronic immobiliser fitted by law. You can also protect your car with a mechanical immobiliser such as a steering lock.
Independent suspension
A type of suspension that permits your car's wheels to move independently of one another. That means when one wheel hits a bump in the road, the others are not affected. Very few cars do without it these days; the exceptions are usually serious off-roaders.
Intercooler
This is used with a turbocharger, which boosts an engine's power and efficiency by forcing compressed air into the cylinders. When the air is compressed by the turbocharger, the molecules are forced tighter together, which causes friction and heat. An intercooler increases power further by cooling this air.
