Understanding Vehicle Specs in Lynchburg, VA

Understanding Commomn Car terms in Lynchburg, VA

At Berglund Toyota, we understand how stressful it can be to find the perfect vehicle that fits your needs. That's why our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the car-buying process until you find the car that fits seamlessly with your lifestyle. Gain a better understanding of the most frequently used car terms to make a well-informed decision that perfectly fits your individual needs and preferences. Check out our comprehensive guide today and experience a hassle-free car buying experience like never before.

Common Car Terms You Should Know

• Suspension – The suspension absorbs all the bumps and imperfections on the road, ensuring your ride is comfortable and safe.
• Reading Engine Descriptions – The engine plays an essential role in determining the power and performance of your vehicle. For example, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that offers impressive power and efficiency to enhance your driving experience.
• Turbocharged: This engine has a turbine that aids in moving the compressed air, providing an impressive boost to the vehicle's power output.
• 2.4-liter: The engine displacement, measured in liters, is a key factor in determining its performance. A 2.4-liter engine refers to the total volume of the engine's combustion chambers and is an important consideration when making your decision.
• 4-Cylinder: An engine's performance is based on the number of cylinders it has, so in this case, this engine has four cylinders.
• MPG (Miles Per Gallon) — A vehicle's MPG rating can determine how far you can travel on a single gallon of gas.
• Horsepower (HP)– The horsepower of your vehicle has a direct impact on its speed.
• Towing Capacity – Your vehicle's towing capacity is important to ensure the safe and secure transport of cargo. It is important that you are aware of the maximum towing capacity to avoid any potential risks or damage to your vehicle.
• Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated – Upgrading your vehicle with a turbocharged engine is a smart move to boost its overall performance. With the help of a turbine, compressed air is directed into the engine, which ultimately leads to a significant increase in power and acceleration. On the other hand, naturally aspirated engines solely depend on atmospheric pressure to move the air, which may limit their potential in terms of performance.
• Drivetrain – With three common types of drivetrain to choose from, it's important to know which one will best suit your driving needs.
• Front-wheel drive (FWD): The power distribution system is designed to send power exclusively to the front wheels, resulting in superior handling, stability, and traction.
• All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD): If you enjoy off-road vehicles, you might have heard about AWD/4WD. It's a powerful feature that ensures all four wheels receive equal power, making your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): High-performance vehicles commonly feature a rear-wheel drive system, as it efficiently delivers power to the two rear wheels, optimizing performance and handling.
• Torque(lb-ft) — Your vehicle's torque directly impacts its acceleration from a complete stop. A higher level of torque means more power and a superior driving experience.
• Curb Weight – Knowing the weight of a vehicle when it's empty is important in determining its capabilities. It helps decide the amount of cargo and passengers it can carry, its fuel efficiency, and overall performance.
• Transmission– The type of transmission in your car determines how effectively the power is transferred, which can impact the overall performance of your vehicle.
• Automatic Transmission: This transmission offers a smooth and effortless gear-shifting experience that doesn't need any intervention from the driver.
• Manual Transmission: Driving a stick shift with a clutch gives you complete control over your vehicle's performance.
• Wheelbase – The wheelbase determines the distance between the front and rear wheels, affecting the stability, maneuverability, and overall handling of your vehicle.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Berglund Toyota

Check out the incredible selection of new and pre-owned vehicles waiting for you at Berglund Toyota. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have about purchasing a car. We look forward to helping you find your dream vehicle.