Antenna (Electric) The long, thin metal rod mounted on the exterior of your car that's used to improve radio reception, and is electrically raised or lowered.

Antenna (Manual) The long, thin metal rod mounted on the exterior of your car that's used to improve radio reception. Is sometimes mounted inside the windshield - in this case it would be a very thin wire or wires, barely visible in the center of the windshield.

Anti-Lock Brake Control Module (ABS) The brain behind your anti-lock braking system. The Anti-Lock Brake Control Module senses when a wheel is about to lock up and skid. When this happens it "releases" that wheel for a split second to prevent the skid. It also monitors the health of your ABS system.

Anti-Theft Control Module The control unit for your theft deterrent system. It takes in information from the anti-theft sensors located in the vehicle, analyses them, and takes the appropriate action, i.e., sounding the horn and flashing the lights or disabling the vehicle. Normally located underneath the dash, though it could be mounted almost anywhere that would be secure.

Axle Assembly (Front, WD) The front axle assembly on a front wheel drive car is very complex, and actually mounts directly onto the transmission. The axle itself is the shaft that runs between the wheel hub and the transmission.

Axle Assembly (Rear) Connects the rear wheels together on a rear wheel drive car. The rear axle carries the weight of the rear of the vehicle and also drives the rear wheels. It also acts as a mounting point for the springs and shock absorbers. There will be a large bulge in the center, which is the "differential" or gear housing.

Axle Beam (Front, RWD) On a rear wheel drive vehicle, the front axle beam is a large, forged beam that connects the two front wheel together and also acts as a mounting point for the springs and shock absorbers.

Axle Beam (Rear, FWD, Complete) On front wheel drive cars the rear axle beam simply connects the two rear wheels together, and acts as a mounting point for the springs and shock absorbers.

Axle Shaft On either front or rear wheel drive cars, the axle shaft is the actual steel shaft that sends engine power from the transmission down to the wheels. They are normally mounted inside an axle housing, but in many independent suspensions, they are open to the air.

Back Glass The rear window of the vehicle. On vehicles with hatchbacks, or SUVs with back doors, the window in the door is considered the back glass.