Car Leasing Guide – Definition of terms used in car lease secrets

Here is a compilation of car terms that we think you will find helpful as you research your next purchase. These are common terms that you might come across while shopping for your next vehicle. Contact us if you feel there is something that should be included in our glossary, and we will definitely consider your suggestion.

dealer preparation fee
In car leasing, the fee is paid to the dealer for preparing a car for purchase or for lease.

default charge
In car leasing, refers to the fee charged as penalty for a late lease payment.

deficiency
refers to the difference between the amount of money owed on a leased car and the current cash value of the car.

depreciation fee or charge
An amount charged to a lease payment that accounts for the loss of value on a car during a lease term.

differential
A device consisting of gears that allows an axle or drive shafts to rotate at different speeds; this allows for different speeds in the drive shafts particularly useful for when a car makes a turn.

direct fuel injection (a.k.a. fuel injection/electronic fuel injection)
A fuel system that allows for better performance, fuel efficiency, and the ability to use alternative fuels which in turn allows for better emission performance.

disc brake
A car device that is used for stopping or slowing down the rotation of a wheel.

displacement
The volume of an engine's cylinders used to refer to a car's size and power.

disposal/disposition fee (a.k.a. termination fee)
In car leasing, this refers to the amount a buyer pays at the end of a closed-end lease; an option only offered to lessees who choose not to pay residual values for the car.

double-wishbone suspension
A car suspension design that allows the use of two wishbone-shaped control arms for the wheel's up and down motions.

drag coefficient
The measure of a car's resistance to air as it passes through it.

driveline
The part of a car that connects the transmission with the driving axles.

drivetrain
Parts of a car that generate power and thus propel the car.

drum brake
Refers to a brake that stops or slows down the rotation of a wheel with pads that press against the inner part of a metal drum in the wheel.

dualie
A truck with wheels on each side of the rear axle.

Dynamic Stability Assistance (a.k.a. electronic stability system, dynamic stability control)
A computer-controlled antilock braking system that provides assistance to a car on a road when it experiences sudden changes; i.e., the road gets slippery. The system monitors wheel performance and adjusts accordingly.