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Rick Popely

Contributor Rick Popely has covered the auto industry for decades and hosts a weekly online radio show on TalkZone.com.

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AFS stands for adaptive front-lighting system, or headlights that swivel in the direction a vehicle is turning to illuminate more of the road where the vehicle is heading instead of straight ahead.
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Subaru says EyeSight acts as an extra pair of eyes that try to see accidents before they happen to help prevent them.
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Every engine has at least one cam, which is shorthand for camshaft, and many current engines have two or more.
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Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the car ahead and can slow or, in some models, stop a vehicle.
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BSM is an acronym for systems that monitor blind spots adjacent to and just behind a vehicle.
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VDC is the name of the electronic stability control system on Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.
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The alternator powers the starter motor for the engine and the various computers, lights, power windows and locks, wipers and other electrical accessories.
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VSA stands for vehicle stability assist, which is the proprietary term for the electronic stability control system used on Honda and Acura vehicles.
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TCS is a feature on all vehicles that prevents the drive wheels from losing traction on slippery surfaces.
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Those annoying calls that remind you that your vehicle’s warranty has expired, or is about to, may not just be aggressive telemarketing. They might be scams, the FTC warns.