Rick Popely

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.

Subaru says EyeSight acts as an extra pair of eyes that try to see accidents before they happen to help prevent them.

Every engine has at least one cam, which is shorthand for camshaft, and many current engines have two or more.

Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the car ahead and can slow or, in some models, stop a vehicle.

BSM is an acronym for systems that monitor blind spots adjacent to and just behind a vehicle.

VDC is the name of the electronic stability control system on Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.

The alternator powers the starter motor for the engine and the various computers, lights, power windows and locks, wipers and other electrical accessories.

VSA stands for vehicle stability assist, which is the proprietary term for the electronic stability control system used on Honda and Acura vehicles.

TCS is a feature on all vehicles that prevents the drive wheels from losing traction on slippery surfaces.

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.