Understanding Your Vehicle's Specs in San Antonio, TX

Must-Know Car Specs Explained in San Antonio, TX

When shopping for a new car in San Antonio, it makes sense to research the vehicles that you’re interested in. While reading up on the vehicle specs, you might encounter some vocabulary that you’re unsure about. If you need clarification on those automotive specs, take a look at this definition guide so that you can make informed car-buying decisions.

• Horsepower (HP): The higher the number, the more power the engine can produce for speed and acceleration.
• Torque: A vehicle’s capacity for rotational force. Higher torque means the vehicle can accelerate quickly from a stop, tow heavier trailers, and climb steep inclines.
• Miles per Gallon (MPG): The number of miles a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel it consumes is how efficiency is typically measured.
• Engine Displacement (Liters/Cubic Centimeters): Combined volume moved by all cylinders of an engine. Larger engines with more cylinders often deliver more power while using more fuel.
• Transmission: This component sends engine power to the wheels. The automatic transmission shifts gears automatically depending on the needed speed, while manual transmission requires a shift knob or paddle shifters so that you can shift gears yourself. Continuously variable automatic transmission shifts between speeds smoothly without the use of fixed gears, as it has belts and pulleys instead.
• Drivetrain: This may be Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD), or All-Wheel Drive (AWD). FWD and RWD are ideal for city and highway driving, while AWD and 4WD are useful off-road when you need extra traction.
• Curb Weight: This is the weight of the vehicle alone, with nothing added to the cabin.
• Wheelbase: The space between front and rear axles. Longer wheelbases allow for a smoother ride and larger cabin.
• Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): The size measurements of a vehicle can give you an idea of how well it will fit in your garage.
• Tire Size: The size and type of tire required for a vehicle can influence its traction, efficiency, and performance.
• Ground Clearance: Space between the ground and the lowest part of the vehicle.
• Infotainment System: Onboard tech tools and features that can include navigation, apps for entertainment, and the interface you use to control them – often a touchscreen or display screen with buttons and knobs.
• Connectivity: Tech tools that allow for device connection or internet access. This can include Bluetooth®*, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and synchronization with smartphones.
• Safety Features: Safety features can include essentials like airbags and seatbelts as well as smart tools like forward collision warning.
• Warranty: Manufacturers issue warranties with their vehicles to cover necessary repairs for several years or a set number of miles. If a vehicle comes with a long warranty period, that suggests that the manufacturer is confident in its overall reliability.
• Resale Value: A high resale value is another sign that a vehicle is considered reliable.

Come See Us at Red McCombs Hyundai Northwest in San Antonio, TX

No matter what specs matter to you, we’ll have you find a vehicle that meets your needs on our lot. Visit us at Red McCombs Hyundai Northwest to take a look at our selection. Whether you’re in the market with plenty of space for passengers or advanced safety tech tools to keep everyone out of harm’s way, you’re sure to be happy with the options waiting for you at 13663 I-10, San Antonio, Texas 78249.