Glossary of Terms: Intensity

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The physical quality of sound that relates to the strength of the vibration (measured in decibels). The higher the sound's amplitude, the higher the intensity and vice versa. See AMPLITUDE .

Knock

A heavy, loud, repetitious sound, like a knock on the door.

Moan

A constant, low-frequency tone. Also described as a hum.

Ping

A short-duration, high-frequency sound, which has a slight echo.

Pitch

The physical quality of sound that relates to its frequency. Pitch increases as frequency increases and vice versa.

Pumping Feel

A slow, pulsing movement.

Rattle

A random and momentary or short-duration noise.

Reactor

The component, or part, that receives a vibration from an originator and conductor and reacts to the vibration by moving.

Roughness

A medium-frequency vibration. A slightly higher frequency than a shake. This type of vibration is usually related to drivetrain components.

Rustling

Intermittent sound of varying frequency, sounds similar to shuffling through leaves.

Shake

A low-frequency vibration, usually with visible component movement. Usually relates to tires, wheels, brake drums or brake discs if it is vehicle speed sensitive, or engine if it is engine speed sensitive. Also referred to as a shimmy or wobble.

Shimmy

An abnormal vibration or wobbling, felt as a side-to-side motion of the steering wheel in the driveshaft rotation. Also described as waddle.

Shudder

A low-frequency vibration that is felt through the steering wheel or seat during light brake application.

Slap

A resonance from flat surfaces, such as safety belt webbing or door trim panels.

Squeak

A high-pitched transient sound, similar to rubbing fingers against a clean window.

Squeal

A long-duration, high-pitched noise.

Tap

A light, rhythmic or intermittent hammering sound, similar to tapping a pencil on a table edge.

Thump

A dull beat caused by 2 items striking together.

Tick

A rhythmic tap, similar to a clock noise.

Tip-In Moan

A light moaning noise heard during light vehicle acceleration, usually between 40-100 km/h (25-65 mph).

Transient

A noise or vibration that is momentary, a short duration.

Vibration

Any motion, shaking or trembling, that can be felt or seen when an object moves back and forth or up and down.

Whine

A constant, high-pitched noise. Also described as a screech.

Whistle

High-pitched noise with a very narrow frequency band. Examples of whistle noises are a turbocharger or air flow around an antenna.

Wind Noise

Any noise caused by air movement in, out or around the vehicle.