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Parallel hybrid
A vehicle that is powered by an electric motor and an internal combustion engine that are inline. This type of hybrid can be driven on either full electric mode, gasoline engine mode, or combined. This is the most common type of hybrid vehicle currently used today.
Parking assist
An electronic system that employs laser, radar or sonar technology to enable a vehicle to park itself, in some cases without driver input.
Parking lights
Sometimes referred to as "daytime running lights." White lights intended to increase a vehicle's visibility to other drivers.
Passenger memory settings
Preset power seat positions for the passenger that can be recalled using a button.
Passenger volume
The total volume of space available for passengers in the front and rear seat(s) of a vehicle.
Payoff amount
Also called the "buyout amount." The amount that, at any specified time during the term of a vehicle lease or loan, is required to be paid in order to discharge the remaining obligation.
PCV filter/PCV valve
Positive crankcase ventilation filter/positive crankcase ventilation valve. Devices that allow the venting of combustion gases from the crankcase to the intake system instead of into the atmosphere.
Pedal adjustment
The mechanism that controls the position of a vehicle's gas, brake and/or clutch pedal to suit the needs of the driver.
 
 
Pillar
A shaft or other structure that supports the roof of a vehicle, with the A-pillars being the structures that frame the windscreen, and each successive set of structures (moving toward the rear of the vehicle) being named after successive letters of the alphabet.
Pilot bearing
A bearing that is press-fit into the rear of the crankshaft and that supports the tip of the transmission input shaft.
Plenum chamber water drain valve
A valve used on some vehicles to drain collected condensation from the intake plenum.
Plug-in vehicle
A vehicle powered solely by electricity available from a standard domestic AC power socket.
Plus size wheels
Also known as "up-sized wheels." Wheel and tire packages that are larger in diameter than those included in a vehicle's standard equipment.
Polarization coating
A coating that reduces the glare from sideview mirrors by modifying the reflected light.
Post collision communication
A component of a vehicle's telemetrics system that, when triggered, automatically informs authorities after a collision.
Postcrash safety
Safety measures and devices that lessen the chance of a driver or passenger being hurt in the aftermath of a collision.
Power activated release
The electronically controlled release of a vehicle's hatch or trunk (in contrast to a conventional cable-activated release mechanism).
 
 
Power extending mirrors
An electronically controlled sideview mirror that can be moved further away from a vehicle when it is towing an object.
Power steering
An electric and/or hydraulic system that multiplies, for ease and comfort, the force a driver exerts on the steering wheel.
Power steering fluid
Hydraulic fluid used in a power steering system.
Power steering hoses
The flexible hoses carrying hydraulic fluid between the various components of a power steering system.
Powertrain warranty
Also referred to as the "drivetrain warranty." A vehicle warranty that covers most of the parts that make the vehicle move, including the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft. As with a basic warranty, "consumable" parts such as hoses and belts are not covered. However, most of the internal parts of the engine, such as the pistons and bearings, which are also subject to wear and tear, are covered by a powertrain warranty.
Precrash safety
Safety measures and devices that prevent a collision from occurring or lessen the chances of a driver or passenger injury in the event of a collision.
Precrash safety seats
Seats that spring into a safe position when a precrash systems senses an impending collision.
Precrash system
A system of devices that employs radar or laser technology to sense an impending collision and reacts by implementing precautionary measures, including tightening seatbelts and applying braking.
Premium audio
A sound system that has been provided to the vehicle manufacturer by a name brand audio manufacturer.
 
 
Privacy glass
A vehicle window with a factory-installed tint, utilizing either a mylar covering or smoked glass, that has enough opacity to obscure the vehicle's interior from view.
Private party price
The price consumers are paying private sellers for similar vehicles.
Program car
Please click here for the definition of this term and additional information.
Purchase option
The right given to a vehicle lessee to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease term for an amount equal to the vehicle's residual value.
Purge valve
In an evaporative emissions control system, the valve that allows the venting of fuel vapors from the charcoal canister to a vehicle's intake and prevents the canister from becoming saturated and nonfunctional.
PZEV
Partial zero emission vehicle. A vehicle that has zero evaporative emissions and meets the EPA’s SULEV standard.