R
Radiator core & AC condenser
The part of a vehicle's radiator and air conditioning systems made up of small-diameter tubes with a series of thin, heat-conducting fins in between.
Radiator hoses
The tubes between the radiator and the engine.
Radio data system
A small portion of the FM frequency that is allocated for broadcasting alphanumeric news, traffic and song information.
Real time traffic updates
Traffic congestion information gathered by road sensors and other means read by a vehicle's navigation system through communications satellites.
Rear brake type
The type of rear brake: drum or disc.
Rear defroster
A device that melts ice or frost or removes condensation from a vehicle's rear window.
Rear door type
The type of rear door: hinged or sliding.
Rear electric motor performance
An electric vehicle's or hybrid vehicle's rear electric motor's ability to do work, expressed in terms of horsepower, torque and/or kilowatts.
 
 
Rear electric motor type
The type of rear electric motor in a hybrid vehicle or EV used to power the rear wheels: permanent magnet motor or other traction motor.
Rear HVAC
The climate-control system used to regulate heating and air conditioning for the area of a vehicle behind the front row seating.
Rear seat entertainment system
The elements of a vehicle's entertainment system accessible to rear seat passengers.
Rear seat type
The type of rear seating: bench seats, bucket seats, removable seats, split-bench seats, captain's chairs or seats that convert into a bed.
Rear spoiler
An aerodynamic device attached to a vehicle's trunk lid or liftgate consisting of one or more airfoils supported by uprights that allows air to flow over it as well as under it, resulting in decreased lift and increased stability at high speeds.
Rebate
A cash payment offered as an incentive by the manufacturer to consumers, which is usually applied by the consumer to reduce the net price of a vehicle.
Recall
Please click here for the definition of this term and additional information.
Recall notice
A notice by a manufacturer to the owners of a defective/unsafe vehicle or vehicle component (as well as dealers) that a recall has occurred.
 
 
Recommended fuel type
The optimal type of fuel (based on its octane rating) recommended by a vehicle's manufacturer.
Regenerative braking
A method of assisting the deceleration of a hybrid or electric vehicle in which the vehicle's electric motor switches from drive/output mode to generator mode. This recharges the battery by converting a portion of the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Remote start
A feature of a vehicles' electronic key fob that controls the vehicle's ignition.
Remote trunk release
The control of a vehicle's power-activated release using a button on an electronic key fob or smart key.
Remote window operation
The control of a vehicle's power window system by one or more buttons on an electronic key fob or smart key.
Renewable energy
Natural energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar power, wind power, hydrogen and biofuels.
Repair kit
Tire repair equipment that typically consists of an emergency tire sealant and a means of refilling a flat tire.
Replacement cost
A method of valuing insured property that uses the cost of replacing the property at current prices and does not take into consideration the property's condition or whether it has depreciated since first acquired. Compare "Actual cash value."
Required fuel type
The minimum acceptable type of fuel (based on its octane rating) recommended by a vehicle’s manufacturer.
 
 
Residual value
A vehicle leasing company's assumption of what a vehicle will be worth at the end of the lease, which is a factor used to determine the monthly lease payment. (The higher the residual value, the lower the monthly payment.)
Retained accessory power
A feature that permits the operation of a vehicle's power accessories after the key is removed from the ignition for a set period of time or until a door is opened.
Retractable mirrors
Sideview mirrors that can be moved closer to a vehicle when parking in a tight space or using an automatic car wash.
Reverse tilt mirrors
Power sideview mirrors that tilt down when a vehicle is in reverse in order to aid the driver in parallel parking.
Roadside assistance
A service available from various manufacturers that assists a driver when a vehicle is inoperable.
Roll-over protection
A system of devices that works to prevent or lessen the damage from rollover accidents.
Roof rack
A metal or plastic device attached to a vehicle that is used to anchor cargo to the vehicle's roof.
Roof spoiler
A spoiler that is mounted from the rearward-facing edge of a vehicle's roof to the liftgate just above the rear windshield, or to the upper edge of the rear windshield itself (and that is usually installed for aesthetic purposes).
 
 
Roofline
The outline or contour of the roof a vehicle.
Row count
The number of available rows of seating in a vehicle.
RPM
Revolutions per minute.
RR
Rear-engine rear-wheel drive. A vehicle that is propelled solely by its rear wheels and whose engine is located aft of its front axle.
Run flat
A tire that is capable of being driven on temporarily after losing its pneumatic pressure.
Running boards
Rocker panel extensions that function as steps to aid the driver and passengers in the entering and exiting of tall vehicles.
Rust & corrosion warranty
A warranty that covers the repair or replacement of the vehicle's sheet metal in the event of damage from rust or corrosion that is severe enough to cause a hole. Surface rust is not covered.