Glossary / Engine

actuators

19 Episode Mentions
Too Afraid to Ask

They’re like tiny robots that turn the wheels when the car’s computer tells them to.

Technical Definition

Actuators are electric motors or devices that physically move the wheels in response to electronic commands.

Hear It Discussed

"When you hit on the twigs and all that, it wasn't the twigs, but it was a really good clue for my mechanic. Really? Yeah. It turned out to be the actuator."

#2642: Overtightening Our Belts The Best of Car Talk 19:44

"How do I get it open to change the actuator?"

Under The Hood! Americas' Favorite Car Talk Show Get Your Calls Answered On-Air Under The Hood show 15:06

"And there's a little sort of actuator thing that rotates to lock the flap shut, and it just sticks or breaks, and that's it, and you can't..."

Brown March Smith and Sniff 54:04

Cars Known For This

Dodge Dart Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Elantra Jeep Grand Cherokee Volkswagen Polo

Episodes Mentioning "actuators"

Search for "actuators"

The Car Curious Weekly

Podcast highlights and car talk, delivered every week.

Also Known As

actuator

Help Improve This Entry

Spot an error or have a better explanation? Let us know.

Back to Glossary