METRIC CONVERSIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
METRIC CONVERSIONS
METRIC CONVERSIONS
Metric conversions are making life more difficult for the
mechanic. In addition to doubling the number of tools required,
metric-dimensioned nuts and bolts are used alongside English
components in many new vehicles. The mechanic has to decide which tool
to use, slowing down the job. The tool problem can be solved by trial
and error, but some metric conversions aren't so simple. Converting
temperature, lengths or volumes requires a calculator and conversion
charts, or else a very nimble mind. Conversion charts are only part of
the answer though, because they don't help you "think" metric, or
"visualize" what you are converting. The following examples are
intended to help you "see" metric sizes:
LENGTH
Meters are the standard unit of length in the metric system.
The smaller units are 10ths (decimeter), 100ths (centimeter), and
1000ths (millimeter) of a meter. These common examples might help you
to visualize the metric units:
* A meter is slightly longer than a yard (about 40 inches).
* An aspirin tablet is about one centimeter across (.4 inches).
* A millimeter is about the thickness of a dime.
VOLUME
Cubic meters and centimeters are used to measure volume, just
as we normally think of cubic feet and inches. Liquid volume
measurements include the liter and milliliter, like the English quarts
or ounces.
* One teaspoon is about 4 cubic centimeters.
* A liter is about one quart.
* A liter is about 61 cubic inches.
WEIGHT
The metric weight system is based on the gram, with the most
common unit being the kilogram (1000 grams). Our comparable units are
ounces and pounds:
* A kilogram is about 2.2 pounds.
* An ounce is about 28 grams.
TORQUE