To produce sparks in car components (3)
I believe the answer is:
arc
'to produce' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't see how they can define each other.
'in car components' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'ARC' is hidden within 'car components'.
'sparks' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for arc that I've seen before include "Segment of circumference" , "Curved part of circle" , "be rapidly discharged" , "Bend" , "circle, partly" .)