What Is a Car?

A car is a motor vehicle that runs on roads and is used to transport people. It has four wheels and usually holds one to eight passengers. There are more than 1.4 billion cars in operation worldwide, and they move more than three trillion miles each year. Cars have become the primary mode of transportation in many countries, and they are a major economic force. They provide jobs in factories that produce them and at gas stations, restaurants and motels where travelers stop. However, they can also cause pollution, congestion and other problems.

A modern car has many safety features. For example, most have air bags that inflate in a crash. In addition, there are seat belts and child safety seats. There are also special locks for doors and windows that can only be opened with a key. Many cars have a radio, CD player and a heater. Some have satellite navigation systems to help drivers find their way.

The engine in a car creates power by burning petrol, which is usually pumped from the tank into the engine. Older cars used carburetors that mixed fuel with air, but modern ones use electronic injectors that electronically spray the fuel in a precise manner. The engine then drives the drive wheels through a gearbox, and they rotate to create forward motion. The drive wheels can be on the front or back of the car, depending on its design. Some cars can be driven over any kind of road, while others need specialized tires.

Sedans are four-door vehicles with a trunk. They are available in sizes from small (subcompact vehicles like the Nissan Versa and Kia Rio) to mid-size (Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla) and full-size sedans, including luxury models from Mercedes and Lexus. Wagons are similar to sedans, but they have a hatchback and can be backed up like a minivan. Some wagons have elevated ground clearance and rugged body cladding to make them more like SUVs.

There are still plenty of people who prefer a well-rounded, efficient sedan over the taller, more rugged offerings from SUV manufacturers. Hell will freeze over before the Toyota Camry loses its position as the bestselling non-SUV passenger car in America, but there are still plenty of sedans out there to choose from at reasonable prices. The Mazda Miata is a great example of an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car that’s a great used buy.