Car

A car is a road vehicle designed mainly to carry people and, in some cases, a small amount of cargo. Most cars have four wheels, a body, seats, steering, brakes, suspension, and a system that provides propulsion. Conventional cars use an internal-combustion engine, usually powered by gasoline or diesel, while electric cars use one or more electric motors supplied by batteries.

Hybrid cars combine an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. The engine or motor sends power through a transmission and other components to the wheels. Cars also contain safety systems such as seat belts, airbags, lights, and structures designed to help protect occupants during a collision.

Driving a car requires controlling its speed and direction while responding to traffic, road conditions, and other road users. Modern vehicles may include electronic systems that assist with braking, parking, lane keeping, or detecting obstacles, but these features do not remove the need for an attentive driver.

Cars provide convenient personal mobility and can travel relatively long distances, yet they also require energy, occupy road and parking space, and can contribute to air pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions depending on their technology and how they are used. Regular maintenance of tires, brakes, lights, fluids, and other components helps keep a car safe and reliable.