The Car

A car is a vehicle with four wheels. It has an engine that makes it move. People use cars to go to school, work, and fun places. Cars come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. They have changed the way people travel all over the world.

Who Invented the Car?

The first modern car was built in 1886 by a German man named Karl Benz. His car had three wheels and a small engine. Before cars, people rode horses or used wagons. Later, Henry Ford made cars faster to build in factories. This made cars cheaper so more families could own one.

How Cars Work

Most cars have an engine that burns fuel like gas. The engine turns the wheels and makes the car move. The driver uses a steering wheel to turn. Pedals on the floor help the car go and stop. Today, some cars run on electric batteries instead of gas. These cars are cleaner for the Earth.

Fun Facts

• The very first cars could only go about 10 miles per hour, slower than a bike!
• There are more than one billion cars in the world today.
• Some electric cars can drive by themselves using computers and cameras.

Did You Know?

The word 'car' comes from an old Latin word 'carrus,' which meant a wheeled cart pulled by horses.