A car needs a way to turn its wheels. In a petrol or diesel car, an engine gets energy from fuel. In an electric car, a motor gets energy from a battery.
Fun fact: A petrol engine uses a spark to ignite its fuel-and-air mixture.
A four-slide private lesson about How Do Cars Work?
How Do Cars Work?
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That turning power passes through parts that connect the engine or motor to the wheels. When the driven wheels push against the road, the car moves forward.
Fun fact: A diesel engine ignites fuel using hot, compressed air.
The steering system turns the wheels so the car can change direction. The driver also controls how quickly the car moves.
Fun fact: Tire tread helps a tire grip a wet road.
Brakes slow the wheels, usually by pressing brake parts together to create friction. The tires need grip on the road for steering and braking to work well.
Fun fact: Some electric cars recover energy while slowing down.