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A car has 4 tired wheels, 2 on each of 2 axles, that rotate in the direction of travel. An engine and
an enclosed body are fixed to the axles. The engine powers the car and uses gasoline, oil, alcohol, or
steam (obsolete) as fuel, a battery, or a combination of gasoline and battery ("hybrid"). Air (for its oxygen) and fuel
are mixed and burned which produces expanding gases that drive pistons that rotate a crankshaft, which in turn
rotates a shaft connected by gears to the axle and wheels. The shaft rotates axle
and wheels to propel the car. The car direction is controlled by a steering wheel that turns a tie rod
connected to the wheels. This description fits any car from the time of its invention to the present day.
The car has many components, here grouped into 21 systems as listed below. Many of these existed with the first
cars while others developed later. Engineers continue to improve them today.
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