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How do cars move?

Cars move when the engine makes power that turns the wheels.

A car has an engine inside it. Most cars burn petrol or diesel to make the engine work. Some cars have an engine that runs on electricity instead. When the engine runs, it makes a lot of power.

This power goes to the wheels through gears and shafts. When the wheels turn, they rub against the ground and the car moves forward or backward. The steering wheel turns the wheels to make the car go left or right.

The car uses brakes to stop. The brakes make the wheels turn slower, or stop them turning at all. This way, the car can move and stop safely.

Quick facts

  • The engine inside a car makes the power it needs to move.
  • Most cars run by burning petrol or diesel.
  • Some cars have an engine that runs on electricity.
  • The engine's power reaches the wheels through gears.
  • The steering wheel changes the direction the wheels point.
  • The brakes slow down the wheels to stop the car.

Check what you remember

3 questions — all of them come from the quick facts above. There is no score and no wrong turn.

1. What makes the power a car needs to move?

2. What changes the direction a car goes?

3. What is used to stop a car?

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