How a Car Works

From a tank of petrol to four patches of rubber.

Eight chapters in the order the energy travels. Every chapter ends in a live demo.

hover a number to reveal that system — press it to read the chapter

Stage 1 · Making motion

01The chain: fuel → wheelsThe whole car in one story.02The engineTiny, precisely-timed explosions.03Clutch & gearboxWhy an engine needs gears at all.04The differentialTwo wheels, different speeds.

Stage 2 · Controlling it

05BrakesFriction, hydraulics — and fade.06Tyres & gripFour postcard-sized patches of rubber.07Suspension & steeringKeeping rubber pressed to the road.08Aerodynamics of a carAbove ~100 km/h the air wins.