Interesting Car Facts | Drivers, Good to Know
7 Fun & Interesting Facts About Cars Anyone Can Learn
Reading time: 2 mins
Most of us depend on our cars to get to work, chauffeur the kids and run personal errands day in and day out. However, it’s so easy to take our vehicles for granted and overlook what a marvellous invention it is.
Cars have drastically changed our lives and made getting around so convenient. But besides its make and model, some facts and statistics about cars prove just how incredible the evolution of the automobile has been.
So, in tribute to the automobile, here are 7 fun and interesting car facts you probably don’t know about. We bet that these random facts are sure to impress all of your car-loving friends!
1. There are currently over 1 billion vehicles around the world
It is estimated that over 1 billion passenger cars travel the streets and roads of the world today. Out of this, over 6 million electric vehicles (EVs) were sold worldwide in 2021, according to a research done on the global electric vehicle market.
2. Most car horns are in the key of F
Did you know that car horns emit a specific pitch that is typically in the musical note of F? In the early 1960s and 1970s, car horns were calibrated to the sound of C-sharp. But automobile manufacturers decided to raise it to a higher pitch so road users could hear the honks even through closed windows. No doubt, safety has always been a priority in driving.
3. The first electric car was created in 1832
The first electric-powered vehicle was created by Robert Anderson in 1832. Then in the 1990s, General Motors began mass-producing them. Today, drivers are gradually opting to buy an electric car to reduce their carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
4. The inventor of cruise control was blind
In 1945, automotive engineer Ralph Teetor created the technology we now know as Cruise Control – one of the first inventions towards autonomous vehicles. What’s amazing is that he accomplished this without being able to see!
5. Every car has approximately 30,000 parts
It is almost impossible for a car owner to know every part of the car down to the nuts and bolts, unless you’re a super car enthusiast or a professional mechanic. You may know of the more common auto parts such as the engine, battery, headlights, gearbox and brake pads. But there are hundreds of parts you may not even be aware of, like the combination valve, distributor, spacer ring, fuel injector, and more.
6. Did you know that 80% of an average car is recyclable?
Good news is most of these auto parts can be recycled. Believe it or not, automobiles are the most recycled consumer product in the world today with about 80% of the vehicle (by weight) recycled. This includes metal pieces, dirt, glass, fabric, paper, wood, rubber, and plastic.
7. The largest car collection in the world consists of more than 7,000 cars
The 29th Sultan of Brunei has the largest private car collection with over 7,000 cars of all different makes and models. His collection is estimated to be worth over USD5 billion and comprises various cars from Ferrari, McLaren, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Bentley and BMW.
And there you have it! Do you know of other fun, interesting or even downright unusual car facts? Let us know if you have any other awesome car facts for us to add to this list, in the comments section below.
