Want to learn some surprising facts about cars? Well, then you’ve come to the right place.
Cars have had a fascinating evolution over time. And even if you know how they work from the inside out, there are still more things to learn! Hint: there are some very weird laws in Russia.
Keep reading to learn 6 car facts that you probably didn’t know.
1. The Toyota Corolla Is the Best Selling Car
While it may not be the sexiest car, it sure is useful!
As of 2020, over 45 million units of the Toyota Corolla have been sold, making it the best-selling car of all time. It’s followed by the Ford F-Series and the Volkswagen Golf.
2. The First Car Was Made in the 1880s
The first automobile was invented around 1886.
In Germany, Karl Friedrich Benz created a three-wheeled automobile that ran on gasoline. Around the same time, Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach created a four-wheeled automobile that also ran on gasoline.
And as of the year 2020, there are 1.4 billion cars. What a difference 135 years makes!
3. It’s Illegal To Drive a Dirty Car in Russia
Russia can be an odd place from time to time, but did you know it’s illegal to drive a filthy car? While it’s unclear how heavily this law is enforced or how dirty the car must be, this law does exist.
And while we’re on the subject of strange laws, it’s also mandatory to check for children under your car before driving off in Denmark.
4. Audi Means “Listen” in Latin
Turns out, automobile emblems don’t just look cool. They actually have meaning!
The Audi emblem comes from the founder’s last name, “Horch.” Horch is German for “listen,” which translates to “Audi” in Latin.
5. That New Car Smell May Be Toxic
If you love that new car smell, we have some bad news for you.
What you’re actually smelling is a group of chemicals called VOCs. These chemicals are found in different parts making up the car’s interior and can contain formaldehyde and ethylbenzene. While the research on this isn’t conclusive, it suggests that inhalation or ingestion of these chemicals could lead to health problems.
6. The Inventor of Cruise Control Was Blind
Ralph Teetor was a blind engineer who invented the first cruise control, which was originally called the “Speedostat.”
Teetor started working on his invention during WWII when the United States imposed a 35mph driving limit to save on gas and rubber. His main goal was to keep drivers safe on the road, as many accidents started occurring. And while his original design didn’t include a speed lock, he added it later on.
Did You Know Any of Those Car Facts?
Even if you’re a gear head, hopefully, these fun car facts took you by surprise. So what did we learn?
If you get a new car, don’t inhale the smell. Be proud if you own a Toyota Corolla! Oh, and get your car cleaned if you’re in Russia.
If you enjoyed this article on trivia about cars, check out more of our automobile content.
