* Self-propelled: It must be able to move itself using an internal power source (engine, electric motor, etc.), rather than relying on external forces like animals or gravity.
* Four wheels: While three-wheeled vehicles exist, the overwhelming majority of what we consider cars have four wheels. This contributes to stability and maneuverability.
* Passenger vehicle: It's designed primarily for transporting people, although it might also carry cargo. This differentiates it from heavy-duty vehicles like trucks or tractors.
* Road-going: It's intended for use on paved roads or similar surfaces, not off-road vehicles or trains.
* Individual seating: Cars typically have individual or grouped seating for passengers, unlike buses or vans with bench seating.
* Enclosed cabin: It has a passenger compartment that's mostly enclosed to protect occupants from the elements.
While there's no strict legal definition universally defining a "car," these attributes generally encompass the core characteristics we associate with the term. Variations exist (e.g., convertibles, pickup trucks), but they still generally fall under this umbrella definition.
