Automotive
Automotive covers the cars and vans people drive every day and the technology and rules behind them. We explain how vehicles and their parts work, how to look after them, and what to check before you buy, whether that is a new electric car, a used petrol model or a set of tyres. We also follow the move to electric vehicles, from charging and range to running costs, and the safety and motoring rules that affect drivers and fleet owners. Practical advice is based on official guidance, manufacturers' published specifications and independent safety testing, and we link to those sources so you can check the details yourself. Rules differ between countries, so each article says which ones it describes. Our editorial policy explains how we check facts, and corrections are listed in our corrections log. Industrial equipment and business operations are covered in Business & Industry, and apps and connected gadgets in Technology. Nothing in this section replaces a qualified mechanic or the advice in your vehicle's handbook. Every article names its author, lists its sources and shows whether it has been fact checked.
Topics we cover
- Electric vehicles
- Car maintenance
- Car buying
- Road safety
- Motoring rules
- Fleet & commercial vehicles
Coming soon
We're preparing our first Automotive stories. In the meantime, you can browse our other sections.
Automotive: frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a hybrid and an electric car?
- A fully electric car runs only on a battery and has to be plugged in to charge. A hybrid has both a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor. A standard hybrid charges its small battery while driving, while a plug in hybrid has a larger battery that can also be charged from the mains.
- What is ADAS in a car?
- ADAS stands for advanced driver assistance systems: features that help the driver, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. They use cameras, radar and other sensors to watch the road. They support the driver but do not replace them, and the driver stays responsible for controlling the car.
- Why do tyres need the right pressure?
- Correct tyre pressure helps a car brake, steer and grip the road as it was designed to, and it reduces uneven tyre wear. Tyres that are under inflated also increase rolling resistance, which raises fuel or energy use. The recommended pressures are usually printed in the owner's manual and on a label inside the driver's door.