when was the car invented

The car, as we understand it today, was invented in the late 19th century. The honour often goes to Karl Benz, who built the first practical automobile powered by an internal combustion engine in 1885. This was a three-wheeled vehicle called the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. Before that, there were steam-powered and electric vehicles, but they were more novelties than practical cars.

So, if you think your petrol station stop is a modern inconvenience, remember it all started over 135 years ago. For a more detailed timeline, you might want to check official automotive history resources.