It probably comes from an expression used for many years by people who fix parts of cars and trucks.

VOA: special.2009.11.29

Even the ones that used to drive generally don't have cars anymore,

甚至以前开车的朋友一般都不要车了，

公共交通更方便 - SpeakingMax英语口语达人

They also used a new,lithium-ion battery that is expected to last longer than batteries in current hybrid cars.

VOA: special.2010.11.17

The recall has also intensified questions about all the computer control systems used in modern cars.

VOA: special.2010.02.05

Stock cars used to be produced in car factories.

VOA: special.2009.04.10

Millions more used buses and cars in what is believed to be the world's biggest annual human migration.

VOA: standard.2010.02.14

Doug Goudey prepares the antique cars used in the recreation We do have a couple of cars that come here on a regular basis.

VOA: standard.2009.12.25

Private cars were also used to ferry the many wounded to hospitals.

VOA: standard.2009.10.25