Highway Racing Games

In the Highway Racing section you drive down highways and straight roads, dodging cars. The longer you last without crashing, the farther you get. There are more than 100, free in your browser, and almost all are single-player.

How they play

The idea looks simple: your car moves forward on its own and you decide which lane it's in. But traffic builds up, speed climbs and mistakes get expensive. There's nearly always a distance or points counter, and the goal is to beat your best, not to win a particular race.

The games differ in the details. In some you drive against the flow and cars come at you head-on; in others there are oil slicks, potholes or a police car on your tail. In many you pick up coins, nitro or other items that give you an edge, and it pays not to let them go by.

Types you'll see

Highways with traffic: Top Speed Highway Car Racing Game, Freeway Fury, Freeway Fighter and Jungle Highway Escape. Car arcade games with more pace and a retro look: Crazy Cars, Burnin Rubber, 2D Car Racing, Turbo Spirit and Fuel Rage. With licenses and characters: Sponge Bob Car, Hotwheels Brakeless, Mickey Machine and Fast and Furious. And the taxi and chase games, Mad Taxi Driver and Bust a Taxi.

A few break the mold, like AquaPark.io, which is truly online and looks nothing like a highway race, or Wheelie Biker, with a motorcycle.

Tips

Look far ahead instead of at your car. That way you spot gaps early and change lanes in good time, without sharp swerves. Pick up whatever appears on the road to last longer, and don't tailgate the cars in front.

• To start: Top Speed Highway or Crazy Cars.
• If you want characters: Sponge Bob Car.

One habit that raises your score: don't try to pass everyone. Find the emptiest lane, stay in it and switch only when the gap is clear. If there's nitro, save it for an open stretch and don't burn it with traffic ahead. And if you want to compete against real rivals on a track, you'll have more fun in Circuit Racing.