What is the meaning of carports?

What exactly is a carport?

1. Essence: A "sunshade" for your car

The core function is simply: shelter. Unlike a garage, which is enclosed on all four sides, a carport is essentially a combination of a canopy and pillars:
→ The canopy provides shade and protection from rain and snow, preventing the car interior from becoming an oven in summer and the windows from freezing in winter.
→ The pillars support the structure, leaving side space for easy parking and entry.

2. Difference from a garage: Less than three walls

3. Why not just call it a "parking shed"?

Foreigners use a more down-to-earth term: "Carport" literally translates to "port for cars"—a more vivid description than "parking shed," as cars park there resemble ships entering a harbor to avoid storms.
Specifically referring to a simple structure: It emphasizes an open design with no walls or doors, using pillars to support the canopy, clearly distinguishing it from a closed garage.

4. What can it actually do? More than just parking cars!

Car protection: → Protects against sun damage causing paint peeling, rain and snow rusting the chassis, and hail denting the roof.
Multi-functional yard area: → Parking electric bikes, storing farm tools, drying goods, setting up a tea table... the space under the canopy is fully utilized.
Upgraded platform: → Install solar panels on the canopy to generate electricity, allowing cars to charge while parked underneath.

5. The essence lies in "flexibility."

Assembly and disassembly are like building blocks: Steel pipes are bolted together, the canopy is laid with boards—no need for walls or foundations; you can assemble it yourself.
Location is flexible: Park it in the front yard today, move it to the backyard next year—it's up to your needs.
Both budget and luxury options are fine: → Budget: Iron frame + corrugated steel sheet, enough to keep out the rain. → Luxury: Aluminum alloy + tempered glass canopy, bright and classy.