Automobiles are four-wheeled vehicles designed primarily for passenger transportation and commonly propelled by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel. They are of many types, categorized based on their shape, size, power, layout and whether they run on road, track, water, air or under the ground. Modern automobiles are complex technical systems with thousands of component parts. They have evolved through breakthroughs in technology such as electronic computers, high-strength plastics and new alloys of steel and nonferrous metals, as well as from consumer demands for greater safety, convenience and luxury features.
The earliest automobiles were powered by steam or by electric motors. The gasoline-powered automobile was first introduced in the late 1800s, and by 1920 it had taken over most of the world’s roads and byways. Karl Benz and Henry Ford were two of the main contributors to this revolution. The former invented the assembly line and the Model T, which made it possible to mass-produce automobiles at a lower cost than ever before, making them available to middle class families. Henry Ford also improved manufacturing processes, lowering the price of his cars even further.
As the number of automobiles increased, cities had to expand to accommodate them, and suburbs grew to replace rural areas. The automobile gave people a great deal of freedom, and allowed them to travel far from home for work, leisure or shopping. It also helped to develop new industries such as fast food chains, hotels, amusement parks and restaurants. However, it was not without its problems. Exhaust from automobiles contributed to pollution, and the need for highways took up valuable land that could have been used for farming or housing.
Today, most Americans cannot imagine a life without access to an automobile. It is a major part of their lives, and they travel more than three trillion miles each year on average. Many people have jobs that require them to commute long distances, and others must run errands and attend social events on a regular basis. Having a car makes these trips easier, and it is usually cheaper than taking a taxi or asking friends for rides. However, the automobile does create some inconveniences such as keeping up with car maintenance and finding a place to park. Moreover, most cars are powered by fossil fuels, which contribute to global warming. Therefore, it is important to reduce the amount of pollution that comes from automobiles by buying a hybrid or electric car, or by carpooling with other people. These measures will also help to control rising gasoline prices and other costs associated with owning an automobile.