Automobiles are vehicles that use an internal combustion engine to generate power to turn the wheels. The engine can be powered by gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene or any other liquid that is burned and then converted to motion by the engine. Automobiles can be built to carry passengers and cargo or for off-road use, but most are designed to travel on road systems. The design of an automobile is heavily influenced by its intended use and many products have evolved as the needs for transportation have changed.
Automobile manufacturing was the first industry to adopt industrial assembly techniques. In the early 1900s, Ford introduced mass production, where workers do one task and car parts pass through a conveyor belt to be assembled. This allowed the price of cars to fall to the point that middle-class Americans could afford them. This opened the door for automobiles to dominate the streets and highways of America, and led to the rise of major automobile manufacturers like Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.
The modern automobile is a complex machine, with many different components that work together to make the vehicle run and provide the driver with safety, convenience and comfort. The body is the outer shell that contains all of the mechanical and passenger components and is made of steel or sometimes other materials. The hood, trunk and fenders are attached to the body and protect the car from the elements.
A sedan is a four-door car that usually has a sloped rear window and a trunk. A coupe is similar but has two doors and may be considered sportier than a sedan. A station wagon, minivan or passenger van is a taller version that can seat up to nine people. An SUV (sport utility vehicle) is a rugged automobile that combines the towing capability of a pickup truck with the passenger-carrying space of a sedan or a van.
Pros:
Having a car makes it possible to go places that were previously inaccessible. It also gives people more freedom and time to do things that they want or need to do, including visiting friends or family who live in other cities. It helps people with jobs who need to commute long distances. And it lets people buy groceries, gas and other supplies more quickly.
Cons: The downside to cars is the impact on the environment. The fumes from the engines release carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas, into the air. And millions of people die in car accidents every year. In addition, the roads are often crowded with cars and it can be difficult to find a place to park.
There are also social impacts from the automobile, including the development of new services that cater to travelers like restaurants and motels. And of course, it takes a lot of energy to build and maintain the thousands of miles of roadways worldwide. Despite these negatives, most people would agree that cars make their lives easier and give them more flexibility.