Automobiles are motor vehicles designed to transport people. They are powered by volatile inflammable liquids such as gasoline or oil, or by electricity, but most automobiles use the latter. They are usually made of steel, but some are built from light alloys such as aluminum. They also have many safety and comfort features. The development of the automobile has been a major force in modern industrial economies, and has changed the way that people live. It has allowed people to move farther away from their jobs, which in turn spawned the construction of roads and highways (see Transportation). It also created new services such as garages, service stations, car insurance companies and motels that provide accommodations for travelers. In addition, the automotive industry has spawned large numbers of related industries such as metallurgy and engineering.
The automobile grew out of the development of the steam engine. The first steam engines were mounted on wagons, but they were heavy and slow. The introduction of the gasoline-powered automobile in the late 19th century led to a revolution in transport, as it became much faster and more convenient than wagons. The invention of the internal combustion engine by Nikolaus Otto and subsequent improvements by Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz produced more powerful engines that could drive larger and heavier cars than ever before.
By the end of the 20th century, most of the world’s population owned a car. Cars enabled people to go to work and shop quickly and efficiently, and to travel to distant places to visit friends and relatives. Having your own car allows you to save time that would be lost waiting for public transport, and gives you the freedom to plan your day as you like.
While the automobile has brought tremendous convenience to many, it also carries with it numerous disadvantages. Millions of people die in accidents every year, and automobile exhaust pollutes the air that we breathe. In many cities, parking space is scarce and traffic jams are commonplace. Moreover, the automobile is a significant contributor to global warming, and has contributed to the loss of wilderness, as land is converted into highways and other areas needed for car production.
In spite of these drawbacks, the automobile remains a vital part of modern life. As a result, engineers are constantly working on ways to make the next generation of automobiles safer and more efficient than today’s models. They are also researching alternative sources of fuel, such as biodiesel, hydrogen fuel cells and electric cars. In addition, they are designing vehicles that will be lighter and more environmentally friendly.
