Pros and Cons of Automobiles

An automobile is a self-propelled motor vehicle for passenger transportation on land. It usually has four wheels and is powered by an internal combustion engine fueled most often by gasoline, a liquid petroleum product. It is one of the most universal of modern technologies and is manufactured by one of the largest industries in the world.

Automobiles enable people to travel long distances easily, quickly and reliably. This convenience has led to new employment opportunities and greater choices about where to live in relation to a person’s job. Having a car also allows a person to visit friends and family who are far away without having to rely on others or take time off work.

Most modern automobiles are complex technical systems incorporating many subsystems with specific design functions. Engineering advances and breakthroughs in technology have enabled manufacturers to produce automobiles with sophisticated features such as airbags, antilock brakes, electronic computer-controlled engines and safety belts.

In addition to the car’s engine, other essential parts include the chassis (frame), wheels and suspension. Automobiles also require a drive system to send energy from the engine to the wheels. This energy may come from chemical fuel, such as gasoline, or electrical energy stored in a battery. How fast the wheel drive system can send this power to the wheels determines how fast the automobile can move.

Besides cars, there are special automobiles designed for various uses like crane vehicles used at construction sites or at ports and fork-lifts found in warehouses. There are also emergency automobiles like fire engines, ambulances and patrol cars for road surveillance.

Pros of Automobiles

The automobile revolutionized the way that people live in the 20th century and has had an enormous impact on the culture of the United States. It became essential to everyday life and it made modern society possible. Without access to an automobile, it would be difficult or impossible to do many jobs.

Cons of Automobiles

The biggest con of automobiles is that they run on fossil fuels, which are finite and will eventually be depleted. They also emit carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. In order to reduce greenhouse emissions, cars need to use less fuel and they need to be more efficient.

Other cons include the initial cost and maintenance costs of an automobile. If a person is not careful, he or she could end up with an expensive repair bill due to careless driving and mechanical failures. Also, an automobile is a large financial commitment and it can affect a person’s credit score, which in turn can influence his or her ability to secure a mortgage and other loans. However, if an individual chooses to drive a fuel-efficient automobile and takes good care of his or her vehicle, these costs can be offset over the course of a few years.