The Benefits of Owning Automobiles
Automobiles are the vehicles that people use to get around on land. They have four wheels and a engine that runs on gasoline, but some also have electric or water run engines. They can hold one or more passengers and carry cargo. People use automobiles to go shopping, to work and school, and for many other purposes. Cars can be expensive, but they have a lot of benefits that make them worth the cost for some people.
Exactly who invented the first automobile is still somewhat of a mystery, but by the end of the 19th century they were becoming popular in Europe and America. Originally they were powered by steam, electric power or, most commonly, petrol (gasoline), which was made from oil. The first cars were quite large and expensive, but in the early 1900s production techniques improved so that smaller, less expensive models became available.
Today automobiles are designed to be easy to use and to provide comfort and safety for passengers. A large number of different types are manufactured to meet the needs of a wide range of consumers. These include family cars, sport utility vehicles and minivans that can seat up to nine people, luxury sedans and station wagons, and trucks and pickups that are used for hauling and other jobs.
The automobile is a complex machine with many systems working together to make it function properly. Its engine is the heart of the car, providing the power that drives the wheels and turns on the lights and other systems.
In the past, steam, electric and other kinds of automobiles competed for decades, but eventually internal combustion petrol engines dominated the industry. Various pistonless rotary engines have been tried, but none have become commercially viable.
Almost every modern automobile is a complex combination of metal and plastic parts. The body, which includes the passenger compartment, is usually made of steel or a similar strong material. The windows, roof and doors are often glass or plastic. The engine, brakes, transmission and other mechanical systems are generally located under the hood.
People who own automobiles have a great deal of freedom because they can go wherever they want to go without having to wait for a bus or train. They can spend more time with their families and other people instead of being tied down to a schedule that depends on public transportation. Most owners of automobiles say that their lives have been greatly improved since they bought their cars.
The automobile industry is important to the economy because it provides millions of jobs in factories and at gas stations, restaurants and hotels where travelers stop. However, it also creates problems because it causes pollution and makes traffic jams in cities. Many accidents are caused by automobiles, and millions of people die in car accidents each year.