The automobile, sometimes called a car, is a wheeled vehicle that carries people and, often, cargo. Automobiles can vary in size and purpose, from compact city cars to large trucks and buses. They may be powered by steam, electricity, internal combustion (gasoline or diesel) or some other source.
During the 19th century, the development of modern automobiles accelerated as factories employed techniques introduced by Henry Ford to mass produce cars at relatively low costs. This mass production opened the way to affordable, convenient automobiles for middle-class families. The United States, with its vast land area and scattered, sparsely-populated hinterland, was a natural market for such vehicles. And, the nation’s manufacturing tradition and cheap raw materials encouraged industrialization and automation of production.
Automobiles are a vital part of modern life, transporting people and goods to and from their homes, workplaces, shopping centers, schools and hospitals. In fact, many people would find it inconvenient or impossible to live without one. Modern technology has made cars safer and faster to drive, and they are now available in a huge variety of shapes and sizes.
Pros: The main advantage of owning a car is that you can get yourself where you need to be whenever you want, without having to rely on others or schedule your trip around the time that someone else’s vehicle will be available. It is also good for the environment if you are using an alternative fuel, such as natural gas or electricity. Cons: Cars are very expensive to buy and maintain. They also release greenhouse gases when they are driven, especially if they are not fuel efficient. In order to reduce these emissions, some drivers are opting to walk or bike where possible, use public transit if available, or carpool with friends who also own vehicles.
The first self-propelled automobiles were probably steam powered, with the earliest patent in the United States being granted to Oliver Evans for his harbor dredge scow in 1789. Edouard Delamare-Deboutteville and Leon Malandin of France installed an internal combustion engine on a tricycle in 1883, but during its first test the tank hose exploded, literally shaking the vehicle “to pieces.”
Karl Benz was awarded a German patent for his internal-combustion petrol engine in 1886, and he began to manufacture and sell automobiles in Germany in 1888. Other manufacturers followed, including Rudolf Diesel, who was granted a patent for his new Rational Combustion Engine in 1897.
The name automobile is believed to be derived from the Greek prefix “auto” (self) and the Latin word for moving, “mobilis.” It’s a fitting name, since cars are self-propelled vehicles that do not require horses or other external power to move. The modern automobile is a complex machine with numerous systems designed to perform a variety of tasks. These systems include engine, chassis, drivetrain and safety and control systems. Research and development engineers work on all these aspects to improve automotive performance and safety. They are often assisted by mechanical engineering and electrical and electronic technicians.
