Automobiles are powered by engines that use fuel to generate power that turns the wheels of the vehicle. They are a convenient mode of transportation that provides the freedom to go anywhere, anytime without having to worry about the unpredictable schedules of public transportation or coordinate rides with friends and family members. An automobile can also be used to carry heavy loads that would be impossible to haul on a bicycle or foot. Automobiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different needs, with many styles available. Some examples include convertibles and sportier models called roadsters. In addition, there are vehicles with seating for seven or more people that are usually referred to as SUVs.
The modern automobile consists of thousands of individual parts, all of which must work together to make the vehicle run. Just like the human body, these components are arranged into semi-independent systems that have specific functions. For example, the cooling system uses water to keep the engine from overheating. The lubrication system uses oil to reduce friction, and the fuel system delivers gasoline or other fuel to the cylinders where it is ignited by an internal combustion process that produces energy.
Automobiles have profoundly changed society. They allow individuals the independence to travel long distances and to connect with one another in ways not possible before. They have also encouraged sprawl (i.e., straggling, low-density urban development), degrading landscapes and contributing to traffic congestion. And the vehicles themselves contribute to climate change by consuming fossil fuels and producing emissions.
In the early days of automobiles, steam and electric engines were the dominant technology. But the invention of the gas-powered internal combustion engine revolutionized the industry in the 1910s. Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler was a mechanical engineer who earned a degree from Stuttgart Polytechnic and pursued the design of a practical, small engine. He competed with Etienne Lenoir and Karl Benz for years but, after gaining a patent for his own four-stroke internal combustion engine in 1886, he worked independently of Benz.
Currently, the best-selling automobile in the United States is a midsize sedan. This category includes cars such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. These cars combine good driving dynamics with a comfortable interior and lots of storage space. In the category of compact cars, the Mazda CX-5 is a fun-to-drive model that’s also a good value.
A sports car is a fast and powerful automobile designed for performance. It is typically equipped with a powerful engine and features aerodynamic styling. These automobiles can be found in many different colors and finishes. Some are even designed with the latest technological features such as self-driving capabilities. These features are becoming more common as the world transitions to hybrid and electric vehicles. However, there are some concerns about the safety of these vehicles.
