Automobiles are vehicles that use a motor to move and carry people. They are usually designed to drive on roads and may be equipped with air conditioning, entertainment systems and navigation devices. An automobile uses an internal combustion engine to generate power. It can burn gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene. The engine creates power by exploding the fuel in a cylinder and turning the crankshaft.
The word “automobile” comes from the Greek words auto (self) and mobilis (moving). It means “self-moving vehicle.” The first cars were invented in the late 19th century. Karl Benz is often credited with creating the modern automobile, which used a four-stroke type of internal combustion engine. He made a number of cars in his factory and started selling them in 1888. Other inventors and engineers also worked on early automobiles. For example, George Selden received a patent for his road machine in 1879 and the Duryea brothers patented their motor carriages in 1895.
Most automobiles are powered by a gas or oil-burning internal combustion engine. This engine is located inside the car and converts a liquid or gaseous fuel into energy to make the wheels turn. The energy from the engine is transferred to the axles by a transmission system that has gears. The most common fuel for automobiles is gasoline, also known as petrol in some countries. Other types of vehicles that can be propelled by a motor are the bicycle, motorcycle, moped and scooter.
A good thing about having an automobile is that it allows you to go where you want, when you want without relying on other people for transportation. It can help you be more productive at work and school because you can plan your schedule more closely. However, there are some negatives to owning an automobile. For one, it can be a risky way to travel because of reckless drivers and accidents. Also, it can be expensive to own and maintain an automobile.
In the first decades of the 20th century, many Americans were able to afford automobiles for the first time. This gave them more freedom and allowed them to visit places that were far away from home. Women could even ride in cars and show their independence. Two women, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, drove across the country in 1916 and decorated their cars with “votes for women” banners.
After World War II, automobile manufacturers focused on production for the military and production of new models slowed. Then questions arose about the environmental impacts of automobiles, including their pollution and the draining of the world’s oil supplies. During this period, Japanese and European car companies gained market share in the United States. Today, there are more than 500 automobile manufacturers in the world. They produce millions of vehicles each year. Some of the more popular brands include BMW, Honda and Volkswagen. The automobile is now the world’s most popular mode of transport. It is still growing in popularity as more and more countries become industrialized.