Automobiles
Automobiles are motor vehicles used for transporting people and cargo over land. They have four wheels and an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline (a liquid petroleum product). The term automobile is used internationally to refer to all kinds of car models, regardless of their power source. Cars are one of the most popular consumer products and one of the most successful inventions of modern times. They allow people to travel great distances quickly and easily, expanding their work opportunities and social circles. They have also had a major impact on the economy, and have shaped national cultures in many ways.
The history of the automobile began with the creation of steam and electric powered vehicles. By the end of the 19th century Germany had become a center for automobile manufacturing, and Karl Benz invented the first truly practical car. This was the era of the “horseless carriage.”
By 1920 automobile production had become extremely large. Companies that built cars became household names and their factories were the largest employers in towns around the world. These factories employed thousands of workers who made parts to assemble into finished cars. By the 1950s the automobile industry had become one of the most important industrial sectors in the United States. Hundreds of car companies existed, and millions of Americans had cars.
Automobiles were responsible for the expansion of our nation’s cities and the growth of suburbia. They allowed families to move from rural areas into the cities and work, which stimulated our country’s economy. They helped to create a new class of middle-class workers who could afford a home of their own as well as a job in the city. Having an automobile also opened up more work opportunities for women and minorities who had not previously had such access to the labor force.
Today’s automobile is a complicated machine with a variety of systems that work together to make it run. The heart of the vehicle is the engine which produces both the power that turns the wheels and electricity for the lights. The brakes slow and stop the car by using friction between a pad and a drum or disc. The suspension system supports the weight of the car, and includes springs, axles, and tires which grip the road.
Future automobiles are expected to be more energy efficient. They are likely to use alternative energy sources such as biodiesel, hydrogen fuel cells, or electric engines. They will be more environmentally friendly, and have advanced safety features such as air bags, seat belts, and antilock braking systems. Computerized systems are being developed which will eventually let automobiles drive themselves. They will be able to communicate with each other and with other vehicles, and will alert drivers when they are getting too close to other cars or pedestrians. They may even be able to avoid collisions completely.