Automobiles are four-wheeled vehicles that carry people and things. They move more quickly than other wheeled transport like bicycles and buses (steam, diesel, and electric), and can go where other transportation cannot due to rough roads or terrain. They can be more expensive than walking or riding a bike, and they consume more fuel than other wheeled transport. They are also a lot heavier than most other vehicles, so they require more force to push forward. This force comes from an engine or motor that sends energy to the wheels. It might be chemical energy in gasoline or electrical energy in a battery. The amount of force that is sent is called power, and it is usually measured in kilowatts or horsepower.
The automobile revolutionized life in the United States. It gave people access to jobs and services that they couldn’t reach before. It brought in new industries, such as car manufacturing and service stations. It increased leisure activities and helped develop cities. It even changed social mores and allowed women to drive.
Until the early 1900s most people could only travel short distances by train or horse and buggy. Once the modern internal combustion engine was invented by Nikolaus Otto and Gottlieb Daimler, car-making became a fast-growing industry. In the 1700s and 1800s steam and electrical cars were popular but had many problems. Karl Benz later created the first gas powered car which ushered in modern automotive development. Henry Ford’s assembly line allowed his company to mass-produce automobiles, and it is believed that the Model T was the best selling car of all time.
Automobiles are designed in many different shapes and sizes for people with different needs and uses. There are passenger cars, cargo, and special automobiles like fire engines, ambulances, mobile cranes, and refrigerators. The outer shell is called the body, and it can be made of steel, aluminum, fiberglass or other materials. Today almost all automobiles have safety features, such as seat belts and airbags, to keep passengers safe in accidents. Some are also designed to protect passengers from the elements, such as a windshield and rearview mirrors. Some have special compartments to hold children or infants. The automobile is an important part of the world’s economy, and it can be used to get people to work or school, visit family and friends, or travel for business. It can also help people save time by allowing them to move faster than traveling on foot or by bicycle. This convenience translates into more work opportunities, more friends and family, and better living conditions overall.