Automobiles are cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles used for transport. These vehicles use an engine to send power to the wheels and electricity for lighting and other systems. Many different automobiles are produced each year by manufacturers all over the world.
Modern automobiles have thousands of subsystems, each with specific design functions. These include the engine, chassis, body, control system, electrical equipment and service devices. The engine may be gasoline (carburetor internal combustion), diesel, gas turbine or electric. The most common fuel is petroleum-based gasoline, which comes from oil.
The history of automobiles goes back to the 1600s. In the 1800s, inventors created designs and models for vehicles that did not require horses. Some of these were powered by steam, electric energy or batteries. Eventually, Karl Benz created the first modern automobile. He called it the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which became available for sale in 1885 and 1886.
Today, millions of people around the world own automobiles. They use them to travel to work or school. They also use them to visit friends and relatives. Some people use their automobiles for fun, like going on a road trip or attending a car race.
Cars can be made from many materials, such as wood, metal and plastic. They can be designed to be comfortable, safe and attractive. Some have special features, such as a sunroof or power windows. An automobile can also be customized with stickers or other decorations.
Some of the most popular automobiles are passenger cars, which can hold one to eight people. There are also utility vehicles, such as pickup trucks and vans, which can carry cargo or tools. There are also specialty automobiles, such as fire engines and ambulances, which can rescue injured people in emergency situations.
A vehicle can be driven by a person or by an automatic transmission. Many automobiles also have air conditioning and heating, which keep the interior of the vehicle comfortable. They can also be equipped with music and navigation systems to provide entertainment and information while traveling.
Besides making it possible for people to travel long distances, automobiles can be used in emergencies and to transport goods. They can also be used to protect people from bad weather conditions, such as snow or floods. In addition, they help people to stay healthy by allowing them to exercise while they are driving. There are also several problems that automobiles can cause, such as traffic jams and air pollution. People often die in automobile accidents, and the combined pollution from all of the world’s cars has contributed to climate change. In some areas, there are public transportation systems, such as buses, passenger trains and trams, which can take people more quickly and cheaply than an automobile can. The use of these systems can also reduce the number of automobiles on the road and ease congestion.