Automobiles are motor vehicles that use a combustion engine to produce power to drive wheels. Almost all automobiles burn fuel, usually gasoline (petrol), to run. Some of them also use alternative fuels such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity or hydrogen. They typically have four to eight seats and are designed to carry passengers rather than cargo. They are most often found on roads, but can also be used off road for driving in snow or other challenging conditions.
The first automobiles were developed in the late 1800s. However, it took Henry Ford to make the car accessible to middle-class Americans in 1908 when he introduced the Model T. The mass production methods he developed enabled Ford, General Motors and Chrysler to dominate the industry during the 1920s. During this time, the automobile transformed the United States. It brought personal freedom to the masses, increased employment opportunities and accelerated industrialization. It also contributed to social problems such as urban sprawl, air pollution and a drain on dwindling world oil supplies.
Most modern automobiles use a four-stroke internal combustion engine powered by petroleum-derived fuel. These engines are housed in a steel frame called a body that has windows and doors. The transmission, which is connected to the crankshaft of the engine, converts the power of the engine into the rotational speed of the wheels. A car’s tires are attached to the wheels by suspension systems, which allow them to move when the wheels are turned.
Other components of a modern automobile include the battery, electrical system and service devices. Most modern cars have a carburetor and ignition system, which control the flow of fuel and air into the engine. Some have electronic controls, which are controlled by the computer and provide various warning and performance information to the driver. An automobile’s design should be cost-efficient to keep manufacturing costs low. It should also have clear visibility, so that drivers can see other vehicles and pedestrians.
Special automobiles are used for a variety of purposes such as fire engines, ambulances and patrol cars. Other types of automobiles are crane vehicles at construction sites and forklifts in warehouses.
A car can be used for a variety of reasons, such as to transport goods, to get around the city and even to travel to other countries. The most common uses are to commute, work and leisure activities such as shopping. In addition, automobiles can be used for emergency situations such as fires, floods and earthquakes. A person can also use an automobile to go on vacation, visit relatives or meet friends. Many people like to buy cars because they can be a status symbol and are fun to drive. In the early 1900s, women began to purchase and drive automobiles. This was a major change to society because women were not allowed to work outside the home before this time. Women also used the automobile to promote political issues such as the vote for women.