Automobiles are four-wheeled vehicles that have an engine, or motor, to make them move. They usually have two doors and can seat up to six people. They use a transmission to change the speed of the wheels and to control other parts of the car. The word “automobile” is a combination of the Greek words auto (self) and mobility (movement). Millions of people around the world work in factories that produce automobiles, or in shops that repair them. Many more work in gas stations, restaurants or motels where travelers stop when they are traveling.
The development of automobiles has had a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of people. It has enabled families to travel and shop together, even across great distances. It has stimulated participation in outdoor recreation, including camping, fishing and hunting. It has created jobs for people to work in the construction of streets and highways. It has allowed urban dwellers to rediscover pristine landscapes and rural residents to take advantage of city amenities like schools, medical care and shopping. It has also encouraged the expansion of tourism and its associated businesses, such as service stations, roadside restaurants and hotels.
Most modern automobiles use gasoline to power their engines. This fuel is burned by a carburetor, or gas tank, which converts the liquid into a spray of air and gasoline that ignites when the spark plug is fired. Then a computer-controlled valve system directs the flow of fuel into the engine and regulates it to produce the maximum amount of power. The gasoline is then used to turn the wheels and provide electricity for lights and other systems.
Before the development of gasoline-powered automobiles, cars ran on other fuel sources such as steam, electric power or battery power. Steam-powered cars could reach high speeds but had a limited range and were inconvenient to start. Batteries powered cars offered faster speeds but needed recharging. Cars running on internal combustion, first perfected in Germany and France toward the end of the nineteenth century by Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz and Nicolaus Otto, were soon able to achieve long distances at reasonable speeds.
The availability of automobiles allows people to save time and be more independent than if they had to rely on other forms of transportation, such as buses or passenger trains. However, if too many automobiles are driven in a small area at the same time, they can cause traffic congestion and pollute the air. The use of public transportation, like buses, trains or trams, can help reduce the number of automobiles and avoid traffic congestion. Cars can also contribute to climate change if they are not maintained and operated in an environmentally responsible manner.