Automobiles are vehicles designed for transportation of people and cargo. Most automobiles are powered by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel such as gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene. Other types of vehicles powered by mechanical energy include electric cars which use an electrical motor to power a propeller or crankshaft. Specialized automobiles are used for specific purposes, such as fire engines and ambulances. Other kinds of automotive vehicles include towing trucks, construction vehicles and passenger vans.
The first automobiles were steam-powered, with the steam coming from a boiler inside the vehicle. This was a slow and inefficient method of transport, so other manufacturers began producing automobiles that used an electric motor to drive the wheels. However, these vehicles were not very reliable and needed to be recharged frequently. Then, in the late 19th century, Karl Benz invented a four-stroke internal combustion engine that could run on both gasoline and coal. This was a much more efficient engine and it made modern automobiles possible.
Once mass production of automobiles became feasible, it revolutionized the way Americans lived. Families were able to take vacations, shop in nearby cities and rediscover pristine landscapes in their own backyards. The automobile also brought urban amenities to rural areas, including better medical care and education for children. It even ended rural isolation by allowing suburban residents to commute to work in the city.
Most of the major automobile makers are multinational corporations that design, produce and market their own models of cars. The biggest are General Motors and Ford, followed by Toyota, Volkswagen and Nissan. The auto industry is a highly competitive one, and the cars produced by each manufacturer differ in price, performance, reliability, safety features and comfort.
All automobiles have certain basic parts. The body is the outer shell that encloses the other mechanical parts of the car. It is usually made of steel, although some are now being made of fiberglass and strong plastics. The body is attached to the chassis, which consists of a metal frame that holds all of the other important parts together.
Other important parts of an automobile are the axles, wheels and brakes. The wheels are usually made of aluminum, steel or rubber and the axles are connected to the wheels with gears. The brakes are controlled by the hydraulic system and they are a vital component of the overall safety of the car.
The tires are another important part of an automobile. The tires are designed to grip the road and protect the wheel from damage. They are designed with a tread pattern that is shaped to reduce the risk of sliding. The tread pattern is also designed to grip the road in a range of temperature conditions. The tires need to be inflated to the proper pressure in order to maintain optimum tire performance. The tread design also plays a role in the car’s ability to disperse water. This is particularly important when driving on wet or muddy roads.