Automobiles are vehicles that people use to transport themselves or goods from one place to another. They are usually driven on roads, although some can also be used off road. They are generally faster and more convenient than walking or riding a bike for long distances. They can also carry more people and luggage than bikes or buses. They can often go where other types of wheeled transport cannot (such as over rough terrain).
Most cars have an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline, diesel fuel, or kerosene and drives the wheels through a transmission. The engine produces power by exploding the fuel in a cylinder, pushing a piston down and turning the wheels. Cars can have many different body styles, such as coupes (two-door), sedans, station wagons, minivans and SUVs. Some are built for speed, while others are designed for comfort and safety.
The automobile revolutionized everyday life in the United States, changing jobs and enabling families to travel together for leisure activities. It caused cities to expand, creating shopping centers and new services, such as hotels, restaurants and fast food outlets. It also brought new ways of thinking about sexual relationships and made teenage freedom an important part of the societal landscape. The rise of the automobile also encouraged more and more family vacations, as people discovered pristine landscapes near their homes.
It also gave people access to jobs in distant towns and cities, making it possible for urban dwellers to rediscover the quaint charm of rural areas, while rural inhabitants could shop in cities. However, it was not without drawbacks. Traffic jams and highway accidents increased and prompted demands for licensure and safety regulations. The automobile also damaged the environment, with exhaust and soil erosion causing environmental pollution.
Until the late 19th century, most cars were steam-powered. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the first true steam car in 1769, and manufacturers continued producing these slow machines throughout the 1800s. They were expensive to operate and required that water be heated before driving them. Later, manufacturers began producing automobiles with an electric motor. These cars did not require heating and ran smoothly, but they had a low speed limit and needed to be recharged regularly.
The invention of the assembly line made it feasible to produce and sell a lot of cars inexpensively, and the Model T from Ford changed American thinking about personal transportation. It gave the middle class a new mobility, and spawned an industry to support its production and maintenance. Industries like rubber and vulcanized tire manufacturing grew. Other businesses, such as gas stations and convenience stores, sprang up to provide the fuel and maintenance for this new mode of transportation. It also created new social problems, such as traffic congestion and pollution, but these were outweighed by the benefits. Today, automobiles are a necessity for most people and are a symbol of the modern world.
