Automobiles are vehicles that move on four wheels and use an engine to make them go. They are larger than a bicycle, but smaller than a truck/lorry or bus. Automobiles are one of the most important inventions of modern times. They have brought changes to industry and technology, daily life and personal freedom.
Karl Benz, a German engineer, invented the first automobile around 1885. Other inventors and engineers worked on improving his design to make it better. Eventually, Henry Ford came along and revolutionized the automobile business by developing an assembly line that let him turn out cars faster and at lower costs so more people could afford them.
Today there are many different types of automobiles. Some have a lot of passenger room while others are smaller and designed to carry only cargo. Most have an engine that uses gasoline, but some use electricity. Almost all have brakes that use friction to stop the car when needed and also to keep it from rolling while parked. Some have regenerative brakes that convert the energy used to slow down the car back into electricity.
A key part of a vehicle is its body, which is the outer shell that houses the mechanical parts and passengers. It is usually made of steel, but it can also be fashioned from fiberglass or plastics. It is attached to a chassis, which is the frame that holds all the other major parts of the vehicle.
The most common type of automobile is a sedan, which has four doors and a trunk. It may have a sloped rear window or a flat rear window, and it can be made in a variety of styles to appeal to customers. A coupe, on the other hand, is a two-door model that is seen as sportier than a sedan. There are also hatchbacks, station wagons and minivans that have a combined passenger and cargo space.
Other important features of automobiles are their comfort and safety. The seats are often cushioned and there are air bags for the driver and passengers. Depending on the country, laws require that passengers fasten their seat belts and that children sit in child seats. There are many ways to keep a car running smoothly, such as regular oil changes and keeping the tires properly inflated.
Problems with automobiles can include traffic jams when too many try to travel the same route at the same time. This is bad for the environment and can cause injuries to people who are trying to get where they want to go. Other forms of transportation such as buses, passenger trains and trams are useful for getting to places quickly when there is traffic congestion. People who own their own cars can avoid traffic problems by driving at off-hours or taking alternate routes to get where they need to go. Cars can also be damaged by accidents or theft. They can be expensive to repair or replace.