Automobiles are vehicles for personal transportation, typically propelled by an internal-combustion engine using a volatile fuel. An automobile can be powered by a variety of energy sources, including chemical (gasoline), electrical, or alternative fuels. Its components include the body, chassis, engine, drivetrain, and other mechanical parts. The branches of engineering that deal with these vehicles are known as automotive engineering.
Having your own car gives you the freedom to travel where and when you want without having to depend on others to take you there. You can escape the crowded streets and sidewalks, avoid traffic, and spend more time doing what you love to do.
Modern life would be unimaginable without cars. They help you get to work and school on time, run errands around town, and visit friends and family. They can also give you the ability to travel and see more of the world than ever before.
The first true automobile was invented in the late 1800s. Engineers like Karl Benz designed them, but it was American businessman Henry Ford who revolutionized the manufacturing process so that the cars could be built faster and cheaper so more people would be able to afford them. By 1920, automobiles had overtaken the streets and highways of Europe and America. They brought new industries, jobs, and leisure activities; they spawned services such as hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks. They also introduced problems such as air pollution and the need for new laws to govern their use.