Automobiles are cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles that are driven on roads for transport. They use an internal combustion engine to move, and their power comes from burning a fuel. Most automobiles use gasoline, but some use diesel fuel, natural gas, or electricity. Automobiles come in many different shapes and sizes, from the sleek, modern models that cruise highways in the United States to the more rugged, utilitarian models used in developing countries.
The development of the automobile has had a profound impact on society. It enabled people to travel long distances, allowing them to shop, work, and play in new places. It helped to create industries such as roadside restaurants and motels, which provided employment and services to the traveling public. It prompted families to vacation together, promoting tourism. It ended rural isolation and brought urban amenities, such as schools, to the countryside. It also spawned suburbanization, leading to the rise of suburban living and large-scale commercial shopping centers.
Initially, most cars were very expensive and only available to the rich. Karl Benz, a German engineer, invented the first practical automobile in 1885. Several inventors and engineers followed, but the automobile only became affordable to the masses when Henry Ford, an American businessman and engineer, came along. He developed mass production techniques, which reduced the cost of the car and made it possible for most Americans to afford one.
As the automobile gained popularity, it caused a number of problems. Traffic jams increased, as did accidents and fatalities. This led to demands for driver licensure and safety regulations at the state level. The automobile also encouraged more family trips, boosting travel and tourism-related businesses such as gas stations and roadside restaurants.
The automobile has also had negative environmental impacts. Transportation accounts for 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and it is important to consider how the automobile you choose affects the environment before making a purchase.
Pros:
Owning an automobile gives you freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to check bus routes or rely on friends for rides. You can even take your car out in bad weather, like rainstorms or hot temperatures. However, owning a car does come with some cons, such as the need to maintain your vehicle and find parking.