Automobiles are motor vehicles that have four or more wheels and are designed for transporting people. They are powered by internal-combustion engines that run on gasoline, diesel fuel, or another volatile substance. The modern automobile is a complex technical system with numerous subsystems that have specific design functions. These systems evolved from breakthroughs in existing technology and innovations like electronic computers, high-strength plastics, and new alloys of steel and nonferrous metals. The modern car can be used in almost any environment, and it can take people to their destinations at a much faster pace than other forms of transportation.
The development of the automobile has had a profound impact on human society. It stimulated travel for work and leisure, and it contributed to the rise of such service industries as motels, restaurants, highways, and roads. It ended rural isolation, brought urban amenities such as schools and hospitals, and prompted suburban development. It also led to the growth of many government programs such as highway construction, road regulation and driver licensing.
Invented by Karl Benz, the modern automobile is usually described as a four-wheeled passenger vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine that burns gasoline or other volatile fuel. Its engine is usually mounted in the front of the vehicle, allowing it to move forward as the wheels turn. The tires are attached to the wheels by a frame, which supports the bodywork and a platform for passengers. The body can be constructed from a wide variety of materials, and the chassis can use a range of axle configurations and wheelbases. It may have an enclosed passenger compartment, or it may be open for cargo space.
Early automobiles were expensive, but as technology improved they became more affordable. In the United States, Henry Ford pioneered mass production techniques at his Highland Park plant in 1910, producing a Model T runabout for less than half of the average annual wage in 1912. This put the automobile within the reach of middle-class Americans and initiated the age of the personal vehicle.
The automobile has many disadvantages, including air pollution and traffic congestion. Several ways to minimize these problems include using public transportation such as buses, trains and trams, carpooling with friends or coworkers, and driving earlier or later than the rush hour crowd to avoid traffic jams.
Despite these drawbacks, the automobile has become one of the most important tools for the movement of individuals and goods. Its influence has been felt in every part of the world, but it is strongest in developed countries where there is a dense population and a large area for transportation to cover. It is a major contributor to global climate change, although there are steps that can be taken to reduce its effect. Some governments are limiting the use of automobiles by imposing taxes and requiring the installation of safety devices such as seatbelts. Other measures are encouraging people to walk or ride bicycles, and to use public transportation for traveling long distances.