Automobiles are wheeled motor vehicles that carry passengers. Most definitions specify that they are designed to run primarily on roads, have seating for one to eight people, and be constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods. They use an internal combustion engine fueled most often by gasoline, but some are also powered by electricity or liquid petroleum fuels.
The automobile is the quintessential symbol of modern life, and it has revolutionized human lifestyles in many ways. The car enables us to cover long distances quickly, which opens up new work opportunities, gives you more time for the hobbies you enjoy, and makes visiting friends and family a lot easier.
Thousands of individual parts make up the modern automobile. Much like the human body, these parts are arranged into several semi-independent systems, each with a distinct function. For example, the automobile’s circulatory system includes cooling systems for the engine and radiator, lubricating oil and other fluids, tubes to deliver fuel to the cylinders, and other necessary components.
The history of the automobile began with Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler, a German industrialist, engineer and inventor. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from Stuttgart Polytechnic and developed the first gas-powered internal combustion engine. He was aided by his partner, Karl Maybach, who designed the cylinders.
After Daimler, other engineers and inventors made improvements to the automobile. For instance, Henry Ford revolutionized automotive manufacturing by using assembly lines in his factories, which enabled him to produce cars at a much faster rate and lower cost, enabling more middle-class families to afford them. Other improvements include a wider variety of safety features, such as seat belts and laws that require their use, airbags, and structural changes such as side-impact protection bars.