Automobiles are mobile vehicles that can take people and goods from place to place. They use internal combustion engines that burn fossil fuels to make them move. Automobiles have been a major contributor to air pollution and climate change, as well as the depletion of natural resources like fossil fuels. They have also led to reorganization of cities, suburbs, and rural areas around their power to provide fast and efficient movement between places.
Modern automobiles are complex technical systems that employ subsystems with specific design functions. These include the engine, transmission, chassis, electrical system, braking system, and wheels and tires. The body, which includes the front and rear bumpers, hood, storage trunk, and windows, is designed to give passengers room and protection from the elements while providing style and appearance. The automobile’s design is influenced by the intended use, safety standards, and environmental requirements such as emission-control systems.
The automobile is a key part of many economies, especially in industrialized countries where they are a major means of personal transportation and are used to transport goods. They have changed the way we think about transportation and have transformed societies, providing new opportunities for leisure time, business, and travel. However, they have also contributed to sprawl, a pattern of low-density urban development that destroys landscapes and causes traffic congestion. They have provided the freedom of movement for millions of people, allowing them to go out and spend more time with family and friends, but they also have contributed to social problems like obesity, increased isolation in rural communities, and a loss of public space.