The Advantages Of Owning An Automobile
Few inventions have had such a profound effect on the lives of humans as automobiles. Today, most people cannot imagine living without them. In the United States alone, automobiles transport more than three trillion miles (five trillion kilometres) each year. An automobile is a self-propelled passenger vehicle consisting of four to eight tires and powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The branches of engineering that focus on the design and manufacture of automobiles are known as automobile engineering.
In addition to powering the car, its motors must be durable enough for off-road driving and able to withstand extreme operating conditions. Depending on the intended use of the automobile, the design also must provide for greater passenger comfort options, higher engine performance, optimized high-speed handling and stability, and increased vehicle maneuverability.
The modern automobile has many complex systems. Some are required for safety and environmental regulation. Others are designed for performance or appearance. All are interconnected and dependent on one another. The skeleton of the automobile is the chassis, which supports all of the other systems. Attached to the chassis are the wheels and steering assembly, suspension, brakes, and body. The body must be rigid enough to keep the passengers safe and comfortable, yet flexible enough to absorb shocks and vibrations. Finally, it must protect the interior from the elements and contribute to the aerodynamics of the vehicle, which is important for fuel efficiency.
Karl Benz invented the first automobile in 1885, but it was not mass-produced until Henry Ford applied manufacturing methods that revolutionized industrial production and reduced the price of the Model T to affordable levels for middle class families. The development of newer, safer, more powerful engines and better braking systems have continued to improve the automobile. Today, there are an estimated 1.4 billion automobiles in operation worldwide.
OPENS UP THE WORLD
The ability to travel long distances with ease is perhaps the greatest advantage of the automobile. It allows individuals to work in one area and live in another, opening up a wide range of job possibilities and social circles. It is also possible to visit relatives, friends, and other places with little planning.
SAVES YOU TIME
Having your own car allows you to save time on daily commutes and other trips. Getting to your destination on time no longer depends on the unpredictability of public transportation or the inconvenience of coordinating ride-sharing with other people. Instead, you can drive to your destinations whenever and wherever you want, leaving you with more time to spend on the things you like to do.
Automobiles play a major role in our lives, and their design is an ongoing source of fascination for automotive engineers. These innovative machines are amazingly efficient and fast, and they allow us to enjoy the freedom of long-distance travel. They have reshaped whole societies and created economies built around the rapid, long-distance movement of passengers and goods. They are becoming increasingly environmentally friendly, too, largely because of the availability of clean energy sources such as electric and hybrid vehicles.