Automobiles are passenger vehicles that use an internal-combustion engine to propel themselves on land. They have four wheels, a steering wheel, and can usually seat up to eight people. The term is derived from the Greek words for “self” and “mobilis” (moving). Compared to public transportation, an automobile can travel much faster and with more convenience.
Automobile ownership is a major part of modern American life. It allows people to get from one place to another much more quickly and conveniently than using public transportation, and it can help them save a lot of time, especially during the commute to work or school. Additionally, owning a car can make people more independent since they don’t need to depend on others for transportation.
While the invention of the automobile has been a huge boon to society, it has also brought some negative effects. For example, traffic can be dangerous, and automobile exhaust pollutes the environment. Furthermore, automobiles require a lot of resources to manufacture and operate, including oil and gasoline, rubber, and plastics. Industries and services such as auto parts stores, gas stations, and convenience stores have sprung up to meet the needs of the industry.
Karl Benz was credited with inventing the first automobile in 1885, and other inventors and engineers developed their own designs during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In 1910, Henry Ford innovated mass production techniques and introduced the Model T, which put the automobile within reach of middle-class Americans.