Automobiles are a vital part of modern life, and without them it’s hard to imagine how we would get around. They give us the ability to travel quickly and easily from one place to another without having to wait on trains, buses or hailing Ubers. However, automobiles are also a significant source of pollution. Their exhaust gases can cause respiratory illnesses in humans and the toxins from their lead batteries can pollute the environment. In addition, when they crash, they can hurt or even kill people.
The history of the automobile begins in the late 1600s with inventions like steam and electric power. In the 1800s, Karl Benz created the first gas powered automobile. Since then, many other figures have helped to shape the car as we know it today.
In 2019, most automobiles burn a volatile fuel to make an internal combustion engine run. This engine powers a transmission, which then sends the power to the wheels of the vehicle. The most common fuel is gasoline, but other options include diesel, natural gas, and propane.
The design of an automobile depends on its intended use. For example, vehicles designed for off-road driving must have durable, simple systems with high resistance to severe overloads and extreme operating conditions. Meanwhile, cars designed to travel at high speeds require more passenger comfort options, optimized high-speed handling, and better stability. To meet these challenges, automobile engineering has developed a wide range of advanced technologies.