Automobiles are one of the most important inventions in the history of human civilization. They play a significant role in our daily life. It is not possible to imagine modern world without automobiles. This is the reason why people are very much attached to them. The field of Engineering that deals with the manufacturing and technology of Automobiles is called Automotive Engineering.
An automobile (or car) is a self-propelled motor vehicle designed primarily for passenger transportation. Its defining characteristic is its internal-combustion engine, powered by a volatile fuel. Most automobiles are powered by petroleum-based gasoline, although diesel fuel and alternative energy sources such as electricity can also be used. Modern cars are complex technical systems with thousands of subsystems with specific design functions.
SAVES TIME: Having your own automobile frees you from having to depend on others for travel. It can save you time on your commute, shopping trips, and visiting friends and family. This enables you to be more productive and spend more time on leisure activities.
OPENS UP THE WORLD: The automobile allows you to reach places that were previously inaccessible, or at least very difficult to reach. This can open up new opportunities for employment and travel, and may allow you to move closer to your loved ones.
REVOLUTIONIZES INDUSTRY: The introduction of the automobile revolutionized industrial manufacturing techniques. Henry Ford, for example, introduced the assembly line, which greatly reduced production times and allowed him to sell cars at a reasonable price. This allowed the average person to afford a car for the first time in their lives. It also opened up more jobs in industries that supported the automobile, such as rubber and oil, and services like gas stations and convenience stores.
CONS: Many automobiles burn fossil fuels, which produce greenhouse gases. These gases contribute to global warming and climate change. The automobile also consumes a lot of land that could be used for other purposes, and it causes pollution in cities. The automobile has also led to new laws and safety features that have made traveling safer for everyone.
Automobiles can be powered by several different engines, including the Otto cycle petrol engine, the four-stroke diesel engine, the two-stroke internal combustion gasoline engine, and the electric motor. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the most popular and common is the petrol engine.
The engine of an automobile is located in the front of the car, over or forward of the front axle. This type of car is more commonly known as a front-wheel drive car. The other types of engines are rear-wheel drive, which means the engine is behind the front axle, and mid-engine, which puts it in between the front and back axles. The latter is more commonly found in racing vehicles. Some automobiles are equipped with a hybrid power system that uses both an electric motor and a petrol engine to achieve greater efficiency and lower emissions. The Toyota Prius is an excellent example of this.