Automobiles are designed for transportation purposes and powered by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel. Modern automobiles are complex technical systems consisting of many subsystems, each with specific design functions. These systems have evolved from breakthroughs in existing technology and the development of new technologies such as electronic computers, high-strength plastics, and new alloys of steel and nonferrous metals. They are also the product of government and industry regulations such as safety laws, road building, highway planning, and pollution control.
Buying an automobile is a major purchase that requires careful research and consideration of the options. When you decide to buy a car, you have the option of paying for it outright or financing it with a loan. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. When you finance an automobile, you’ll pay more upfront and will have to consider how long it will take you to repay the loan. However, you won’t have to worry about mileage limits and won’t have to worry about what a dealer might deem “normal wear and tear.”
In the early 1900s Karl Benz invented the first automobile. He was followed by other inventors and engineers who developed their own designs. Henry Ford revolutionized the automotive industry by using mass production techniques to make cars more affordable and available to people of all income levels. Since then, the automobile has revolutionized society in a number of ways. It has increased access to jobs, places of residence, leisure activities, and services such as restaurants and fast food. On the other hand, it has contributed to air pollution, draining of world oil reserves, and highway accidents.
The basic systems of an automobile are the engine, fuel system, transmission, electrical system, cooling and lubrication system, and chassis. The chassis is the framework that supports the rest of the vehicle and allows it to respond to various road conditions.
The body of an automobile protects the passengers and stores their possessions. It is also a structural component of the vehicle, allowing it to be formed into various shapes and sizes for different purposes. It also provides a stylish appearance to the car and houses the various systems of the car. Its most important function, though, is passenger safety. It must be strong enough to withstand the forces of a crash, but flexible enough to absorb the shock and tension caused by a collision. Its front and hood are designed to crumple in the event of an accident, reducing the force exerted on passengers. Passenger safety also is aided by the presence of a firewall between the engine and the interior. This prevents a fire from spreading from the engine to the interior of the car. The body of an automobile is typically made from steel or aluminum. However, other materials are used for different purposes. These include fiberglass and plastics.