Automobiles are self-propelled vehicles that transport people or goods and are powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor. The branches of engineering that deal with automobiles are known as automotive engineering. Automobiles have a huge impact on society and are used in countless ways, from providing public transportation services to delivering mail. They are also a critical part of many businesses.
Thousands of individual parts make up the modern automobile, which is designed in a number of different styles and sizes. Regardless of its design, however, every automobile contains certain basic systems. These include a circulatory system for coolant (mostly water), an engine that uses gasoline, diesel or other fuel to power the pistons in its cylinders and turn the wheels, and an electrical system for starting the car and keeping track of its speed and location.
While the exact origin of the automobile is unknown, many early inventors developed designs and models. The earliest were steam, electricity, and kerosene-powered vehicles. Eventually, Karl Benz of Germany invented the first true automobile in 1885/86.
The body of an automobile consists of the vehicle frame and the parts that protect/provide comfort to its passengers. The body is made of various materials and welded into one unit by the chassis, which provides structural support for the vehicle. In an accident, the front and hood of the car are designed to crumple, absorbing most of the force of the crash and reducing the risk of injury to the occupants.