Automobiles are four wheeled vehicles with internal combustion engines, commonly fueled by gasoline. They are one of the most widely used modes of transportation in cities and rural areas across the globe.
They provide mobility and freedom in an increasingly busy world; they are a convenient and economical way to travel from place to place without having to rely on other people or public transportation. Owning your own automobile also makes it easier to get around in the event of an emergency or unforeseen incident.
The automobile industry is an important economic sector of the world economy and the largest industrial manufacturing sector in the United States. It has a long history and a rich tradition of innovation and research.
Modern vehicles are complex technical systems employing subsystems with specific design functions. New technology developments are often incorporated into the system to increase vehicle safety, fuel efficiency and reliability.
In addition to the body, chassis, engine, drivetrain and control systems, automobiles have a host of other parts and accessories that support their various components. These include wheels, tires, suspension, steering, braking, and engine cooling systems.
Automobiles typically have from four to eight cylinders, which work together in sequence to turn the crankshaft and produce the force required for the car’s drivetrain. Generally, the more cylinders, the faster and more efficiently an automobile can move.
In addition to improving performance, automotive manufacturers have been experimenting with the use of alternative fuels and more advanced forms of power transmission. They have also been addressing issues of vehicle safety, energy consumption, pollution and noise. The result is a broad range of new products and technologies that have benefited the consumer and contributed to the growth of automobile manufacturing worldwide.