The automobile is arguably one of the most important inventions in modern times. With more than 1.4 billion passenger cars in operation worldwide, it is the primary mode of transportation for many families. Automobiles also support our economy, by providing jobs for the construction, manufacturing, and repair industries. Additionally, they have created new forms of work and leisure activities, such as tourism, travel, dining, shopping, sports, and recreation. They have also made it possible for people to move long distances for work, school, and family. The automobile is also used by police, fire, and emergency services, as well as for delivery of mail and other commercial goods. It has influenced everything from the design of cities to the development of manufacturing methods and the distribution of consumer goods.
The scientific and technological building blocks of the automobile go back several hundred years. In the 1800s inventors tried to make vehicles that ran on steam, electricity, and gasoline. Gasoline engines proved to be the most successful. They could run faster and farther than their electric or steam-powered counterparts. The first commercially successful gasoline-powered automobiles, the Model T, cost less than horse-drawn carriages and were sturdy enough to withstand rough roads. They also offered convenience to farmers, factory workers, and other commuters, who switched from horses to cars in great numbers.
Automobiles are powered by an internal combustion engine and have four to eight wheels. Most are equipped with a steering system that allows the front wheels to guide the vehicle. The steering system connects to the automobile’s engine, which drives the car’s transmission, which then turns the wheels. The transmission has a gear assembly that converts the circular movement of the steering wheel to linear, or straight, motion of the front wheels. The power from the engine also drives an electric starter motor that provides the force needed to get the car moving.
In addition to the engine, other parts of an automobile include a frame, suspension, brakes, and tires. The engine’s cylinders are arranged in pairs so that the crankshaft rotates when one cylinder is in its intake stroke and when the other is in its compression stroke. The number of cylinders depends on the size of the car; small vehicles have two-cylinder engines, while mid-sized and larger vehicles have four- to eight-cylinder engines.
Other important automobile components include a clutch and transmission, which transmit the power from the engine to the wheels. The transmission also includes a differential that enables the rear wheels to turn at different speeds for added control and maneuverability. The car’s battery and alternator provide energy to the engine, steering systems, sensors, and other systems. The battery also recharges the ignition system when the engine is not running. The various systems and features of the automobile require complex engineering to ensure that they are safe, reliable, and comfortable. This is why research and development are a key part of the industry. Various companies produce their own models and designs of automobiles to meet the specific needs of consumers.