Automobiles are motor-powered vehicles used to transport people and cargo from one place to another. Modern automobiles are usually powered by internal combustion engines. These engines use gasoline, diesel, or kerosene to run the vehicle’s engine, which is then used to drive the wheels. The most popular fuel used for automotive purposes is gasoline, but some automobiles also use electricity or other types of fuel.
The first automobiles were invented in the late 1800s and were perfected in Germany and France by engineers like Karl Benz. American businessman Henry Ford revolutionized automobile manufacturing and made them affordable to middle class families. Today, cars are the primary mode of transportation in many countries and drive more than three trillion miles (five trillion kilometres) each year on average.
Having a car gives you a lot of independence and freedom, as you can travel wherever you want to go without having to rely on others for rides. You can also save time when running errands by driving directly to the locations you need to get to. However, if you’re not careful when driving, you can be in danger of getting into an accident.
The first automobiles ran on steam, electricity, and natural gas, but they were heavy and slow. The development of the internal combustion engine changed all that. The engine uses gasoline, diesel, or kerosene, causing it to explode inside the cylinders, which then pushes down on a piston and turns the wheels. This technology made the automobile more reliable, faster, and safer.