Automobiles, also known as automobiles or motor cars, are wheeled passenger vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel. Modern automobiles are complex technical systems involving thousands of parts that have specific design functions. Similar to the human body, they have circulatory systems for coolant and lubricating oil, and an engine “heart” that uses pistons and cylinders to produce the motion that drives them.
The design and arrangement of these components depends on the vehicle’s intended use. For example, a car built for off-road use needs durable, simple systems that can withstand severe overloads and extreme operating conditions. A car designed for highway speeds requires more passenger comfort options and optimized high-speed handling and stability. An automobile’s weight distribution, chassis characteristics, and suspension are also important factors.
Owning a car gives you freedom from having to rely on others to get you to and from places. It allows you to take road trips with your family, friends and even pets to destinations that are too far to travel on foot or by public transportation.
The safety of your loved ones is also a key reason to own a car. With the help of modern technology, significant reductions in automobile deaths and injuries have been achieved through innovations like seat belts and laws requiring occupants to wear them. The advent of airbags has further reduced the effects of automobile accidents, and structural changes such as crumple zones have mitigated the impact of accidents on occupants.