Automobiles are the machines that allow people to travel over long distances for recreation, work, or commuting. They usually run on gasoline, but some use electric power or other sources of energy. People are often concerned about the safety of automobiles, as well as the environmental impact of their use.
The first modern automobile was invented by Karl Benz in 1886. The design used a four-stroke type of internal combustion engine and could go 10 mph (16 km/h).
After Karl Benz, Henry Ford invented the assembly line, making it easier to make cars for the masses. This allowed people from all walks of life to afford automobiles, which had previously been only for the rich. During World War II, when the manufacture of vehicles for civilian use was stopped and fuels were rationed, auto sales dropped. But once the war ended, consumers went car shopping like never before. The automobile was now a must-have status symbol. New models were introduced annually, and they became longer, heavier, more powerful, and more gadget-bedecked.
One of the pros of having an automobile is that you can travel when and where you want without relying on public transportation. Another advantage is that it provides flexibility to transport large items. It’s also easy to get around in areas where there are no public transit options. However, there are cons to owning a car, such as traffic congestion and pollution. Especially in cities, cars contribute to air pollution and are partly responsible for climate change.