Automobiles are four-wheeled motor vehicles, primarily designed for passenger transportation, that are propelled by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel. Modern automobiles are complex technical systems, with multiple subsystems that perform specific design functions. The automobile industry provides jobs to millions of people around the world and contributes to society in many ways. However, there are also problems associated with cars, such as pollution, road rage, and traffic congestion. The benefits of having a car include convenience, freedom, and independence.

Karl Benz is credited with inventing the first automobile, but many inventors and engineers were responsible for the advancement of this new technology. Until the late 19th century, cars were only available to wealthy individuals. Then Henry Ford came along, and in 1910 he developed the first mass production model of an automobile. His assembly line was a game-changer for the industry, making it possible to manufacture cars in large numbers at reasonable prices, so that they could be enjoyed by more than just a few people.

Since then, the automobile has become a dominant force in twentieth-century life. It has reshaped our culture and economic structure, becoming the cornerstone of an American consumer-oriented society. It has facilitated unprecedented social mobility, opening up opportunities for work and recreation in new ways, and providing the foundation of global trade. The automobile has revolutionized personal transport, giving Americans unparalleled access to the rest of the country and the world.

The car has become a way of life for tens of millions of Americans, and it is an important part of our lives. Many things depend on cars: the economy depends on the sale of them; millions of people work in factories producing cars and in gas stations and restaurants that cater to travelers; and cities and towns all over the world have to find ways to accommodate them.

There are many reasons to own a car, but the most important is the freedom that it gives you. Owning a car allows you to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to wait for public transportation or rely on friends and family to give you a ride. In addition, owning a car opens up more lifestyle choices, including the ability to travel for vacations and take advantage of outdoor activities that would be difficult or impossible to do with other types of transportation.

A car is a complicated machine, and all its systems must work together to make it operate properly. The engine supplies the power to turn the wheels, and electric systems provide the lighting and other controls. The brake system slows or stops the car by pressing a friction pad against a drum or disc, and the suspension system supports the weight of the car over rough roads. Finally, the tires supply traction and ensure that the car remains on the road, no matter how rough the terrain. A vehicle needs all of these components to function properly.