Automobiles are vehicles used for transportation on land. They usually have four wheels and an internal combustion engine fueled most often by gasoline, a liquid petroleum product. The scientific and technical building blocks of automobiles date back several hundred years, but the first true car—a marketable, practical car for everyday use—appeared in 1908.
At the time, most cars were owned by rich people. The automobile gave ordinary people the freedom to travel great distances, and it changed lifestyles. People were no longer tied to their homes or jobs. They could go shopping, visit friends and family, and enjoy leisure activities. Many businesses developed to serve the needs of the growing automobile industry. Hotels and restaurants, gas stations, amusement parks, and fast food chains all grew to meet the demands of people who wanted to enjoy their new-found freedom of movement.
The car has revolutionized life for millions of Americans, and it also changed the world. The demand for automobiles led to the development of better roads and the assembly line manufacturing technique. It also spawned industries that provide the materials for automobiles and their components, including steel, petroleum and gas, rubber, and plastics. And it brought changes for society, including more jobs, larger families, and leisure activities that were not possible before the automobile.
Automobiles can be very dangerous if operated by reckless drivers, and they are a major cause of pollution that damages the environment and causes climate change. But when operated safely, they are a convenient, economical and comfortable means of transport.
In addition to cars, there are many other types of motor vehicles on the roads today. Some are designed to be off-road, and they require durable, simple systems with high resistance to severe overloads and extreme operating conditions. Others are designed for highway speeds and need improved engine performance, optimized high-speed handling and stability, and passenger comfort features.
The automobile was once a male-dominated society, but in the early 20th century, women began to drive. Some were bold enough to carry banners that said “vote for women.” Others took road trips by themselves, and they all helped to increase the rights of women. In the 1920s, two women, Alice Burke and Nell Richardson, traveled across the country in their car to advocate for women’s right to vote. This was a very bold move, because it was very uncommon for women to drive at this time. Luckily, it has become much more common for women to drive.