Few inventions in modern times have had such a large impact on the world’s economy and social life as the automobile. There are more than 1.4 billion cars in operation today, and 70 million new ones are produced each year worldwide. Most of these are passenger cars that carry people from place to place for their everyday transportation needs.
The heart of the automobile is its engine, which provides power for both driving and braking. The engine is usually a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, using gasoline or diesel fuel for its energy. The engine is mounted on an axle, with the ends of the axle bearing the road wheels, which are in direct contact with the surface of the roadway.
Other important parts of an automobile are its suspension system and auxiliary systems. The chassis of the vehicle is designed to be strong enough to support the weight of the car, but flexible enough to withstand the shocks and stresses that occur when the car turns and travels over uneven or bumpy road surfaces. The road wheels are attached to the chassis via suspension systems, which allow them to absorb the shocks and variations in the surface of the road.
The car has changed American society in many ways, including giving people more time to do the things they want to do. But the car also has downsides, such as the pollution it creates and the depletion of natural resources. And owning a car can be expensive, from the initial purchase price to insurance and maintenance costs.