Automobiles are wheeled vehicles that use internal combustion engines to power them. They are most commonly powered by gasoline (also known as petrol) but may also be powered by other fuels, such as diesel, or by electric motors. They are used to transport people or small amounts of cargo and are one of the most universal of modern technologies.
The automobile revolutionized twentieth century society by providing a new means of personal mobility and by transforming the production of consumer goods. By the 1920s it had become the backbone of a consumer-oriented economy, and was the chief user of petroleum products, steel, and other industrial materials. It was a major contributor to the development of modern road engineering, and a key factor in changing social attitudes toward urban planning and public transportation systems.
Although there are many disadvantages to owning a car, the number one benefit is freedom and independence. With a personal vehicle, you no longer have to worry about leaving early enough to catch the bus or whether you will make it to the stop on time.
While the first cars were primarily used for transporting people, some were designed to carry small loads of cargo. The modern automobile is a large, heavy four-wheeled machine with seating for two to seven passengers and equipped with an engine that uses internal combustion to drive the wheels. Most of these machines run on gasoline, but they can also be powered by other fuels, such diesel and kerosene, or electricity.