Automobiles are designed with many different systems that need to work together. Each of these systems has its own specific function and the automobile must be built in a way that satisfies all these functions. This is especially true of the engine, which uses a large amount of energy and requires special systems to make sure it runs smoothly.
The modern automobile is a four-wheeled vehicle that is propelled by an internal combustion engine fueled most commonly with gasoline. The automobile has become one of the most ubiquitous and important of all modern technologies. There are over 73 million passenger cars in operation around the world today.
One of the main reasons why people choose to own an automobile is the convenience it offers. By owning a car, people can avoid having to depend on others for rides and stay in control of their schedules. It also allows people to avoid the hassle of public transportation, which can often be inconvenient and unpredictable.
Besides providing a means of transportation, the automobile has other benefits that can be very useful. For example, it provides safety and protection from the weather for its passengers. Most modern cars offer airbags and crumple zones that can help prevent serious injury or death in case of a crash.
The scientific and technical building blocks of the automobile date back several hundred years. Early vehicles ran on steam, electricity, or battery power. However, the internal combustion engine revolutionized transportation in the 1900s by allowing vehicles to travel at high speeds while using only a small fraction of the fuel needed by horses.