Cars are vehicles that run primarily on roads, carry people, and have four wheels. They are sometimes called motor cars, although this is somewhat misleading because trucks and buses also have engines. Cars are designed to be driven by human drivers. They are much more difficult to use than bicycles, because they require a skilled driver and are dangerous at high speeds. They are also dangerous to passengers and pedestrians, and they can cause accidents that result in serious or fatal injuries.
It is hard to imagine what life would be like without modern automobiles. They have made it possible for people to live farther away from jobs, and they have influenced where they choose to live. It is common for many families to own several vehicles, and some people are employed in automotive manufacturing. The invention of the internal combustion engine revolutionized transportation, and the first cars were powered by it. Before the gasoline-powered automobile became popular, there were steam cars, steam buses, and phaetons.
The modern car has a variety of features to make driving safer, easier, and more comfortable. These include air conditioning, automatic windows, power steering and brakes, and heated seats. Some are built with safety features to reduce the risk of injury, such as seat belts and head restraints.
Automobiles are very important in most countries, and they help people get work, education, and other activities. However, they can be very polluting. The oil that fuels them is a limited resource, and a shortage has caused high prices and long lines at gas stations. Some automakers have created cars that use alternative energy sources such as biofuel and batteries.
