Automobiles are land vehicles that travel using an internal combustion engine to push the wheels. They are usually a lot faster than walking or riding a bicycle and much more comfortable than travelling in trains (steam, diesel or light rail) or buses. They can also go places that aren’t suitable for other wheeled transport due to bad roads or harsh terrain.
The modern automobile was invented in 1886 when German inventor Karl Benz patented his Benz Patent-Motorwagen. The car was rapidly adopted in the United States where it replaced horse-drawn carriages. It also became a major force driving the nation’s development into an industrial powerhouse. It provided a huge market for ancillary industries, such as steel and petroleum.
Early cars used steam or electricity to operate but later incorporated the gasoline/diesel/kerosene internal combustion engine. It works by exploding the fuel in a cylinder and pushing it down to turn the wheels. Automobiles can be a lot more expensive than other forms of transportation but they are faster and more convenient than walking or taking public transport. They are also more comfortable and can carry a lot more people than a bike or bus.
Almost all cars are designed with safety features in order to protect the passengers and prevent injuries if an accident does happen. In most countries passengers are required to fasten their seat belts and children must be in special seats. There are many different types of automobiles including sedans, coupes, minivans and trucks.
