Automobiles are vehicles that are self-propelled, using either an internal combustion engine powered by petrol, diesel or CNG, electric power or hydrogen. The automobile has revolutionized society, providing people with the mobility and flexibility to pursue a wide range of activities. Its impact can be seen everywhere from the design of cities to police, fire and utility services to personal uses such as vacation travel, dining and shopping. It also has made it possible to move goods over long distances quickly and efficiently. The mass production techniques developed for the manufacture of automobiles have influenced all industries.
An automobile has many parts that must work together in order to provide the necessary functions. A basic part of the system is the chassis, which provides a frame on which the wheels and other parts are attached. It must be strong enough to support the vehicle’s weight but flexible enough to absorb the shocks and stresses of driving on rough roads. It also must provide safety and protection from the elements for passengers.
The engine is another vital component. It must convert the heat energy of burning fuel into mechanical energy to propel the car. It must be powerful enough to produce high speeds but also efficient enough to use the fuel as economically as possible. The engine must also be cooled in order to prevent it from overheating.
The other important part of the automotive system is the transmission. This is used to adjust the speed and torque of the engine. A high amount of torque is required to get the vehicle moving, but once it is in motion a lower amount of power is needed. This is why most vehicles have several gears.