Automobiles are four-wheeled vehicles that carry people and luggage from one place to another. They are usually powered by gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene, which are ignited in a cylinder to propel the car. Some models also run on electricity or other alternative sources of power. The automobile revolutionized transportation by providing a more comfortable, faster way to travel than either horses or trains. It is an important factor in our economy and a symbol of American culture.
In the late 1800s, Karl Benz invented the first modern motorcar with an internal combustion engine that burned gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene. Until then, most road vehicles were powered by steam or pulled by a horse. By the turn of the century, American manufacturers had seized world leadership in the automotive industry by developing mass production methods.
The cars produced by American automakers fueled America’s economic growth in the twentieth century. With its huge land area and a hinterland of isolated communities, the United States needed a far greater volume of automotive transportation than Europe. Moreover, the abundance of cheap raw materials and a labor shortage encouraged the mechanization of many manufacturing processes.
Automobiles boosted employment in factories where they were made and at gas stations, restaurants or motels where travelers stopped. Thousands of jobs have also been created by the manufacture of parts and accessories for automobiles. Today, more than 1.4 billion passenger cars are in operation around the world.
PROS: OPENS UP THE WORLD: Having your own automobile provides you with more freedom and independence than you would have without it. You can go on shopping trips to places that aren’t within walking distance of your home, or take long excursions to visit friends and relatives. Moreover, you can choose to live where you want in relation to your work, instead of being limited by public transport connections.
CONS: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Most automobiles run on fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel, which emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This has led to concerns about the health of humans and other organisms that depend on breathable oxygen. Fortunately, there are ways to limit greenhouse emissions from your vehicle. You can buy a more fuel-efficient model, drive less and park in shaded areas. You can also make sure that you use the car only when necessary and keep it well maintained. Besides, you can reduce the number of miles you drive by sharing rides with friends or neighbors. You can also buy a hybrid or electric car to help the environment. Moreover, you can plant trees to offset some of the carbon emissions from your car.