Automobiles are powered by engines or motors to move and are able to travel more quickly than bicycles or other wheeled vehicles. They can carry more passengers than bicycles, and may have cargo storage compartments. They are usually designed to travel on roads, although there are also off road versions, for example those used by fire and sanitary vehicles or mobile cranes. The term “automobile” is derived from the Latin prefix auto- (“self”) and the Greek word
The invention of the modern gasoline-powered automobile was a dramatic milestone in world history, bringing with it significant changes to work patterns, social interactions and infrastructure. By the beginning of the 20th century, cars had become commonplace in most developed countries. In the United States, car manufacturers pioneered methods such as assembly line production that reduced the cost of cars so that even the middle class could afford to buy them.
Since the mid-twentieth century, automobiles have come to define a culture of leisure and personal freedom that is reflected in popular culture. The American film industry has produced many movies about cars and driving, including the classics Cannonball Run, Deliverance, and National Lampoon’s Vacation. Novels such as Booth Tarkington’s The Magnificent Ambersons (1918) and Sinclair Lewis’ Free Air (1919) have detailed the economic and social changes brought by the automotive age, while authors such as Dorothy Levitt have discussed the impact of automobiles on women.
Automobiles can be divided into three main categories: passenger, commercial and special (fire, sanitary, mobile crane, infantry fighting, etc). Passenger cars include sedans, hatchbacks, station wagons, minivans and SUVs. Commercial vehicles are trucks and buses. Special vehicles include ambulances, fire engines, mobile cranes and refrigerators.
Automobile design depends largely on the vehicle’s intended use, with consideration for factors such as safety, fuel efficiency, and capacity. Designs that are intended for off-road travel should have rugged systems that are resilient to extreme operating conditions, while those designed for high-speed road use should be optimized for handling and stability. Aesthetic considerations are also important, with attractive shapes and colours appealing to consumers. A good design should also allow for clear visibility through well-placed glass areas, enhancing safety. In addition to the above, there are many other aspects of automobiles that should be taken into consideration to make them functional and practical. For this reason, if you want to excel in automobile engineering, then it’s best to appear for SSC JE Mechanical mock tests and get yourself enrolled in SSC JE ME coaching. This way you can gain the perfect understanding of the subject and ace your exams!