Automobiles are a type of motor vehicle that is designed to move on the ground under its own power, usually to carry a driver and perhaps a few passengers. The term automobile is derived from Ancient Greek autos (meaning “self”) + French voiture (“car”). A vehicle devoted primarily to transporting cargo is called a truck, van, bus, etc.

Today there are billions of cars in operation worldwide. They are used for transportation, business and pleasure. Millions of people work in the car manufacturing industry. Others work at gas stations, restaurants and motels that service traveling motorists. The automobile has transformed the world’s economic and social structure. It has brought urban amenities to rural areas, including medical care and schools, and it has encouraged participation in outdoor recreation and the growth of tourism-related industries. It has also stimulated the construction of roads and highways, one of the largest items of government expenditure.

One of the most important reasons to own a car is that it frees you from having to rely on others for transportation. When you have a car, you can travel to your destination whenever it is convenient for you rather than having to adjust your schedule to the timetable of a public transportation system.

In addition, the ability to travel long distances in a short period of time opens up new career opportunities and gives you more choices of where to live in relation to your job. In today’s hectic society, having a car is a necessity for your independence and freedom.

Cars are complex machines and their parts interlock to make them run smoothly. The heart of a car is its engine which produces the power that turns the wheels and generates electricity for lights and other systems. The transmission, brakes and steering are also very important in a car. Other major parts are the frame, body and fenders which protect the mechanical parts.

The body of a car is the outer shell which protects the passengers and the mechanical parts. The body can be made from steel, fiberglass, or plastics. The windshield, mirrors and roof add to the appearance of a car. The hood, trunk and front bumper protect the engine. A hatchback or utility vehicle has a rear window and tailgate that open to load or unload cargo. The trunk is where spare tires and tools are kept.

In the postwar era, engineering was often subordinated to nonfunctional styling. The result was that by the mid-1960s American-made automobiles were being delivered to consumers with an average of twenty-four defects per unit. The era of the annually restyled road cruiser ended with the imposition of federal standards for automotive safety and fuel efficiency, escalating gasoline prices following oil shocks, and the penetration of the American market by Japanese manufacturers of small, functionally designed, well-built cars.