The automobile is a wheeled motor vehicle designed primarily for passenger transportation and powered by an internal-combustion engine using a volatile fuel. It is a complex technical system employing thousands of subsystems with specific design functions. It has evolved from breakthroughs in existing technology as well as advances in electronics, high-strength plastics, and new alloys of steel and nonferrous metals. The automobile is one of the most important inventions of all time, and its impact on society is immeasurable.

A car allows people to travel far distances, opening up work possibilities and social interactions. It also gives the freedom to go places that were previously impossible with only walking or riding a horse and carriage. It has allowed families to take vacations together, to rediscover pristine landscapes, and for teenagers to drive themselves to places like malls and movie theaters.

An automobile is a large four-wheeled vehicle that has seating for several passengers, and is powered by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel. The engine is housed in a chassis that supports the other major components of the car, including the body, steering system, brakes, and wheels. The driver operates the car by pressing on pedals to make it move and steer, or turning the steering wheel to control where the vehicle goes. The engine does not provide the power that turns the wheels, that is done by the transmission system, which includes gears and a drive shaft. There are special automobiles that serve specific purposes, such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars.

Modern automobiles have become incredibly complex with thousands of parts that are designed to function together to create the ultimate driving experience. There are many different models and designs available to consumers, allowing them to choose the style and functionality that best suits their needs. There are also many automotive services available to the consumer, ranging from repair shops to auto financing companies.

The automobile has brought with it a number of changes to the way we live our lives, including more leisure activities, such as road trips and shopping, and many industries, such as oil and gas production, and related jobs in manufacturing, service stations, and highway construction. However, it has also caused environmental harm, with the exhaust from burning gasoline causing pollution, and it has created safety concerns, resulting in laws such as seat belts, driving licenses, and traffic rules.