Automobiles are a type of four-wheeled vehicle that can be driven on roads. They usually have a motor that runs on chemical energy from fuel (usually gasoline) and sends power to the wheels. They can carry a few passengers or more, and are typically faster than walking and riding a bicycle if travelling long distances. They are also often cheaper than using public transport such as buses and trains, especially in crowded cities where traffic congestion is common.
The modern automobile was first perfected in Germany and France in the late 1800s by such men as Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz and Nicolaus Otto. The American car industry came to dominate the market after World War I, as manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors and Chrysler introduced mass-production techniques. In recent times, however, younger generations are increasingly turning away from the automobile, opting for walking and taking public transit if available or carpooling with friends when they need to travel.
Having a car offers many benefits, including the ability to go anywhere on your own time and not depend on schedules or other people. This flexibility also allows you to save money on commutes, shopping trips and visiting friends and family.
Other advantages of having a car include being able to store items in the trunk and having unobstructed visibility. Many modern automobiles have secondary controls such as air conditioning, navigation systems and entertainment features that replace some of the primary knobs and switches that were used in early cars.