Automobiles are a type of vehicle that can be used to travel long distances. They also provide access to jobs and places to live.
Thousands of individual parts make up the modern automobile. They are arranged into several semi-independent systems that perform different functions and work together to ensure the safety and performance of the automobile.
A single automobile can have a variety of different designs, depending on its uses and capabilities. These may include a sedan or saloon, a station wagon, or an estate or minivan, all of which are designed to carry multiple occupants and/or luggage or cargo.
The design of an automobile is influenced by many factors including size and weight, aerodynamics or ways to reduce friction of airflow, appearance, safety standards, and fuel economy requirements. In addition, automobiles are required to meet pollution-control and other government regulations.
Cost is another important consideration when designing an automobile. A car that is small and fuel-efficient can be less expensive to produce than a large, sporty automobile.
The automobile revolutionized American society, giving people access to jobs, a home, and places to go for recreation. It also brought new laws and government requirements, such as seatbelts and highway rules. It also caused harm to the environment and health, as the exhaust from gasoline-burning cars contributes to pollution.